Arts vol 3.3 by Arts Today Ezine

Vol 3.3 May 12, 2016

MAY Parade DAY MAY 15, 2016

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everyBODY MODEL SEARCH

View this and past issues from our website.

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ADHD

SPRING TO DANCE

AFRICAN ARTS

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pg. #73

pg.#174

DR. TRACEY MCCARTHY

DANCE ST. LOUIS

FESTIVAL - STL

IN THIS

ISSUE:

IN THE NEWS POLITICAL HISTORY...

TBA OP / ED TBA

43 BLISSANDRA JACKSON MODEL

102

THURGOOD MARSHALL & MALCOLM X BERNIE HAYES

125 FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID NAUMANN

FEATURED ARTIST CHRISTOPHER THOMAS

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LIVE / WORK / PLAY NATE JOHNSON

DELILAH CONSWALO MODEL

72 SPRING TO DANCE 2016 DANCE ST. LOUIS

REAL LIFE MUSICAL JPEK CREATIVE WORKS

“. . . for u, the sky’s the “unlimit”...” Baba Sherman Fowler,

Griot and Poet

Established 2014 Volume 3.3 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.

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.

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

IN THE NEWS

Political History In The Making In

The Show Me State of Missouri For the first time in the history of Missouri and the United States, Black People, in particular and the general population as a whole have an opportunity starting with the Presidential Primary on Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 to vote for a person of color to be elected to the most powerful Political positions in this country and state. This has been made possible because Dr.Willie Wilson,a self made millionaire from Chicago will be on the Missouri Democratic ballot as a Presidential candidate this Tuesday, March 15th, 2016. Although his campaign is not well known due to the white out by the major media outlets, he is on a number of state ballots for President throughout the country. Also, there are three other Blacks vying for the powerful positions of United States Senator, Governor and Lt. Governor here in the state of Missouri and their names will be on the Democratic Primary ballot on Tuesday, August 8, 2016. These candidates include Pastor Cori Bush, who is seeking the office of United States Senator in Missouri; Bishop Eric Morrison who resides in Kansas City and is a candidate for Governor of Missouri and State Representative, Rev. Tommie Pearson who is a candidate for Lt. Governor here in Missouri. These candidates are truly Political Trail Blazers and as residents of the Show Me State of Missouri setting an example for Black people throughout the United States to challenge for powerful political positions. Also, outside of Missouri a courageous sister, Monique Singh Bey has stepped up to the plate as a candidate for US Senator in the state of Kansas.

Finally, the Universal African Peoples Organization (UAPO) will be hosting a series of fundraising events for these outstanding candidates. Our first was held on January 31, whereby we generated $1760.00 to place Ms Bey on the ballot in Kansas and $200.00 to place Ms Bush on the Missouri ballot (each state have different filing fees), with an additional $250.00 given to Rev Pierson campaign. Continuing our efforts, we are hosting a fundraising event for Cori Bush, this Sunday, March 13, 2016 at 6:00pm. This event will be held at Legacy Bookstore, 5249 Delmar. If not able to attend, please forward donations directly to Cori Bush for Senate or www. uapo.org/supporters link.

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Your Source for Art Appreciation

Volume 2.1 March 4, 2015

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE COMEDIAN LARRY WILMORE DR. MALAIKA HORNE ...........................................pg #94

Please support our sponsors, many of-

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

JUNETEENTH SLICCCE ..................................................................pg #148 FEATURED POET JASON VASSER ....................................................pg #152 BLENDED BEAT AFRIKY LOLO ........................................................pg #160 SUMMER SKIN CARE THE CUBICLE CHICK ........................................pg #194

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THE DELICACY OF SALMON CHEF JON .............................................................pg #200 FOODIE ADVENTURES CURRY & RUM .....................................................pg #206 WRAP IT UP LENA O.A. JACKSON ........................................pg #212 DISCOVERY AND DISCIPLINE DR. JERRY WARD ................................................pg #222

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OP / ED SECTION

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

L A U h N t N A 106

MAY DAYPA Annie Malone

PARTICIPATE IN THE ANNUAL ANNIE MALONE MAY DAY PARADE â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

The oldest and second largest African American Parade in the nation. SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2016 @ 1:00 p.m. (Downtown St. Louis) REGISTER TODAY! Registration Deadline is Monday, May 09th at 5:00 p.m.

***PLEASE FORWARD TO OTHERS***

*PRINT THE PARADE ENTRY OR BOOTH APPLICATION FORM OUT AND SUBMIT BY MAIL, IN PERSON, Or Pay Online. Please follow link below for online payment method.*

Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center 2612 Annie Malone Drive St. Louis, MO 63113

Office: (314) 531-0120 X 2125 ( Fax: (314) 531-0125 | Email: info@anniemalone.com | Website: www.anniemalone.com pg.

2016

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MAYDAY PARADE cont.

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

MAYDAY PARADE cont.

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MAYDAY PARADE cont.

2016 BOOTH SPACE RENTAL APPLICATION Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center Parade – Sunday, May 15, 2016 – 1:00 p.m. Theme: “Our Children, Our Community…Our Priority”

Colors: Kelly Green, White, Black, & Gold

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I, the undersigned, accept responsibility for this organization abiding by the regulations established by the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center for Booth Space Rental.

PLEASE PRINT Organization:________________________________________________ Authorized Official:_______________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________________ Zip:_______________ Telephone: ____________________________ Alternate Telephone: _________________________________________ Name and address of person to whom permit(s) should be mailed:____________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________ Items to be sold: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Number of people in booth:___________________________________________________________________________ Booth space is 10 ft. X 10 ft. You are responsible for providing tables, chairs, draping, signs, etc. No booth supplies are provided. Booth space and locations will be assigned by staff of Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center. PLEASE RESERVE THE FOLLOWING BOOTH SPACE:

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Informational Booth\Non-Food Booth

Cost: $150.00

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Food Booth (Must secure all required permits)

Cost: $175.00

THE OFFICIAL PARADE ROUTE STARTS AT 20 & MARKET AND PROCEEDS EAST ON MARKET TO BROADWAY

*** You must obtain a parade booth permit from Annie Malone in order to setup the sale of all items along the parade route. This includes food, beverages, clothing, wares, etc. *** All businesses serving food will need to apply for City of St. Louis - FOOD and VENDOR Permits: Food Permits must be purchased from: Food & Beverage Control Program, 1520 Market Blvd., Room 4051, 314.657.1539 Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center will not be legally responsible for injuries or illness caused by the use or consumption of your product. Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _________________________________________ Booth Application Deadline: Monday, May 09, 2016 Full payment MUST accompany application. No checks accepted after Monday, May 2, 2016.

Deliver or Mail Application to: Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center Attention Parade Booth Coordinator 2612 Annie Malone Drive, St. Louis, MO 63113 314.531.0120

For more information contact: Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center, 2612 Annie Malone Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63113 Office: 314.531.0120 | Fax: 314.531.0125 Email us at: amcfsc@anniemalone.com | Website: www.anniemalone.com **** NO REFUNDS PERMITTED AFTER APPLICATION AND FEES ARE RECEIVED BY AMCFSC. ****

WEBSITE: WWW.ANNIEMALONE.COM

EMAIL: AMCFSC@ANNIEMALONE.COM pg.

Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center

2016 May Day Parade – Sunday, May 15, 2016

Booth Vendor Registration Process In order to complete the booth registration process to participate as a vendor for Annie Malone’s May Day Parade, you will have to complete the following: 

Complete an Annie Malone Booth Vendor Application and submit it with a payment of: $150.00 - Info Booths/Non-Food, and $175.00 – Food Booths to Annie Malone. Annie Malone will issue you a receipt of payment, and a copy of your application. Take these items with you as you obtain the additional permits (listed below) required for setup.



If you do not have a MO Sales Tax ID number (Cost $25.00), you will need to obtain one from: o

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If you are applying for a food permit, you will then need to obtain a waiver from City Hall, License Collectors Office prior to obtaining your food permit with the Dept. of Health – They will need your sales tax id# and your driver’s license to complete this process. o

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The MO Tax Assistance Center - 3256 Laclede Station Rd., Suite 101, St. Louis, MO 63143-3753, Phone: (314) 877-0177

The License Collectors Office – 1200 Market Street, City Hall, Room 102-105, St. Louis, MO 63103, 314-622-4528

Upon completion of obtaining a waiver, you will receive documentation from The License Collector’s office to take to the Department of Health – Food & Beverage Control to obtain a food permit. The cost is $50.00 o

Food & Beverage Control, City of St. Louis Department of Health - 1520 Market, Suite 4051, St. Louis, MO 63103, (314) 657-1539

Upon completion of these steps, you will be registered as a vendor for the event and will be issued a packet with a vendors permit to display upon request. It will include all setup information, rules and expectations, and your booth #.

All registered info\non-food and food booths will be located between 14th and Tucker in Kaufmann and Poelker Park across from City Hall in Downtown St. Louis. All booth assignments are only issued by Annie Malone staff.

* -Booth Assignments numbers are issued based upon registration completion date with Annie Malone.

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

ANNIE MALONE

OPEN HOUSE ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Community Health Fair

Saturday, May 7, 2016

12 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 p.m.

5355 Page Blvd., 63113 Bring your entire family for

FREE Ice Cream! TOUR the facility.

Get the scoop on how our programs and services are Making Lives Better. Onsite free health screenings, bounce house, pony rides, petting zoo and fun! For More Info: 314.531.0120 www.anniemalone.com

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

ADHD Dispelling Myths of Causation and Correlation Personal Knowledge is Personal Power Series â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Installment Two

The Personal Knowledge is Personal Power Series is designed to provide vital information in service of personal and community Education, Liberation, Awareness, and healthful Empowerment.

ADHD: Dispelling Myths of Causation and Correlation Dr. Tracey McCarthy, PsyD, DCFC, JD, MA Psychologist/Attorney/Educator Professor of Psychology and Legal Studies Legal Studies Department â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Webster University www.drtraceymccarthy.com

No Known Cause It is quite amazing that, given the high numbers of children and adolescents diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), so little is known about correlates and possible causes of this life challenge. In fact, there is no distinct diagnostic biological marker for ADHD. It has been found, however, that ADHD tends to coexist with central nervous system (e.g. brain) uniqueness. Researcher Edwin Cook (1999) has also determined that ADHD appears to result from an interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms in Childhood Pursuant to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (2013), although ADHD may be first diagnosed in adulthood, the general understanding is that ADHD typically begins in childhood. Hence, there is a requirement that several of the symptoms be manifested prior to the age of 12.

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Challenges in childhood are noted in multiple settings, such as school and home. It should be noted, however, that the constellation of symptoms may vary based upon a person’s settings. Symptoms may vary based upon level of supervision, the novelty of a setting, a child’s interest in an activity, and the level of distractions. It is important to identify and address symptoms of ADHD as early as possible, due to associated features such as irritability, mood fluctuations, low frustration tolerance, school difficulties, and impairments in work performance. Individuals with ADHD may also manifest challenges related to memory and many are at risk for substance use disorders. While symptoms of ADHD, such as excessive motor activity, may manifest when a child is a toddler, the symptoms are not easily distinguished from the behaviors of children who do not have ADHD. The symptoms, however, tend to appear to increase during one’s school years when attention and concentration requirements become greater. Conversely, motoric hyperactivity tends to lessen during adolescence and adulthood. Inattention, impulsivity, and restlessness will tend to persist into adolescence and adulthood. This means that one does not simply “grow out of” symptoms of ADHD completely. ADHD Correlations There are some additional concerns related to ADHD and social relatedness that need to be considered when developing any type of response plan. For instance,

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ADHD cont.

children with ADHD often have a reduction in inhibition and behavioral constraints. Such individuals are also at risk for negative emotionality and a heightened level of novelty seeking. Additional issues related to ADHD are: 1. Low birth rate; 2. Smoking during pregnancy; 3. Diet; 4. Child abuse; 5. Child neglect; 6. Multiple foster care placements; 7. Exposure to neurotoxins; 8. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy; 9. Family interaction patterns; and 10. Sleep problems. ADHD and Heredity There is also a belief that ADHD has a genetic component, due to the fact that ADHD tends to run in families. There is, however, no specific gene that is known to directly cause ADHD. When considering other factors that tend to go along with ADHD, one should look at issues related to vision, hearing, sleep, metabolic functioning, nutritional deficiencies, clumsiness, and epilepsy.

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There is no known racial or ethnic cause for ADHD. While there may be differences in prevalence rates across ethnic groups, such is likely attributable to varying diagnostic and methodological strategies for identifying ADHD in different populations. For instance, in some ethnic groups higher rates of motoric activity may be normalized. ADHD and Sex Classification It is known, however, that ADHD does tend to present more frequently in males than females, with females tending to be more inattentive and males being more impulsive and hyperactive. The Blame Game of Causation It is crucial to remember that a direct cause for ADHD has not been found. This is important for many reasons. Oftentimes, educators will blame child behavior challenges, such as ADHD, solely on parenting. Such is also frequently seen as an indicator of a “bad child.” There is, however, very little attention paid to the role of traditional schooling in ADHD onset and maintenance. Another concern regarding causation belief is the automatic use of medication to treat ADHD, when a cause for such has not been unequivocally determined. The

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ADHD cont.

medications used for ADHD are very strong and have addictive proclivities or other undesirable side effects. Causes, Correlates, and the Consideration of Treatment Given there is no clear cut cause of ADHD, and the fact that some parents and adults are uncomfortable with the use of medication as the only treatment to address symptoms of ADHD, we will explore some behavioral and environmental strategies to deal with symptoms of ADHD in Part III.

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xxx Are you a choreographer who started a dance company? Did you major in philosophy or art history? Are you someone with a 9‐5 job who runs an arts organization in your “spare” time? You’re an accidental arts administrator!

Monday, May 16

4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Accidental Arts Administrator, which is copresented by the Arts and Education Council, Missouri Arts Council and Regional Arts Commission, covers working with a board of directors, marketing, fundraising and financial management. Participants receive a 100page manual, and refreshments are served.

and...Strategic Planning Fundamentals Tuesday, May 17

4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Too many strategic plans sit on a shelf and gather dust. Based on “The Nonprofit Strategy Revolution: RealTime Strategic Planning in a Rapid Response World” by David La Piana, this interactive, jargonfree workshop will help you develop an approach to planning that answers your organization’s big questions and enables your staff and board members to think and act strategically. Accidental Arts Administrator workshops are held in the Regional Arts Commission’s building, 6128 Delmar. Free parking behind the Pageant or in the MetroLink lot. Advance registration is $20 per organization plus $5 for each additional person from the same organization who attends. Registration at the door is $35 per person. Tuition covers both sessions. Sorry, no discounts for attending just one session. Registration form

Need a better board?

House Calls for Nonprofits

Our FREE House Calls program offers hands‐on training directly to arts organizations during their regular board meetings. This free training program includes a 20‐minute presentation by a St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts volunteer or staff member, ten minutes for questions and easy‐to‐understand hand‐outs. Organizations pick the date, time and location. Training options include: Board Excellence, Financial Oversight, Legal Duties of Nonprofit Boards, Developing a Freedom of Expression Policy, The Art of Conflict Resolution and Evaluating the Executive Director. To request a House Calls speaker, please call 314/863‐6930.

St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (VLAA) serves the arts community by making referrals to lawyers and accountants; mediating arts‐related disputes; publishing concise how‐to guides; sponsoring seminars and public forums; providing guest speakers; maintaining a content‐rich website; collaborating on arts advocacy initiatives; and facilitating access to the national volunteer lawyers for the arts network.

VLAA is supported by the Regional Arts Commission; the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency; and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts 6128 Delmar, St. Louis, MO 63112 314/863‐6930 vlaa@stlrac.org

www.vlaa.org

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IVE WORK PLAY

Volume 3.3 May 17, 2016

MAY

8 thru

MAY

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Can you believe that we are almost halfway through May already? Fortunately, I’ve been working hard helping my clients achieve their real estate goals and enjoying this great month with family and friends. As a result, my letter is a little late and a little light. So I offer my apologies. Anyhow, I can’t wait to get back out and enjoy all of the splendid offerings that St. Louis has in store for us this month. Outdoor festival season is upon us and as usual, there are plenty of things to do in St. Louis! So, in the words of Kahlil Gibran, let’s be like a flower and turn our face to the sun!

Local Events MAY

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IVE WORK PLAY

On Saturday, you can head out to Chesterfield to watch and enjoy amazing pilots including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the Canadian Snowbirds at the 2016 Spirit of St. Louis Airshow and STEM Expo. Also on Saturday, come on downtown to Ballpark Village to join in on the excitement of the car enthusiast scene in St. Louis by checking out all types of cars and trucks at their monthly Cars and Coffee event. Feel free to bring your own show car to this free event! On Saturday night, the Wyman Center, which transforms communities by empowering teens, will host their 9th annual Wyman Spring Derby at the Rialto Ballroom. You will enjoy live entertainment, open bar (beer/wine), delectable appetizers, fantastic raffle prizes, and, of course, betting on your favorite horses! Also on Saturday, Urban Chestnut would love for you to join them to ring in Spring with their Maifest 2016. Also on Saturday, and Sunday, bring the whole family to get swept away in Missouri Ballet Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production of Cinderella as she comes to life at the Edison Theatre complete with gorgeous dancing, beautiful costumes, and stunning sets.

MAY

14 thru

MAY

POKEMON Symphonic Evolutions

May 14th

Powell Symphony Hall

On Sunday, join me and the fantastic singer songwriter, Erin Bode for Musical Hearts Benefit Concert, a creation of one little boys talented mind and giving heart. The benefit will be held at New City School. All proceeds will benefit congenital heart research and education at the St. Louis Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital. She almost brings a tear to my eye everytime I hear her perform. She is really something special! This performance will be hosted at New City School in the Central West End.

Chaifetz Arena

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BRIAN OWENS

MUSIC OF MICHAEL JACKSON

May 14th

May 20th

Sheldon Concert Hall

Peter Martin Trio featuring Rogers & Hutchinson

May 18th & 19th Jazz at the Bistro

Powell Symphony Hall

Near the Egress

Saturday, May 14th at 1:30pm Antonio Martinez International Photography Hall of Fame

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

IVE WORK PLAY

Ballpark Village will be host to Movie Mondays for the whole family. Inside Out will be the feature film offering this week. On Wednesday, you can head over to Grand Center for their FREE weekly Jazz Crawl where you will enjoy live music at a variety of venues starting at the Magnolia Cafe @ KDHX. While you are in Grand Center, be sure to check out Cortango Orquesta at Powell Hall for an evening of tango with professional tango dance duo Mauro Peralta and Claudia Cortes. This free event is part of the STL Symphony’s Community Concert Series. Bring your dancing shoes and learn the basics of tango with free dance lessons in the foyer starting at 6pm. On Thursday, the Taste of South Grand kicks off with an opportunity to sample the vast array of what the South Grand restaurants and bars have to offer. The 2016 International Dine Around will feature selections from all over South Grand, St. Louis’ international corridor. Sample anything from Vietnamese appetizers to delicious homemade pastas to local frozen confections. Also on Thursday, Agent and author Clint Hill gives a rare, insider’s look at the American presidency from his 17 years spent protecting the most powerful office in the nation in his book FIVE PRESIDENTS: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford at the Missouri History Museum. On Friday, head over to Powell Hall where the STL Symphony will be joined on stage with a full rock band to celebrate the Music of Michael Jackson.

MAY

21 thru

MAY

31 Looking for something fun and free for the kiddos, the Magic House holds Emerson Free Family Nights every third Friday of the month from 5:30 pm to 9 pm. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the ocean, the Magic House’s Sandcastle Beach exhibit will bring in tons of sand so the kids can enjoy a day at the beach. Saturday May 21st marks the opening of Green Air, the second major, transformational installation in the courtyard of the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis. Look up to see the sculpture designed by Nomad Studio that will sway in the breeze while being suspended from the courtyard’s canopy. Also on Saturday, The Big Muddy Dance Company is thrilled to perform a new work in preview, commissioned by Dance St. Louis and choreographed by Audrey Simes. Guest artist Alivia Schaffer, a DanceWorks Chicago alum, presents her lively work, “Saludo,” for the first time with the company. Don’t forget to check out The Taste of Maplewood Festival on Saturday where you can get together with other foodies, shoppers, and music lovers to enjoy the bites, sights, and sounds of a city known for everything hip and happening. Did I mention that the Jeremiah Johnson Band will be blessing stage? If you are in the mood for a great beer tasting event, IndiHop is just what you’re looking for. It is a unique event showcasing two of St. Louis’ most eclectic neighborhoods. Cherokee Street and The Grove! Pick up your IndiHop tasting glass in either neighborhood and sample up to 50 different types of locally made brews. As you travel from venue to venue, enjoy entertainment by an assortment of live musicians, artists and street performers, complete with shuttle busses to get to and from the neighborhoods. All the best. -Nate.

AROUND THE WORLD WINE DINNER- SPAIN

May 26th

Missouri Botanical Garden

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Freddy Cole Quintet feat. Harry Allen

May 25th - 28th Jazz at the Bistro

May 25th

Peabody Opera House

May 29th

Hollywood Casino Amphitheater Maryland Heights, MO

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 18, 2016 Contact: Maia “Crown” Williams Black Speculative Arts Movement (313) 451-0297 BSAMstaff@gmail.com BLACK SPECULATIVE ARTS MOVEMENT #BsaM2016 Harris Stowe State University St. Louis, MO - BLACK SPECULATIVE ART MOVEMENT, aka BsaM, is an annual Afrofuturism, black comics, and arts convention held at the historic Harris-Stowe State University, in St Louis, MO, as well as multiple colleges and universities thruought the United States. Our main annual convention, co-founded by associate professor and chair of the Humanities department at HSSU, Reynaldo Anderson, and founder of MECCAcon Maia “Crown” Williams, will include vending from a vast amount of comics, art, and artisan creators and vendors, live performances, a full international film festival via Midwest Ethnic Convention for Comics and Arts - MECCA, seminars, classes, hand on workshops, plays, and much more. Students are also welcome to submit proposals to participate as well.

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OFFICIAL SCHEDULE::

Friday, May

6, 2016

CLAY EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, 9:00a-5:00p

9:00a-9:45a

MEET N GREET

10:00a-11:15a BLACK SPECULATIVE ART: Amber Johnson 10:00a-11:15a B.A.G BLACK ARTIST GROUP w/ Ron Nichols 11:30a- 1:00p AFROFUTURISM & THE BLACK STUDIES CURRICULUM: Stefan Bradley, Reynaldo Anderson, Quintin VerCetty 11:30a-1:00p HOLISTIC HERBAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE FUTUR ISTIC MIND: KT The Arch Degree (son of Dr. Sebi) 1:00p-2:00p

NETWORKING HOUR

2:00p-3:15p BLACK COMICS w/ Tim Fielder 2:00p-3:15p SEQUENTIAL ART AND LITERACY w/ Sharnez Givens 2:00p-3:15p UAPO - UNITED AFRICAN PEOPLES ORGANIZATION 3:30p-4:45p 3:30p-4:45p 3:30p-4:45p

MILLENNIAL STREAK ACTIVISM BLACK THOUGHT Poetry Workshop CONFLATE SEMINAR, Nyfolt

EMERSON BUILDING 7:00p-9:00p Nyfolt Performance Spoken Word Performances Watch Night (play): Greg Carr Hip Hop Metaphysics: Xolani & Coco

_______

Saturday, May

7, 2016

CLAY EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, 9:00a-5:00p 9:00a-9:45a

MEET N GREET

10:00a-5:00p MECCACON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL curated by founder, Maia “Crown” Williams 10:00a-11:15a IMAGINEERING MENTAL HEALTH THRU AFROFUTURISM w/ Quintin VerCetty 10:00a-11:15a BLACK ART AND THE BODY, Dacia Polk 11:30a-1:00p BLACK SPECULATIVE UTOPIAS w/ Stacey Robinson , Sheree Thomas, Ytasha Womack, Stanford Carpenter 11:30a-1:00p DARK POLITICS AND CULTURE w/ Ryan Branson, Andrew Rollins 1:00p-2:00p 1:00p-2:00p

NETWORKING HOUR BLACK ART AND THE BODY, Dacia Polk

2:00p-3:15p BLACK FUTURE TINGS: VIEWS FROM THE6ix - Quintin VerCetty 2:00p-3:15p THE BROTHERS JETSTREAM reading/lecture w/ Zig Zag Claybourne 3:30p-4:45p THE FIRST AND FORGOTTEN ELEMENT art lecture/workshop w/ Aaron “VISUAL GOODIES” Sutton 3:30p-4:45p CHAIRMAN FRED HAMPTON, JR- Black Panther Party Cubs, Prisoners Of Consciousness Committee 3:30p-4:45p ELECTRONIC CURRENCY AND THE AFRICAN DIASPORA w/ Johnson Landcaster, Kingdom Gould HGA AUDITORIUM, 9:00p-12:00a **COSMIC COSPLAY JAM** w/ special guests Sa-Roc & Sol Messiah and MORE Only $20 in advance

Afrofuturism and astro blackness have been practiced in our community for years, especially thru literature, visual arts, and music. Artists like Sun Ra, Octavia Butler, Basquiat, Fela Kuti, George Clinton, John Coltrane, Alice Coltrane, Samuel Delaney, Jimi Hendrix, Paschal B. Randolph, Toni Morrison, Amiri Baraka,Tananarive Due, and the ZULU NATION are excellent examples. BSAM is a loose umbrella term represented for different positions or basis of inquiry: Afrofuturism, Astro Blackness, Afro-Surrealism, Ethno Gothic, Black Digital Humanities, Black (Afro-future female or African Centered) Science Fiction, The Black Fantastic, Magical Realism, and The Esoteric. Although these positions may be incompatible in some instances they overlap around the term speculative and design; and interact around the nexus of technology and ethics. BsaM is a continuation of the historical behavior within the Veil to engage the ideas of Dubois, Wright, Everett and others to pierce the Color Line, the Color Curtain, and understand the Digital Divide in the face of the challenges of the 21st century. All literacy and comic creators are free. All others are only $50/day. For more information, please call us at (313) 451-0297, or email us at BSAMstaff@gmail.com. Links: http://blackspeculativeartsmovement.wordpress.com https://www.facebook.com/events/1535812923383055/ (MAIN convention and MECCACON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL tickets) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-speculative-arts-movement-2016-bsam2016-tickets-22583994335 (COSMIC COSPLAY JAM w/ Sa-Roc tickets) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cosmic-cosplay-jam-at-bsam2016-tickets-24267650195 Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

2016 ICE CREAM SOCIAL APPLICATION Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center 55 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112 Theme: “Our Children, Our Community ...Our Priority”

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Colors: Kelly green, White, Black, and Gold

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Delilah

CONSWALO

everyBODY Model Search

he everyBODY Model Search contest I was not always the confident person you see today. Like many other full figured women, I was self-conscious about my size. I hated my thighs, I use to sit with my coat over them all the time. As I grew older I became more comfortable with who I was; however, something was still missing. I was a late bloomer with many things; however, when I put my mind to doing something, it comes naturally. My first photo shoot proves just that. August 2015, location Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. What turned into a fun and sassy shoot, started my love for the camera and the camera’s love for me. Initially I thought it was fun, but when I saw the end result it was more of WOW, that’s me!! I hesitated in sharing with my Facebook friends but I did! Everyone asked when did I start modeling? My response, I’m not a model. I’ve had 3 photo shoots since August and I’ve become more and more comfortable with myself which translates into pure confidence in my pictures. The comments say you could and should model. When I sit and look at how the pictures make me feel, I am loving it more. I am a natural encourager and motivator and hopefully others will see that they too can grow beyond the box they put themselves in. > > Every speech I’ve ever given, person I’ve ever assisted, production or event I’ve ever organized has prepared me for where I am now. I’ve been on the business side. I’ve executive produced shows with large casts (JPEK Creative Works), I’ve managed artists (DCMC) and I’ve organized Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

entertainment events (Hang 10 Productions). I know how to deal with multiple personalities at once including my own. What makes me ready for this journey? My spirit is ready for this. I work hard at whatever I do and I rarely back down. My words and actions mean something to someone and I can’t stop because I am unsure. I’ve recently made a choice to step in front of the camera and show the world why I’m smiling. I made my runway debut with the St. Louis based Dangerous Curves Fashion Show, I’ve also auditioned for Ohio based, CURVY Fashion Week and the everyBODY Model Search, which I’m waiting to find out my fate with those two. I have learned to love myself and everything about me. I believe that I can be an inspiration to others because I have put a voice and a face to what fear use to look like. I want them to know that it’s only a phase and they will come out as golden. The contest for the everyBODY Model Search ends May 23rd. So you have until then to vote. Click the Link to vote http://everybodycontest.marlawynne. com/entries/95621654 Be sure to confirm your vote.. Delilah Conswalo

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KEEPING

E PL IZ AN N

IO AT

UN IVE RS

E FA I T H

O PE

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An Organ of the Universal African Peoples Organization (UAPO) The Universal African Peoples Organization (UAPO) Issues A Clarion Call To All Progressive And Forward Thinking Visionaries And Activists. This Clarion Call Is Inclusive Of Elected Officials, Candidates, The Spiritual And Economic Community And Most Importantly College And Youth Organizations.

THE NATIONAL BLACK POLITICAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE PHASE II

THEME: “ACHIEVING PROPORTIONATE POLITICAL REPRESENTATION” Friday, June 3rd and Saturday, June 4th 2016 Greater St. Mark Family Church 9950 Glen Owen (at Chambers ) Ferguson, Missouri 10 AM - 6 PM each day

Registration Youth (under 21) $15.00 - UAPO Members $25.00 - Non Members $35.00 At The Door $45.00

AGENDA ITEMS 1. A Salute and Building Support for Our Federal and Statewide Candidates 2. In the Spirit of Self Determination-- Develop and Adopt a National Political Scorecard for Voters to Grade Elected Officials and Candidates Seeking Office 3. The 2016 - 2018 - 2020 National and State Elections 4. Implementation of National and Statewide Black Peoples Political Conventions See Other side for Supporters and Registration For more information 314.833.4151 or 314.477.4629 www.uapo.org Zaki Baruti - President/General

Safiyah Chauvin - Vice-President pg.

Queen Ziah - Treasurer

Beginning and Partial Listing of Leaders Attending the National Black Political Leadership Conference June 3rd – June 4th 2016 – St. Louis, MO Delegates Outside of St. Louis Area Malik Zulu Shabazz – Chairman, National Black Lawyers for Justice – Washington, D.C. Omali Yeshiteli – Chairman, African Peoples Socialist Party – St. Petersburg, FL Amefika Geuka – National Co-Chair, One Million Conscious Black Voters – Palm Beach, FL Minister Akbar Muhammad – International Representative, Nation of Islam – Atlanta, GA Reverand Darrell Gray – Former State Senator/Kansas & Southern Christian Leadership Conference Civil Rights Activist – Atlanta, GA Reginald Peavy – Freedom Party Representative – New York, NY Judy McNeil – Freedom Party Representative – New York, NY Jose Evans – Chairman, Black and Latino Policy Institute – Indianapolis, IN Khalid Raheem – Founder/Chairman, New Afrikan Independence Party – Pittsburg, PA Robert White – Professor, Alabama State University – Tuskegee, AL Nycere Bey – Moorish Holy Temple of Science of the World – Austell, GA Bill Goodin – UAPO Representative – Baltimore, MD Shakur Bey – Senior Director of Community Consultant Coalition – Los Angeles, CA Apostle Dr. E. Earl Scott – Servant of the Creator to the Created – Los Angeles, CA Cherri Montgomery – CEO Joy Cable Station – Chicago, IL Dr. Gail Frazier – Chairperson, National Black Agenda Consortium – Chicago, IL Shaka Barak – President, Marcus Garvey Institute – Chicago, IL Lionel Nixon – Media, Political and Housing Specialist – Chicago, IL Monique Singh Bey –Candidate for United States Senate/Kansas – Kansas City, KS

St. Louis Delegates Cori Bush – Candidate for United States Senator/MO Bishop Eric Morrison – Candidate for Governor/MO Rev. Tommie Pierson – MO State Representative and Candidate for Lieutenant Governor/MO Yolanda Fountain Henderson – Mayor of Jennings, MO Patrick Green – Mayor of Normandy, MO Rachel Proudie – Candidate for Mayor of Ferguson, MO Rev. Clyde Crumpton – Cote Brilliante Church Minister Donald Muhammad – Mosque 28 Adolphus Pruitt – President, St. Louis Chapter/NAACP Reynaldo Anderson – Professor, Harris Stowe University Sherman George – Retired Chief Fire Chief & Commissioner of St. Louis City Jesse Todd – 18th Ward Committeeman & 72 State Representative District Candidate Anthony Bell – 3rd Ward Committeeman Bob Williams – Co-Founder, The People’s New Collaboration & UAPO Member Eric Vickers – Noted Civil Rights Attorney McArthur Moten – Noted Civil Rights Attorney Eddie Hasan – Congress of Racial Equality Jessie Lofton – Chairman, Congress of Racial Equality Roderick Bell – Photographer George Moore – UAPO Activist Victor Addison Rev. Elston K. McCowan – Star Grace MB Church & UAPO Member Amari Sneferu – Founder, Junior Black Chamber of Commerce & UAPO Member Gwendolyn Cogshell – UAPO Community Outreach Coordinator Benita Tops – CEO, Topps General Construction & UAPO Member

____Pre-registration $35.00 ____UAPO Members $25.00 ____ At Door $45.00 ____ Students $15.00 ____ Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend, but here is my donation of $_______ to support the cause Date _____/______/___________ Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________ State __________ Zip Code _____________________ Phone (_________)__________-________________

E-mail ______________________________________________________

Mail To and Make Checks Payable to: UAPO, PO Box 9226, St. Louis, MO 63117 For More Information call (314) 833-4151

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Blissandra JACKSON

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ello Everyone! I started modeling in high school. I have also did fashion shows in the past for my church and Fashion Bug. I stopped for a while to concentrate on college. About two years ago is when I started modeling again and took it serious. I wanted to model, because I would picture myself in magazines or fashion shows. I was also told that I am very photogenic, so I said, “Why not?” Now that I’m 30, I really want to pursue it and turn my dream into a reality. I feel that if others saw me pursuing modeling, this would inspire them to do not just modeling, but accomplish other goals as well. I want people to remember me in a positive way.

My goals for modeling:

-Show people that it’s ok to step out the box and love yourself for the person you are. -Making myself known and learning a lot more about the industry everyday. -Help other aspiring models.

Best Moments:

-Doing a Boudoir shoot for the first time last year. -During a past photoshoot, I got a chance to shoot holding a snake.

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-Working this like a second job and loving every moment.

Worst Moments:

-People thinking I won’t make it in this industry. -Parents not liking what I do. -Photographers taking advantage of me.

Modeling Today:

How I feel about modeling in this present time is that you can never be too careful. There are some cruel people out there that will not like what you’re doing and will hate on you in a split second. I also hear a lot of scary stories about the modeling industry, so I just try to be more cautious. I work and network with people more now that I’ve became more serious about modeling. You also need to interact with people. If you don’t invest in yourself, how do you expect someone to invest in you? There is a Good, Bad, and Ugly side to modeling, but you have to maintain a positive attitude. Don’t let anyone ruin your blessings because they want to act ingnorant. I love that I began this Journey and I won’t let anyone stop me. I would not change this for the world and I am in a Blissful place now. Thank you all for taking the time to support and getting to know me. With Love,

Blissandra Armstrong “BLISS”

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Book of Poetry by

Lenard D. Moore

th on 30 iti d Ed ite ry Lim ersa niv

http://www.mountainsandriverspress.org/Home.aspx

pg.

An Epistolary Journal (Kwansaba-Style) Re: John Oliver Killens(1916-1987): Big Daddy of Black Writing & Black Writers Conferences Eugene B. Redmond I Shining for eager scribes at CUNY Brooklyn's Black Writers Conference-'86, Margaret & Maya called you “John 0”--while the caged bird crashed at your Crown Heights castle. Today, I still wear your words like ankhs, proudly shape-shiftin' them ntu agbadas that warm me on cold white nights. II As a mid-50's to mid-80's mid-husband of “long-distance runners” (your '73 Black Scholar essay notes Troupe & me), you “distance”-wrote & noveled Black life matters: Youngblood-'54/Thunder-'64/Cotillion'71. But despite three-for-three “nominations,” Pulitzer would award no prizes those years. III: 1986: What you said about Margaret Walker: “'For My People'--the greatest poem in the AngloSaxon Language!” Period.

IV Georgia & The Great Migration had you on their minds a century ago. Fisk too. And Howard. Columbia. Soular-Sippi origins of Harlem Writers Guild & Medgar Evers College. DuBois. Robeson. Hueman strains of ZoraRichard-Billie's trio. Up above heads, “John O,” long-distance “Thunder” hails “Stormy Weather.”

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S.L .A .M.

St. Louis Art Museum

ART COLLECTIONS

EXHIBITS

EVENTS

Admission to the Museum is free every day. Hours:

Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm

Friday, 10:00 am–9:00 pm

Closed Monday

w w w. s l a m . o r g One Fine Arts Drive - Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63110-1380 314.721.0072

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 ARTS-TODAY 3.3 ad/ Reminder: An invitation to support "Calla... To: ibj1960@aol.com Subject: Reminder: An invitation to support "Callaloo--Going to Oxford, England"

Linda would like you to support

Callaloo--Going to Oxford, England by making a donation and helping spread the word.

I am Linda Jo Smith, a retiree from the St. Louis Public Library as of June 2015. I am a writer/storyteller and Executive Director of A Call to Conscience (c2c) where we produce interactive theater for social change. My friend and colleague, LaVelle Wilkins-Chinn facilitates the c2c Atelier Writers workshop. She encouraged me to submit my story, "Black Napoleon," for the Callaloo Writers Workshop in Oxford, England. So I did. What the hell...what could I lose?

media

arketing

Well, I received an invitation to the Callallo Writers Workshop that will be held at Oxford University in Oxford, England July 10-17. I am requesting your help and your prayers to make this opportunity possible. I need help with the cost of the airfare and local accomodations. Time is of the essence to book my lodging

2-2013

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while rooms are still available.

Being accepted to participate is very humbling, yet it conﬁrms that I have the talent that is recognized by established creative writers who have organized this annual international event. I will be forever grateful for your support and promise to express my gratitude to each of you individually.

View Campaign

What is GoFundMe?



GoFundMe is a personal fundraising website pg. that 58has helped

The BCG is about relieving yourself of your job, family and anything stress related and allowing yourself and your significant other the opportunity to LIVE the high life for a weekend. We always have dynamic couples from all over the country and the BCG allows our couples to meet some great people in a welcoming and beautiful environment. A variety of networking opportunities is also inherent in the weekend programming as well. The BCG is designed to rejuvenate the individual and the couple as a whole. Take advantage of the resorts rejuvenation services and the BCG’s revitalization programming. The (BCG) offers a variety of attractions and entertainment for the couples relax and enjoy one another, enjoy the pools, beach, casino, golf, sports... it’s impossible to get bored!! BOOK NOW Don’t miss out on this amazing event! You and your partner deserve to RELAX, RELATE and RECHARGE.

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ONLY A FEW S SIGN UP T

Southern Spain a Roots of Rememb July 17— $3595.00 double/$70

For registration f Email: senegalsisterciti

Appreciate the cultural riches, histo architectural treasures on this esco West Africa. You will be mesmerize Palace, an iconic symbol of Spain’s stronghold of the Moorish Kingdom be captivated by the House of Slave Door of No Return, a museum dedic atrocities of the Atlantic Slave Trad will have ample time to enjoy conte shop in markets, and feast in restau

Includes:

Roundtrip Transatlantic Airfa  4 nights in Spain— cities to in Granada  5 nights in Senegal — cities t and Thies  9 nights /3.5 star hotels  Daily breakfast with select lu This educational tour will include three pre-session meetings  Ground transportation & En to familiarize travelers with our destinations. Dr. Ruth Iyob, professor at the UMSL, will discuss the life of the Moors and  English speaking guides 

their travels from North Africa to Southern Spain. Dr. Iyob specializes in the study of nationalism, colonial citizenship, and remittance economies in the regions straddling the African Mediterranean and the Horn of Africa. When we arrive in Cordoba and Granada, we will experience historical and contemporary life related to the African diaspora.

pg.

Subject to change.

Organiz Consulate of the Rep Delta Life Developm Missouri-Senega

SEATS LEFT TODAY

and West Africa brance Travel Tour 27, 2016 00 single supplement

form, questions, ties2011@yahoo.com

orical legacies, and varied rted tour to Southern Spain and ed by the beauty of the Alhambra Moorish heritage and the m until 1492. In Senegal, you will es (Maison des Esclaves) with the cated to remembering the de. In addition to looking back, we emporary life — meet people, urants.

are from New York City nclude Madrid, Granada, and

to include Dakar, Saint– Louis,

unches and dinners ntrance fees included

zed by public Du Senegal ment Foundation al Sister Cities

We are delighted that Honorary Consul to Senegal, Dr. John A. Wright, educator and author, will accompany the group to Dakar and Saint Louis, Senegal (St. Louis Missouri's only African Sister City). Dr. Wright has led tours for educators and citizens to Senegal since 1984. He was one of the founding members of the St. Louis Missouri-Senegal Sister Cities Committee and organizer of the International African Sister Cities Conference in St. Louis in 2005. Dr. Wright coordinated the acclaimed "More in Common Than Just A Name" publication by students from St. Louis, Missouri and Saint Louis, Senegal, showcasing our two cities.

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Thurgood are turning in their graves!

his month’s column was supposed to celebrate the birthday of Malcolm X, and the historic Supreme Court’s Brown V. Board of Education decision. But instead I must once again focus on the killing and other forms of violence that is permeating our neighborhoods. On May 17, 1954, the United States Supreme Court handed down the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision which overturned earlier rulings going back to Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896, by declaring that state laws that established separate public schools for black and white students denied black children equal educational opportunities. Thurgood Marshall, The NAACP’s chief counsel, who was later appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1967, argued the case for the plaintiffs. On May 19th Malcolm X. we will observe his the 91st birthday. El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was born Malcolm Little in 1925, and assassinated on February 21, 1965, in the Audubon Ballroom in Washington Heights, New York. Both Marshall and Malcolm dedicated their lives to uplifting people of all races, but especially seeking justice and freedom for African Americans. This entire month we should be celebrating these historic events, but some households are mourning the deaths of their children or other loved ones who have been gunned down by some thugs who have no respect for their history, their neighbors, their families or themselves. These atrocities have been largely perpetrated by some black teenagers that regard guns as essential accessories.

There are some, who believe that the black community is in a constant state of low-level warfare because too often any disagreement must be settled with gunfire. The gun and gang culture is spreading just as some of us predicted after watching movies such as ‘Straight Out of Compton’, “Super Fly”, “Colors”, “Boyz in the Hood” and these mini movies called gangsta rap videos. Because the guns, the drugs, and the gangs threaten and take lives predominantly in our community, it is hard to believe that most of us are yearning for peace and nonviolence. All over our neighborhood there are ‘We Must Stop Killing Each Other” posters and yard signs. Are they working? The truth is that we are often our own worst enemies because nationally, according to the US Justice Department, blacks are six times more likely to be murdered than whites, and ninety-four percent of all black murder victims are killed by black people. It is the residents of these communities, almost all of whom are law-abiding, who are the ultimate victims. Why? In the month of May, that is as historic as February, why are we swamped with news of black teenagers murdering black teenagers? While no ethnic group or race is immune from violence, why do we seem to be more vicious and barbaric than anyone else, especially amongst ourselves? Did Thurgood and Malcolm sacrifice so much for this? If we are to be prosperous as a people, and our children, including young ladies, must learn to be more tolerant of one another, engage in more pg.

& Malcolm frequent dialogue to resolve problems, and embrace a spirit of pride and unity. Parents need to take back their neighborhoods, and regardless of what is politically correct, we must remember that if we â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;spare the rod, we may lose the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Throughout his life, Marshall used the law to promote civil rights and social justice. Malcolm X viewed the survival and political, social and economic liberation of AfricanAmericans as one of the leading goals of his life. What would they do, say or think if they were here today to witness the madness in some inner-city neighborhoods, and recognize that the persons they tried to save are the chief victims of this wave of violence perpetrated by black criminals? Rest in Peace Thurgood, and Happy Birthday Malcolm! \\ Bernie Hayes //

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BLACK SPECULATIVE ARTS MOVEMENT 2016 #BsaM2016 Friday, May 6, 2016 CLAY EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, 9:00a-5:00p

Saturday, May 7, 2016 CLAY EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, 9:00a-5:00p

9:00a-9:45a MEET N GREET

10:00a-11:15 BLACK SPECULATIVE ART: Amber Johnson 10:00a-11:15 B.A.G BLACK ARTIST GROUP w/ Ron Nichols

10:00a-5:00p MECCAcon International Film Festival curated by founder, Maia “Crown” Williams

11:30a-1:00p HOLISTIC HERBAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE FUTURISTIC MIND: KT The Arch Degree (son of Dr. Sebi)

10:00a-11:15a BLACK FUTURE TINGS: VIEWS FROM THE6ix Quintin VerCetty 10:00a-11:15a BLACK ART AND THE BODY, Dacia Polk

1:00p-2:00p NETWORKING Hour 1:00p-2:00p DRAWING FROM THE SOUL w/ BROTHERMAN COMICS creator, Dawud Anyabwile 2:00p-3:15p BLACK COMICS w/ Tim Fielder 2:00p-3:15p Sequential art and literacy w/ Sharnez Givens 2:00p-3:15p UAPO - UNITED AFRICAN PEOPLES ORGANIZATION

11:30a-1:00p BLACK SPECULATIVE UTOPIAS w/ Stacey Robinson , Sheree Thomas, Ytasha Womack, Stanford Carpenter 11:30a-1:00p DARK POLITICS AND CULTURE w/ Ryan Branson, Andrew Rollins 1:00p-2:00p NETWORKING Hour 1:00p-2:00p BLACK ART AND THE BODY, Dacia Polk

3:30p-4:45p MILLENNIAL STREAK ACTIVISM 3:30p-4:45p BLACK THOUGHT Poetry Workshop 3:30p-4:45p CONFLATE seminar, Nyfolt

2:00p-3:15p AFROFUTURISM & THE BLACK STUDIES CURRICULUM: Stefan Bradley, Reynaldo Anderson, Quintin VerCetty 2:00p-3:15p THE BROTHERS JETSTREAM reading/lecture w/ Zig Zag Claybourne

EMERSON BUILDING 7:00p-9:00p Nyfolt performance Spoken Word Performances Watch Night (play): Greg Carr Hip Hop Metaphysics: Xolani & Coco

3:30p-4:45p THE FIRST AND FORGOTTEN ELEMENT art lecture/workshop w/ Aaron “VISUAL GOODIES” Sutton 3:30p-4:45p CHAIRMAN FRED HAMPTON, JR 3:30p-4:45p ELECTRONIC CURRENCY AND THE AFRICAN DIASPORA w/ Johnson Landcaster, Kingdom Gould HGA AUDITORIUM, 9:00p-12:00a *** COSMIC COSPLAY JAM *** w/ special guests Sa-Roc & Sol Messiah Hallow Sound with sounds by DJ KINNYNU! Only $20 in advance!

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BSAM

AFROFUTURISM & THE BLACK STUDIES CURRICULUM w/ Stefan Bradley, Reynaldo Anderson, Quintin VerCetty :: Currently study on Afrofuturism is heavily dependent on the interest of individual artists or scholars. This roundtable discussion of scholars is interested in exploring what the importance of Afrofuturism as an emerging form of scholarly inquiry means for the discipline of Black Studies. Panelists will be Reynaldo Anderson, Chair of Humanities at Harris-Stowe State University, and Dr. Stephon Bradley, Chair of African American Studies at Saint Louis University MECCAcon BSAM International Film Festival w/ Maia “Crown” Williams :: MECCAcon International Film Festival is a yearly, multi city festival that highlights independent short films from creators of the African diaspora. Our festival features award winning films from many well known filmmakers, as well as upcoming. The film fest runs all day on Saturday along with our BSAM convention. Admission is only $10 which includes access to all films. COSMIC COSPLAY JAM w/ Sa-Roc and more :: full concert with special guests SA-ROC and SOL MESSIAH, as well as spoken word, and many other live performances from local artists. Cosplay is both welcome and encouraged. BLACK SPECULATIVE UTOPIAS w/ Stacey Robinson, Sheree Thomas, Ytasha Womack, Stanford Carpenter :: Black Speculative Utopias This panel will focus on how Black speculative artists and political thinkers have created spaces inwardly as a response to the failures of segregation and integration to create spaces where Black people can exist in peace and define our futures outside of oppressive controlling forces. BLACK COMICS workshop w/ Tim Fielder :: Comics created by and about people of color are on the rise. Join the workshop as we investigate how one blends the process sequential art with Afrocentrism to create: BLACK COMICS. Tim Fielder is the owner of Dieselfunk Studios, publisher of the comic series, ‘Matty’s Rocket’. MILLENNIAL STREAK ACTIVISM :: Students from the Ferguson and Normandy area express their expectations from the adults in the community after Michael Brown Jr’s murder. The youth’s voice has been muted and filled with bottled up emotions, thoughts, and plans that they feel have been left unheard. CHAIRMAN FRED HAMPTON JR :: Chairman Fred Hampton, Jr - son of chairman Fred Hampton. Founder of both BLACK PANTHER PARTY CUBS (BPPC) and PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE COMMITTEE (POCC). Chairman Fred will be speaking on the injustices and social tragedies of Chicago, Illinois. DRAWING FROM THE SOUL w/ BROTHERMAN COMICS co.founder, Dawud Anyabwile :: Drawing from the Soul is to unapologetically create from within your center. To share your culture, ideas and viewpoint to the world without fear of being yourself. Dawud Anyabwile is the illustrator and co-creator of the Brotherman comics series. He and his family created what is now legendary among comic book creators worldwide. Brother man is an excellent example of independent artistic venture created by an African American family that went against the grain of what was popular and created their own comic book series in 1989 that successfully became a catalyst for the contemporary Black comic book movement. It went on to inspire what is now two generations of artists to create their own stories despite what the mainstream insists is popular. Join Dawud Anyabwile as he shares with you his history and how Drawing from the Soul is a way for artists to unleash their inner creativity and successfully be themselves. SEQUENTIAL ART w/ Sharnez Givens :: Participants will analyze how to use sequential art reading & comic book material in the classroom. During this workshop the facilitator will demonstrate strategies that will use sequential art as a tool to help low and high level reader identify literary devices. Facilitator will discuss how literary devices featured in narrative texts and analyzed by readers can help to develop a deeper level of comprehension. DARK POLITICS AND CULTURE w/ Ryan Branson, Andrew Rollins :: Andrew Rollins will be speaking on decoding the illuminati. Decoding the Illuminati Is the Illuminati real? Does this network rooted in the occult have tentacles running deep into every aspect of our society? Come learn about the hidden hand directing things. WATCH NIGHT (play) :: Gregory S. Carr’s one-act play Watch Night is a futuristic drama that takes place in a dystopian Ameri-

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BSAM 2016 cont. can society. Set in December of 2062, a disbanded group of black superheroes called the Influentials must reunite to stop a plot to reverse the Emancipation Proclamation, constitutional amendments, and Civil Rights laws. But before they can save the world, they have to resolve issues among themselves. ELECTRONIC CURRENCY AND THE AFRICAN DIASPORA w/ Johnson Lancaster, Kingdom Gould :: Johnson Lancaster will explore the origins of digital currency, the current state of its propagation and use and the implications for the re-development, growth and advancement of the Afrikan diaspora, culturally, socially, politically, economically and spiritually. Participants will leave the session with increased knowledge of Afrikan people’s involvement in digital currency. Participants will also learn how to set up their own digital currency accounts using their cellphones, tablets, laptops and begin to interact with the digital currency ecosystem. Kingdom Gould will discuss the “3rd wave” of the Internet, The Internet of Things and how collaborative commons will affect the African diaspora. IMAGINEERING MENTAL HEALTH THRU AFROFUTURISM w/ Quintin VerCetty :: Mental health issues has been a great taboo in the Black community for many eon. In an interactive and engaging seminar style session, participants will be exposed to different art practice that uses science fiction and futuristic narratives to explore mental health and trauma as used by Toronto-based visual storyteller and new media artivist, Quentin VerCetty (di Astronautty). He will share the different ways that Afrofuturism has been used to explore mental health issues and how he has used it himself to deal with his own and to help others in his community, from prison workshops to the hoods to different classroom settings. Participants will also learn about ways how art has always been vital for nurturing of African minds for today and for the many tomorrows. BLACK FUTURE TINGS: VIEWS FROM THE6ix - Quintin VerCetty :: Before it was called Afrofuturism in the late 1980’s, people of African ancestry in places like Jamaica and Haiti were projecting themselves into alternative narratives through different means and media. Looking at the “small axe” approach this interactive seminar style session is led by award winning Toronto-based visual storyteller and new media artivist, Quentin VerCetty (di Astronautty). This session invites participants to learn about the different art and spiritual practices that were used in Jamaican and other part of the Caribbean as tools for resilience, resistance and liberation. While making connections to how it has influenced the growing Black Lives Matter TO and Black arts movement while changing the urban landscape of the city of Toronto. “Wi deh THE BROTHERS JETSTREAM reading/lecture w/ Zig Zag Claybourne (clarence young) :: Zig Zag Claybourne reads from his novel The Brothers Jetstream: Leviathan, the unconventional, no-holds-barred adventure about a crew in the service of art versus commerce, out to save not only the Earth but the very soul of the planet. Brothers Milo and Ramses Jetstream are mystical warriors in a sideways Earth that includes Atlantis, talking whales, vampires, and angels. Join us for a reading from this amazing book and open-floor discussion of black imagination, healing, and afrofuturism. BLACK THOUGHT Poetry Workshop :: This panel /workshop discusses the oral and literary performance aspects of blackness. Several local poets will participate, instruct and demonstrate 4 types of poetic styles to include: ABC, Acrostic, Couplet and Haiku. HOLISTIC HERBAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE FUTURISTIC MIND w/ KT The Arch Degree (Dr. Sebi’s son) :: We experience the future, every moment our cells replicate. It is the generation of regeneration where we experience our legacy in real time. How do we ensure proper quality of life? Through the nourishment of electricity in our living temples. Genetics provides a peek into the future possibilities,&nbsp; these probabilities are manipulated by our histones tiny proteins in our nucleus. With healthy histones you amass an ability to produce any an every tool necessary. Now, that is the future; self induced protein synthesis. Life is light and I provide the green with afro futuristic herbs and black genetics. BLACK SPECULATIVE ART workshop w/ Amber Johnson :: Art and activism share a long history. Artists capture what words cannot in the face of adversity, hate, violence, and erasure. Installation art is a newer practice of creating site-specific, three-dimensional pieces that alter a space. Using installation art, participants in this workshop will: (1) explore how adding a third and fourth dimension to the concept of intersectionality creates more space for fluid identity performances ; (2) work together to create a safe space for understanding our own identities with more complexity; and (3) construct an installation art piece that speaks to the possibility of dimensionality. CONFLATE music workshop w/ Nyfolt :: With collaborative feedback the Sound Space evolves with rapid response to investigating sound and space.This shall be boundless, for the sound space is diversity. With each iteration, the Sound Space expands in range and scale. The outcome of which is a community of collaborators for reaction and reply. BLACK ART AND THE BODY w/ Dacia Polk :: “We challenge you to dig deep into your ancestral roots and bring forth an inner

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artist who’s creativity can predict the future of African Culture. Using your partner’s body and the materials provided, you will be instructed to use your human canvas to display how you see all things Black.” Instructions will include: A brief description of techniques, keywords to define our direction, and a template of African centered symbols with their meanings NYFOLT performance :: Nyfolt is an experimental sound/performance project that will explore collaboratively, with other individuals of different disciplines, to weave words, birth sounds, invoke movement, and create visual imagery together to form a body of work from our forms of reference. Celebrating B.A.G. w/ Ron Nichols :: The historical importantance of the BLACK ARTIST GROUP to St Louis and the development of jazz. Wolf Jazz Institute will be moderating. THE FIRST & FORGOTTEN ELEMENT w/ Aaron VISUAL GOODIES Sutton :: Graffiti as an element of hip hop past present and future. We will discuss the work from the founding mothers/fathers of graffiti and street art culture in the states and abroad, focusing on the writers of color HIP HOP METAPHYSICS w/ Xolani & Coco :: With spoken word by Koko Afua Kweli, and beats by Xolani Shakur, this duo brings a unique dj set, presenting the connection between Metaphysics and Hip Hop, with a Black Power vibe.

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS CLASS

SATURDAY MAY 7, 2016 11AM  KEEPING YOUR HOUSE CLEAN SPIRITUALLY AND PHYSICALLY

This class will focus on cleansing your home with the use of natural products, oils, incense, prayers and positive thinking. The presenter will also discuss de-cluttering, the use of colors, scents and their effects on mood, vibe and energy. Class participants will receive a 25% discount on all purchases made that day. Presenter: Iris Dixon - Marie’s Touch.

PROGRESSIVE EMPORIUM AND EDUCATION CENTER 1108 North Sarah Ave. Hours:  Monday – Saturday - 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information call (314) 875-9277

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Dance St. Louis Closes Out Its Season

Dance

Extravag pg.

n with

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9th Annual

TO DANC

returns to t

Emerson

CE® FESTIVAL 2016

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Going strong for nearly 10 years, the nationally recognized SPRING TO DANCE® FESTIVAL returns to the Touhill. Considered one of

the region’s must-see festivals and a St. Louis Memorial Day Weekend tradition, SPRING TO DANCE® brings together more than 25 professional dance companies from across the country to perform for three consecutive nights.

companies in one place. Dance St. Louis, Emerson and the Touhill Performing Arts Center present the 9th Annual Emerson SPRING TO DANCE® FESTIVAL 2016 on Friday - Sunday, May 27-29 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10-$20 per night and can be purchased at http:// dancestlouis.org.

From Los Angeles to Memphis to New York, these world-class dance companies converge in St. Louis to showcase a wide range of styles and repertoires. Contemporary, classical, modern, tap, aerial, West African, ballet and more — the festival offers something for everyone with a different program each night. It’s also the best opportunity to see an incredibly wide range of nationally touring professional dance pg.

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The participating companies of the Emerson SPRING TO DANCE® FESTIVAL 2016 are:

Friday, MAY 27

PUSH Dance Company (San Francisco, CA) Barkin/Selissen Project (New York, NY) Laura Careless/Alchemy for Nomads (Brooklyn, NY) Afrkiy Lolo (St. Louis, MO) Owen/Cox Dance Group (Kansas City, MO) Houston METdance Company (Houston, TX) Peridance Contemporary Dance Company (Kansas City, MO) Saint Louis Ballet (St. Louis, MO) Jennifer Muller/The Works (New York, NY) Giordono Dance Chicago (Chicago, IL)

Saturday, MAY 28 Common Thread Contemporary Dance Company (St. Louis, MO) Project 44 (Astoria, NY) Helen Simoneau Danse (Winston-Salem, NC) BODYART (Los Angeles, CA) MADCO (St. Louis, MO) Thodos Dance Chicago (Chicago, IL) Joel Hall Dancers (Chicago, IL) Chicago Tap Theatre (Chicago, IL) The Dancing Wheels Company (Cleveland, OH) Grand Rapids Ballet (Grand Rapids, MI) http://dancestlouis.org Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Sunday, MAY 29 Three Soloists: Taiya Deria, Tyra Kopf and Cheyenne Phillips (St. Louis, MO) Common Thread Contemporary Dance Company’s Lindsay Hawkins (St. Louis, MO) The Big Muddy Dance Company’s Audrey Simes (St. Louis, MO) MADCO’s Hannah Bricston (St. Louis, MO) The Big Muddy Dance Company (St. Louis, MO) Eisenhowser Dance (Southfield, MI) Joffrey Ballet Duet (Chicago, IL) Aerial Dance Chicago (Chicago, IL) Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (Dayton, OH) Ballet Memphis (Memphis, TN)

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Special holiday event with Santa Sunday, Dec 13 at 3:00!

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TheVillageCelebration radio show Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. on www.thevillagecelebration.com.

Call in at 1-855-525-5683

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Nationally recognized Theatre company sets the stage for JPEK Theatre

Real Life Musical

For immediate release: JPEK CreativeWorks has reason to celebrate. After years of pitching to numerous promoters and investors, JPEK received its “yes” from the Westcoast Black Theatre Company to produce Real Life Musical as a Staged Workshop performance in Sarasota, Florida . This contemporary, compelling piece of work will go before an audience who could change the life of this transformational hip hopera. Real Life Musical was birth out of performer, writer, director and producer Joel P. E. King, also known as Joel Patrick King or JPEK, in 2004 after witnessing what was possibly becoming the demise of the younger generation. After hearing a teen student announce her need to kill her father as a result to him rapping her, King recognized this moment as an opportunity to use his creativity to address the societal norms that was aiding in this assumed downfall. Coming from the village of Washington Park, IL, King was familiar with the struggle of urban living. His family home rested the head of 10 children, his mom, dad and a few to several invited house guests who survived off his father, an ex vet, who would work 3 to 4 jobs after being laid off from the construction company and discharged from the military due to his plight with diabetes. That alone shifted the dynamic of the family construct who prided themselves in “not wearing on your face what is troubling the heart”. King’s parents instilled spiritual values that became a coping skill to escape the hard times that at times. tested the bond of the family.

of my deceased father, I accept the responsibility in infoming an alleged miseducated society”. King beieves that things will get better in time with love and understanding. “You have to know that there is a solution, first, then comes the change.” Our responsibilty as artists, people in power, is to expose the solution, so hence, Real Life Musical. ln support of this endeavor, JPEK is seeking full support from his hometown to assist in getting Real Life Musical across the finish line. Sponsors have given support and we are requesting more financial support as this workshop will feature some hometown favorites, and JPEK would like to fully secure the bare basics as we are traveling out of town to represent. On Saturday May 28th, JPEK CreativeWorks performs its” Real Life” Benefit Performance, Of Hers and His, at the Kranzberg Theatre on Grand Ave. for a 3pm and 7:30pm showtime. JPEK has also agreed to contribute a portion of the ticket sales to benefit cancer and diabetes awareness. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite https:// oh-h.eventbrite.com for $20.00. Premium seating is available at sponsorship rates of $100. Your participation counts. “There is no us without you”. Lets make the magic happen!

“My family survived the struggle and as an example of the success that perseverance can birth and in honor pg.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coming from the village of Washington Park, IL, King was familiar with the struggle of urban living.â&#x20AC;? pg.

“Our responsibilty as artists, people in power, is to expose the solution, so hence, Real Life Musical.”

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On Saturday May 28th, JPEK CreativeWorks performs its” Real Life” Benefit Performance, Of Hers and His, at the Kranzberg Theatre on Grand Ave. for a 3pm and 7:30pm showtime.

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Summer Art Classes 2016

Join us to look at and make amazing art—no experience necessary. Museum classes give young learners the opportunity to explore different cultures, time periods, and of course, art! Pre-registration is required for all classes. One week of half-day classes: $100 members/ $125 non-members To register, please visit http://www.slam.org/education/classes.

Tuesday, July 12–Friday, July 15

Tuesday, July 19–Friday, July 22

Tuesday, July 26–Friday, July 29

9:00–noon

Mummies vs. Knights (for ages 6–8) What’s your child’s favorite work of art in the Museum? Is it the Egyptian mummy or the suit of armor? Students will visit some of the most popular and kid-friendly galleries in the Museum and then create their own artwork based on what they see.

Heroes and Heroines (for ages 6–8) Heroes aren’t hard to find at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Step outside to see Hercules fighting off the hydra or hunt for gods and goddesses in our Egyptian galleries. Each day of class will feature a Museum hero or heroine along with an activity inspired by that work of art.

Art Any Wear (for ages 6–8) Discover the world of wearable and usable art. Look at how artists design and construct artwork that can be worn and used in unexpected ways. Design your own art to display wherever you’d like—maybe even on yourself.

Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead (for ages 9–12) It’s a science and art mash-up! During this four-day class, students will apply scientific knowledge to art making as they construct their own gravity defying sculptures. 1:00–4:00 pm Paint Studio (for ages 6–8) Have a budding young artist itching to release their inner Picasso? Let them paint it out at the Museum. Students will explore painting with watercolors and acrylics and produce their own works on canvas and paper. Claymation (for ages 9–12) Over the course of four days, students will create their own claymation film. They’ll develop storylines, sculpt simple characters out of modeling clay, and design mini sets all to be used in their own claymation film.

Flipbook Animation (for ages 9–12) Class participants will practice their drawing skills before turning their doodles into a moving film. Students will create their own flipbooks and then make their drawings move using easy animation techniques and software. 1:00–4:00 pm Monster Mingle (for ages 6–8) Paint, draw, and construct your own friendly monsters! Inspired by some of the mixed-up creatures in ancient myths, students will mix and match body parts from different animals to make their own monster pals. The Art of Adornment (for ages 9–12) Art that decorates the human body is made by lots of different people around the world. Kids will learn about personal and ritualistic practices of body adornment then create their own necklaces, rings, and bracelets.

African Art in Motion (for ages 9–12) In many African societies dance and performance are woven into the social fabric. With guided instruction from a professional dancer, students will explore the purpose of dance in several African communities and put together their own performance inspired by traditional West African dance. 1:00–4:00 pm Color Collision (for ages 6–8) In this fun youth class color collides with shape, texture, and pattern. Students will learn a bit about color theory as they paint, sculpt, and design their own works of art. Origami Sculpture (for ages 9–12) Origami is the Japanese word for paper folding. Starting with basic folding techniques, students will make 3-D origami animals, toys, and much more. They’ll use some of their folded creations to construct a dazzling hanging origami sculpture.

SAINT LOUIS ART MUSEUM

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Location & Pricing All students must be dropped off at the South Building Entrance. From Fine Arts Drive, follow the signs to the Education Center. One week of half-day classes: $100 members/ $125 non-members Mornings

8:30am–9:00 am 9:00am–noon Noon

Drop off Gallery time, artmaking, outdoor exploration Pick up/ lunch break

Afternoon

12:45–1:00 pm 1:00–4:00 pm 4:00 pm

Drop off Gallery time, artmaking, outdoor exploration Pick up

Snacks

Students staying for a half or full day of classes are encouraged to bring a bottle of water and a snack each day.

Lunch

Students staying for a full day of classes should pack a lunch each day that does not require refrigeration or heating.

please visit slam.org/education.

SAINT LOUIS ART MUSEUM

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comedian

LARRY WILMORE

KILLED IT! pg.

or did he???

COMEDIAN LARRY WILMORE KILLED IT – OR DID HE? The uproar about The Nightly Show host Larry Wilmore on the cable TV Comedy Channel has continued to emit shock waves throughout the nation. Critics are all riled up over his comedy skit at the end of the April 28 annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, when he quipped: “I’m keeping it 100. Yo Barry, you did it, my n****r.” I recently wrote an article in this publication that essentially called to “kill” this slur once and for all. Civil rights organizations such as the NAACP have also denounced it. The word is an abomination, dredging up all kinds of hatred and viciousness. At the same time, Wilmore is clever, strategic and pulls no punches. So perhaps he should be given the benefit of the doubt, at least for now, so the jury is still out. For one, President Obama has used this slur, very, very sparingly of course, and he has been justly criticized. By the way, Mr. Obama didn’t criticize Wilmore for using the word. Second, journalists, politicos and others in the hardline and not-so hardline conservative arena have unleashed blistering attacks against this president, particularly racial, enabling extreme contempt. In private, this word more than likely rolls off their tongue. Reports of assassination plots have dramatically increased since he’s been in office to more than 800 percent. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, gained notoriety for his relentless attacks on the president’s credibility,

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particularly exploiting the birther movement, accusing Mr. Obama of being foreign, saying he was lying about where he was born and that he was actually Kenyan. To add insult to injury, Trump and others demanded he show his birth certificate, which he ultimately did. But did that mean anything? Did that silence them? No. Trump tweeted right afterwards that he had heard that the certificate the president presented to the media was a “fraud.” So, they still kept it up being major irritants and exhibiting outlandishly inappropriate behavior, heretofore a president had never been so disrespected. Many of Obama’s opponents have been acting up pretty bad since the first day he took office with all kinds of shenanigans in an attempt to bring down the first African American president. A noticeable number of journalists and other media types covered this vitriol including pumping up the fanatical Tea Party movement. In addition, the Trump effect resulted in non-stop media coverage of his presidential campaign reportedly because media executives realized they were generating increased revenues. Hence Trump’s political ascendency is not only a result of a dysfunctional Congress but a dysfunctional media, convulsing a polarized nation. Trump rode, in part, on the backs of media – mostly free coverage -- to beat at least 16 other Republican candidates. Now pundits are wringing their hands, calling the election “crazy” with many conservatives wanting to dump the insurgent candidate. So let those without sin cast the first stone. Even though this denigrating word should be taboo, it continues to be bandied about, by Whites and even some Blacks, who argue they use it

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as a term of endearment. Consequently and perhaps a bit sheepishly, Wilmore said on his Monday night show, May 2, that he didn’t say the word that ends in er but the more colloquial and more affectionate one that ends in ga (n**ga) with the accent on the a. This is bit of a stretch. Affectionate or not, we should never brook such familiarity, publicly or privately. It’s interesting to note that some Blacks use it publicly and privately and Whites usually use it privately. Even Wilmore conceded that this word is not commonly used among African Americans. This is a stubborn word, holding on for dear life, a fatal attraction as it were, perpetuating internalized and externalized racism. It would be good to get at the root of this racist and very seductive word, it’s like a tapeworm, infectious and parasitic. Every year at Washington’s social event of the year, more than 2,500 gather, exposing the cozy connection of reporters, pols and glitterati, wining, dining and dressing to the nines. Unabashedly an outward show of comfortable relationships, a cabal of elites network, yuck it up and rub shoulders. There are some contradictions here, as journalists ought to have a healthy social distance between themselves and those who they cover. The press unofficially called the Fourth Estate, reports on the three branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial. In other words, the press is considered the fourth branch of government, independent, fair and balanced. Wilmore has been a very successful writer and producer of numerous comedy TV shows typically with a Black theme. Credits include In Living Color, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Jamie Foxx Show, The

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Office (sans a Black theme) and the now very popular Black-ish. In his current incarnation on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, he for lack of a better word is a provocateur. His routine, Blacklash 2016 – The UnBlackening of the White House, is a case in point. If you haven’t viewed this very provocative and cutting edge program, you can probably figure out what unblackening means. If you can’t, recall “taking our country back.” To bring it on home even more, this is what Wilmore said in an October 15, 2015 Washington Post interview when ask about what he meant: The "de-Negrofying" of the White House. When you have somebody like a Donald Trump. He made no bones about trying to disprove Barack Obama's Americanism in trying to make him out to be some foreigner that was born in Kenya — I thought that to be very racist. I don't think that was masked at all, and I feel like there has been an element ... of some ugly racial things. Not everyone is like that of course, and I think most people aren't. But there is a streak of that on that side, and it's not good. So that, to me, is part of my comic take. When people say "Let's take our country back," my way of saying that is, "Yes, you want to unblacken the White House."

Consequently, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise how he doubledowned on the press. Wilmore is a consummate gadfly and he stung with that word, closing out his skit at the press dinner with a dose of withering scorn. Eyebrows immediately cocked and most in the audience groaned, looking rather glum. As they milled around and then filed out to fill the rest of the evening with more cocktail parties of chatter, banter and repartee, perhaps their imperious notions about themselves began to crack. Yes, Wilmore put the mirror up to them. He talked about media operatives pretty bad, much more than the criticisms he leveled at the president. He also gave a piece of his snarling wit to politicians and Hollywood celebrities. For example, he said almost ad

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nauseam that there is a recurring Internet joke that Republican candidate Ted Cruz is actually the Zodiac Killer. Nonetheless, he saved the most for the media. Typically, it’s the other way around, many journalists cover (and some with glee) the failings and scandals of politicians and celebrities and they definitely haven’t given Obama any slack. Now the shoe was on the other foot as Wilmore was rigorously and furiously shoehorning a toxic mix as they squirmed. He called Don Lemon of CNN an “alleged journalist.” Then Lemon was shown flipping the bird at him. To CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, he said: “How is he still on television? Hey Wolf, I’m willing to predict a winner. Anyone who isn’t watching The Situation Room.” These CNN jokes should not be shocking, as CNN has been derided for some time now for its lack of journalistic integrity. Wilson was an equal opportunity media blaster and he minced no words. Reportedly journalists were getting nervous, hoping he wouldn’t lash out at them. But he was merciless. When he talked about the disappearing Black reporters on MSNBC as if Boko Haram had taken over, I almost howled. No wonder, reporters are panning him. Most journalists can dish it out, but they can’t take it. But getting back to perhaps Wilmore’s third strategy, that is his desire to have a serious national dialogue on race and its hypocrisy and phoniness. Nothing could be more needed in this era of trying to elevate Ted Cruz and Donald Trump, whose overt racism is one of the main reasons they were top contenders. Yet, at the same time, many of

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their supporters mouth that racism is over, affirmative action and voting rights protections are no longer needed and the final one – ugh! – We live a post-racial society. For one, when Wilmore defended using the word, he claimed it was with pride and in jest, but still there was loud condemnation. On the other hand, others use it in a much more insidious and contemptuous way to smear and daresay topple the leader of the so-called free world, and there’s barely a whimper. The media have long conveyed subtle and not-so-subtle racist messages and images particularly against the African American community. When the Association of Black Journalists years ago beseeched them to scale back its inordinate TV news coverage of violence in communities of color, many news directors retorted: “If it bleeds, it leads.” And no one should let Hollywood off the hook either. Think “#OscarsSoWhite.” As usual, there is very little self-examination and reflection among members of The Fourth Estate and other elites. Unlike Wilmore, too many are busy bowing before the powerful and blaming the victims. Let’s see how they treat the next president, who most likely will be White. It will also be interesting to see how they cover Hillary Clinton, as the first woman, if she wins. Will their gender bias be as strong as their race bias? Some columnists want to stop having the dinner altogether. Even the president weighed in rather tongue in cheek: “It’s an honor to be here at my last, and perhaps the last, White House Correspondents’ Dinner.” Malaika Horne, PhD, is a journalist and academic writer

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Featured

Artist

Submission

~Artist Bio~ Christopher Thomas, 28 years old, is an Art Specialist at the non profit organization Neighborhood Houses where he instructs both students and teachers on various art related projects and themes. Currently enrolled at St. Louis Community College of Forest Park and University of Missouri of Saint Louis, seeking two degrees in Art Education and Elementary Education, which will both be completed by May 2017. He has contributed to several art oriented events from The African Arts Festival to fundraisers for Neighborhood Houses and Youth In Need. Christopher’s passion is working with children of his community, and uses his art as a way to uplift and encourage youth. Believing his talents aren’t meant for him but for the betterment of those around him, he pushes his students to produce art that would challenge other professional artists. Coming from North St. Louis, art wasn’t always looked at as a possible career choice for me. Always being told you are only recognized when you are gone, which I always kept in mind even when choosing what colleges to attend when I graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2006. By no means did I ever think of art, my art, as something good enough --- and even at times now, something worth acknowledgement whether living or dead. All of which affected the path I took, from choosing to not attend Savannah College of Art and Design for art, but instead Art History/Pre-architecture as a substitute at UMSL. Resulting in me not caring about my grades, and eventually dropping out due to lack of interest. However, at this time I didnt have a plan about what to do next or what my life would turn into.

art lessons encouraged and amazed my students. In return this encouraged me to do more, exposing them and myself to different mediums and techniques. When the time came to move on, Neighborhood Houses was the only option because of a growing art program I heard about through its workers. Once hired, I felt empowered and allowed myself to continue to grow as an artist. Doing so allowed my supervisor to recognize my potential, and in six months time I was promoted to an Art Specialist. Unsure of what that even was, I still took the chance and went for it. By this time I knew what I wanted to do for sure, work with children in a capacity that allowed me to do art. Re-enrolling back into school, I took small steps by going to St. Louis Community College for Elementary Education, and later duel-enrolling in UMSL for Art Education. Throughout the process of discovering myself, I grew as an artist and saw what others saw in me. This continues to this day where I am branching off in different ways --- Illustrating children’s books, art commissions, lending my talents to other artists, donating my time to mentor school age artists and inspire them as do me.

A few months after leaving UMSL, I began to volunteer at my sister’s YWCA out of boredom. Eventually this service became something I started to enjoy, peaking my interest in childcare. Through the YWCA I discovered a passion I never believed I possessed. This drove me to train with their program and opened doors to work under Youth In Need. In both YWCA and Youth In Need, peers and co-workers showed an interested in my artistic ability. Yet I still had the mindset that art wasn’t something worth my time. Despite my internal beliefs, I saw how my

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

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NEW YORK SUMMER INTERNSHIP FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS!

The Jinah Parker Project is looking for both in-person and virtual interns to work in the worlds art and culture and sexual assault awareness, from early June thru early August 2016. 20 hours per week, for college credits only. Candidates must

have:

1) strong writing and overall communication skills 2) a deep love for all art forms, including dance, music, and theater 3) very good organizational and leadership skills 4) a warm and open spirit and simply be a good and kind human being, with two great references. Responsibilities during the internship will include work on the on-going development of SHEâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a multimedia suite on sexual violence, Sandra Bland, and healing (SHE premiered in New York City recently and will return in the Fall, as well as embark on a national college tour). TO APPLY IMMEDIATELY

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“Acting White”

Share your Story Dear friends: I have been asked to write a chapter in a book that will address colorism in education. My chapter will focus on “acting white.” Specifically, when I was growing up, I was a “smart” student. My top performance in school, doing homework, raising my hand to answer questions, etc. often drew the accusation from my African American classmates and friends that I was “acting white.” Now, I know there are psychologists out there who say this is not true and does not exist. But alas, it was absolutely true for me. I have written about this in past works. I will do so again for this new book. I do know that many young folks today who continue to have such allegations hurled at them so feel free to share this email with whoever and have folks email me directly. I did a survey on this very question about 7 years ago and the results were consistent with my experiences decades ago. I’d like to update my earlier survey. I would love to hear from anyone out there who has a similar/related story either involving yourself or someone you know. I would like to include your story in the chapter. I will conceal your identity if you request. Do you have a story to share? If so, please email to me at: norwood@wulaw.wustl.edu. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead Kimberly Norwood , Professor of Law | Washington University School of Law pg.

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“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:34-40 NIV

We seek to impact the world with the love of Christ one life at a time! Hopelessness and desperation are on the rise in a world where the greatest segment of the population possesses the least amount of resources. We need your help! Please help us fight this epidemic by sending your tax deductible donations/contributions to: For His Glory Ministries of St. Louis P.O. Box 1942 Maryland Heights, MO. 63043 http://calvarychapelslc.com/homeless-ministry/ For other ways in which you can help please contact Pamela Ford at pamelaford98@gmail.com or 314-216-0744. Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

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Featured

Photography Submission

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David

Naumann

I had always been interested in photography but until the advent of digital photography and facebook it was difficult to indulge in my passion in such a way to do a mass share with others. I am a practicing attorney who sees the worst every day. Human tragedy, human misery and dysfunction. You name it, I see it. My family has lived in St. Louis since 1850 and I am proud to claim it as my own. For far too long the media has focused on the ugly and seamy side of life here. Yes there is ugliness and hate but there is also beauty and love. I thought by showing both the natural and man built beauty of our area it could go a long way in combating negative stereotypes and racism. Many of the photos were taken sitting on my bike. The camera I used was a Nikon 21 pixels, coolpix purchased for $90 from Target. I wish that all of my friends both known and unknown enjoy my pictures and may God bless you all. @David L. Naumann Attorney At Law Copyright ÂŠ 2016 - All rights reserved.

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If you have been thinking about leaving your job and starting a business, you need to attend this seminar! Before you spend time and lots of $$$ on a business idea, PLAN TO ATTEND THIS EVENT!!! #Entrepreneurship101

#Entrepreneurship101 #websterUNIVERSITY #april23 #2pm #3:30 pg.

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“JUNETEENTH NATIONAL ANTHEM” PARADE & CELEBRATION

OUR ROLLING PARADE (5.4 MILES) STARTING AT THE

OLD COURT HOUSE (DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS, MO, TOURING THE CITY AND ENDING AT BECKETT PARK (PAGE BLVD & TAYLOR AVE)

2. THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK ON OUR MAIN STAGE PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS 3.

YOUR BUSINESS OR CAMPAIGN POSTERS ATTACTED AROUND THE MAIN STAGE

COME JOIN US FOR ST. LOUIS, 1ST JUNETEENTH PARADE. THIS HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL TELEVISED RECORED EVENT, REPRESENTS OUR DAY OF FREEDOM! RECOGNIZING WHEN SLAVERY WAS ABOLISHED NATIONWIDE!

THE RIGHT TO PASS OUT/ GIVE- AWAY PRODUCTS, PRODUCT SAMPLES, PROMOTIONAL FY LERS, AND ITEMS (PENS, BALLOONS, KEY CHAINS, T-SHIRTS ECT…)

LOOK AT US NOW FROM SLAVERY TO BUSINESS OWNERS, POLITICIANS, TEACHERS, ATTORNEYS, MEDIA DOCTORS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, UNION SKILL TRADE WORKERS,PASTORS, REALTORS, CONTRACTORS,AND EVERYDAY GOOD FOLKS ETC…

BUSINESS NAME WILL BE INCLUDED ON OVER 50,000 FYLER POST CARDS

SATURDAY JUNE 18TH 2016 AT 11:00a.m. -5:00p.m.

We’re inviting and welcoming everyone of all ages, Black businesses“small and large”, all Local politicians and running candidates, community leaders and organizations, Pastors and churches. Entertainers, 100 BlackMen, St. Louis Fire fighters “FIRE”, St. Louis, Black Police Association, Radio &Television personnel, Local organizations & Community agencies OUR SELECTED PARADE QUEEN IS: Civil Rights Attorney “Mrs. Frankie Muse Freeman” OUR SELECTED PARADE KING IS: Civil Rights Leader & Activist “Mr. Dick Gregory” PLEASE JOIN US IN A CARAVAN PARADE, STARTING AT THE OLD COURT HOUSE located on DRED SCOTT PL. (4TH STREET) & MARKET STREET (DownTown St. Louis, Missouri) as we travel through the city, continuing onto “OBAMA BLVD”

(DELMAR BLVD) and ending at BECKETT PARK at the corner of PAGE BLVD /TAYLOR AVE. (CALL ASAP TO RESERVE SPACE) DEADLINE:

APRIL 30, 2016

SHARE OUR LARGE STAGE AND PRESENTYOUR ACHIEVEMENTS, INFORMATION, BUSINESS, NETWORKING, PRODUCTS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, POWERFUL SPEECHES, EDUCATION, FOOD & BEVERAGES, POETRY, LIVE HISTORIC SKITS, CARTOON CHARACTER PERFORMERS ETC… BRING THE ENTIRE FAMILY, NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS AND YOUR LOUNGE CHAIRS & COOLERS. ENJOY AN AFTERNOON OF FREEDOM, UNITY, EDUCATION, NETWORKING AND ENTERTAINMENT.

TO RESERVE A SPACE, DONATIONS, ADVERTISEMENT OR SPONSORS PLEASE CONTACT: DIRECTOR COFFEE WRIGHT (314) 769-6067 or PASTOR TROY SPENCER

6. BUSINESS NAME RECOGNIZED IN OUR YOUTUBE COMMERCIAL AND PROMOTIONS 7.

BUSINESS NAME AND LOGO ADDED TO OUR WEBSITE

EMAIL BLAST-FIRST CIVILATION/IRA JONES-PARTICI PANT/SPONSOR LIST

SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTIONS: FACEBOOK POST & TWITTER POST

10.

AN OFFICIAL “JUNETEENTH NATIONAL ANTHEM PARADE & CELEBRATION” HISTORIC CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION.

THIS EVENT WILL BE VIDEO RECORDED FOR CABLE TELEVISION AND INTERNET PROMOTIONS ETC… (OVER 270,000 LOCAL VIEWERS) PRESS KITS WILL BE SENT TO LOCAL NEWS MEDIA INCLUDING: ST. LOUIS AMERICAN, ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH, CHANNELS 2, 4, 5, 11 & 30.

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE APRIL 30, 2016 PLEASE FORWARD/ SHARE AWARENESS DIRECTOR COFFEE WRIGHT (314) PASTOR TROY SPENCER

769-6067 OR

(314) 599-0821

(314) 599-0821 ST. LOUIS INNER CITY CULTURAL THE TRUTH AND LIGHT MINISTRIES/100 BLACKMEN CENTER ENTERPRISE

WWW.Sliccce.com

ST. LOUIS INNER CITY CULTURAL CENTER ENTERPRISE WWW.Sliccce.com

ALL “JUNETEENTH PARADE” PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE:

A RESERVED SPACE FOR YOUR VEHICLE TO JOIN pg.

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Featured

Poetry

Submission

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Jason

Vasser

A free Ken - for Sal

Behold

a machine

designed to make a man

packaged – detachable feet

his many hats

His country of origin is yours to name – different sizes of chains to contain complete with an Afro and an assortment of interchangeable tees, jeans dashikis and Barbie’s sold separately for you to dream then act out your inner most fantasy’s of making more go on explore position him make him yours Stand him only to break him back to black and plastic after use sell him on Amazon realistic and complete with hang ups nine inches of authentic bendable moldable man that will bounce when thrown smiling back at you from the ground

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

A Kwansaba for someone lost to the waves Mermaid beneath the surface hunting in the coral reef looks like a Manatee but someone believes in

her –

blue and green dreams, but she cannot sleep, danger lives in the reality myth.

A member of the Unity Community, Jason Vasser lives and writes in Saint Louis Missouri, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. He has been published in Adduna, Blast Furnace, The Sphinx, Prairie Gold: An anthology of America’s Heartland, and others. Active in the community with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity –Epsilon Lambda Chapter, as a Board Member at the St. Louis Poetry Center, and other organizations, Jason continues to use his art as a bridge to communicate difference. Currently, Jason teaches English at Harris – Stowe State University.

Jason N. Vasser, M.F.A. http://www.nightwritersstl.com/workshops.html http://www.stlouisbrickcitypoetryfestival.com

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POET LAUREATE MICHAEL CASTRO’S

UNITY COMMUNITY POETRY SERIES MAY

UNIVERSITY CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY TO WELCOME POET LAUREATE MICHAEL CASTRO’S UNITY COMMUNITY POETRY SERIES MAY 6 On Friday, May 6, University City Public Library will welcome St. Louis Poet Laureate Michael Castro’s Unity Community Poetry Series. The free event, which will feature poetry performances by a diverse group of local spoken word artists, will take place at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at University City Public Library, 6701 Delmar Blvd. The Unity Community series was formed as a way to cross cultural and literary divides, bringing together poets of diverse backgrounds and poetic styles in an evening of what Castro calls, “honest talk, playful talk, spirit talk.” The May 6 event will feature performances by spoken word artist Pacia Elaine Anderson; poet, educator, and critic Fatemeh Keshavarz; and prolific Jewish folklorist and poet Howard Schwartz, as well as Castro himself. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome. ######## For further information: Patrick Wall, 314-727-3150, pjwall@ucitylibrary.org

University City Public Library 6701 Delmar Blvd University City MO 63130 314-727-3150 www.ucitylibrary.org

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Featured

Dance Group

Submission

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Afriky

Lolo

BLENDED Beat West African Dance and Hip-Hop Weaved Together for 13th Annual African Dance Celebration on MAY 21

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Afriky Lolo is the region’s premier professional West African dance company. Led by Executive and Artistic Director Diadie Bathily, the company creates a vibrant, larger-than-life production of lively West African dance, powerful drumming, colorful costumes and dazzling lighting design. Each year the company presents its annual African Dance Celebration. For this year’s production, “Dance Is Where We Dream,” Afriky Lolo joins forces for the first time with noted St. Louisbased hip-hop choreographer Anthony “Redd” Williams, who has worked with the likes of Beyonce, Nelly and Lady Gaga, to collaborate and explore the relationship between hip-hop and West African dance. Together, with the dancers of Afriky Lolo’s adult and youth companies, the 13th Annual African Dance Celebration showcases a variety of beautiful and brilliant West African choreography and drumming with a Copyright © 2016 - All rights reserved.

side of hip-hop. The 13th Annual African Dance Celebration also welcomes guest artist Michel Kouakou, founder/director of Daara Dance. The dancer and choreographer, who is a native of Ivory Coast and trained in contemporary and African dance, is the 2012 recipient of the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Dance. He will perform in the celebration, and has choreographed a Senegalese dance, “Sabar,” which will be performed by Afriky Lolo.

The 13th Annual African Dance Celebration: “Dance

Is Where We Dream” takes place at COCA on May 21. Tickets are $25 and are available by calling 314-725-6555 or visiting www.afrikylolo.org or www.cocastl.org.

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PHOTO: Company photo Afriky Lolo

Afriky Lolo is a registered non-profit organization that is committed to bringing West African dance and culture to the communities of St. Louis, Metro East and the greater Eastern Missouri region through teaching and performing. Founded in 2003 by celebrated West African choreographer Diadie Bathily, the company has more than 50 dancers, including a youth company, and eight drummers. Afriky Lolo, meaning African Star, offers educational programs to area schools and performs traditional West African dance locally and nationally year-round.

PHOTO: Redd Williams

PHOTO: Michel Kouakou

Anthony “Redd” Williams has performed on tours, in music videos and in television commercials for some of hip-hop’s biggest recording artists including Marques Houston, Beyonce, Corbin Bleu, Lady Gaga, Angela Winbush and for Adidas Industrial. His choreography has been performed by Nelly and featured at Showtime at the Apollo and the Missouri Black Expo. Redd has worked with choreographers Laureianne Gibson, Cecily & Olisa, Ro Ro, Kennis and Rosero & Jamal. He has assisted with choreography for artist Kishaya in the Starbucks Dancing Commercial and D Girl Music Video. In 2004, he won the U Got Served Dance Off for choreography. Redd is the hip-hop dance instructor at COCA, bringing significant performance, choreography and teaching experience to his role. He also teaches hip-hop at the Millennium Dance Complex and the Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio in Los Angeles, California.

Michel Kouakou is a choreographer and dancer from the Ivory Coast. He is the founder and director of Daara Dance. Michel received his MFA in dance from Hollins University. He is the recipient of the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Dance (2012), a Jerome Foundation Fellowship recipient for research in dance (2012), winner of a New York Foundation of the Arts Artist Fellowship (2008), and winner of the U.S. Japan Fellowship (2008) to conduct six months of research in Tokyo and Kyoto. In 2008 he was nominated for the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative and in 2010 and was a finalist in The A.W.A.R.D. Show in New York City and Los Angeles. Mr. Kouakou is based in Los Angeles, where he is a lecturer at UCLA. He maintains an active touring and teaching schedule across the globe and continues to pursues his long-term goal of building an “artistic bridge” between his origins in the Ivory Coast and the United States.

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“

DANCE Is Where We Dream The 13th Annual African Dance Celebration:

MAY 21, 2016

”

www.afrikylolo.org or www.cocastl.org www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

New exhibit, The Life of Eazyyokeart, opens tonight and will be on view throughout May. Please join us from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm tonight for this solo art show.

Solo Show Opens + Washington U. Collab

Additionally, UrbArts partnered with the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts for a studio asking students to imagine a performing arts center in Old North St. Louis. Come tonight from 5-6 pm to vote on your favorite designs and help shape the future of UrbArts.

Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

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Attending college can be quite expensive for students and their families. Luckily, there are many college scholarships and contests available to help pay for a college education. Students should seek out and apply for scholarships in which they meet the eligibility requirements. Below are some of the 194 college scholarships and contests with deadlines in June 2016. Only brief information about each scholarship is listed. Therefore, students are encouraged to visit the scholarship websites to get further details about eligibility and requirements. “Aspiring Animation Professional” Scholarship Sponsor: Animation Career Review Amount: $1,000 Deadline: June 1, 2016 Description: Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who intend to purse an animation related field at an accredited post-secondary school or college. 180 Medical Scholarship Program Sponsor: 180 Medical Amount: $1,000 Deadline: June 1, 2016 Description: Scholarship is open to students attending a two-year, four-year, or graduate school program full-time in the fall. Applicant must be under a physician’s care for a spinal cord injury, spina bifida, transverse myelitis, neurogenic bladder, or ostomy. 2016 CURE – Cancer Support Scholarship Sponsor: Lep Foundation for Youth Education Amount: $5,000 Deadline: June 1, 2016 Description: Scholarship is open to students who were diagnosed with cancer in childhood and whose disease and related treatments placed a significant financial burden on them and their families. Actuary of Tomorrow – Stuart A. Robertson Memorial Scholarship Sponsor: The Actuarial Foundation

Amount: $9,000 Deadline: June 1, 2016 Description: Scholarship is open to full-time students entering as a sophomore, junior or senior at a U.S. accredited education institution. Applicant must have successfully completed two actuarial exams. Adam Greenman American Dream Scholarship Sponsor: Adam Greenman Law Amount: $1,000 Deadline: June 1, 2016 Description: Scholarship is open to incoming or current college students. Applicant must submit an essay describe the career they want to pursue and how their education can contribute to the American Dream. American Ground Water Trust Annual Scholarships Sponsor: American Ground Water Trust Amount: Up to $2,000 Deadline: June 1, 2016 Description: Scholarships are open to high school seniors who are intending to pursue a career in a ground water related field.

Click Here for More Info!

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The first St. Louis African Arts Festival was held in 1991 as an outgrowth of the 34th Annual African Studies Conference hosted by Washington University. A year prior to the conference, a group of academic, business, and community leaders came together to explore ways in which a forum could be established that would bring the diverse community of St. Louis together for the purpose of learning and celebrating the rich and diverse cultures of African and African American people. The mission of the festival is to increase the awareness of the global contributions of African people and people of African descent have made through art, cultural, and educational programs. The St. Louis African Arts Festival is held in beautiful Forest Park. Each year the festival attracts a diverse audience of thousands of local residents and outof-town visitors during the Memorial Day weekend. The Festival draws the community together in celebration of the rich contributions of Africa and the African Diaspora (diaspora--people settled far from their ancestral homelands). The annual event enjoys partnerships with major local cultural institutions as the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Public Library, the Muny, and Washington University in St. Louis. The African Heritage Association of St. Louis, the parent organization of the St. Louis African Arts Festival, receives support from the Missouri Arts Council and the Regional Arts Commission. The festival is free and open to the public.

ENJOY: Stage Entertainment African Marketplace Food Court Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Village

The African Heritage Association of St. Louis, Inc. (AHA) is a 501(C) 3, non-profit organization and is governed by its Board of Directors.

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FREE ADMISSION SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

(Jumamosi)

(Jumapili)

(Jumatatu)

MAY 28, 2016

MAY 29, 2016

MAY 30, 2016

10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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Vendor Application

Volunteer Application

http://www.stlafricanartsfest.com/

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

Redefine the Life in Your Lifestyle I know that it’s been a while since I’ve e-mailed you, I truly hope that all is well! I also hope that you’ve been able to stay up to date with all the happenings via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Between my recent trip to Mexico and the latest additions at the Meditation Lounge, there’s been way more to share than there is time, but I do the best I can! Healing Spa is Back!

So I want to tell you quickly that right after Journey Meditation this Sunday, the Healing Spa starts at 5:15pm! I haven’t offered this experience since October so I know that many of you are super excited about this. If you haven’t yet been, it’s a beautiful experience... You will be in a group setting with soothing, healing music to help you relax while you focus your intentions on the clarity or healing you seek. I’ll spend 15-20 minutes per person laying hands and sharing the spiritual insight that I receive for you. Please Register in Advance Our standard classes no longer require advance registration, however due to the nature of this experience, I’ll need to limit how many people attend so advance registration is required in order to attend. You can sign up online HERE or call 314-441-6929 to get signed up over the phone.

www.selenaj.com

Classes Offered 5 Days a Week In case you’re out of the loop, we now have meditation and yoga classes at the Meditation Lounge 5 days a week and our rates are still in the introductory phase! A single class is $10, but you can save by signing up for a Monthly Membership (starting at $35 p/m), or Pay-As-You-Grow Class Passes (starting at $40) - either way you save! Check out all of your options and view the class schedule and all of the services that we’re offering at www. selenaj.com! I’m looking forward to seeing you in classes this Sunday!

Peace, Love & Light, SJ

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MUST- VIEW New Orleans and HURRICANE KATRINA:

10 Years Later

Click Here to WATCH NOW!

www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

2 Mondays a month at Faith Miracle Temple 7:15 pm - 8:00 pm.

314-566-9125

I.G WaistNotFitness | FB WaistNotFitness | Email:WaistnotFitness1@yahoo.com

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R A T S L AL M O TO R S , I N C .

2006 Dodge Dakota SLT 70,xxx

2012 Ford Focus SE 24,xxx 4 dr Sedan

4 dr

for more info visit us online

2014 Chevrolet Impala 25,xxx miles 4 dr

for more info visit us online

100 VEHICLES FOR SALE

OVER KEVIN TAYLOR (314) 427-6550 office (314) 540-8618 cell (314) 423-9133 fax sales@allstarmotorsinc.com kevin.taylor.sales@gmail.com

WE SELL VEHICLES FOR CASH. PRICES ARE NEGOTIABLE. 9201 ST. CHARLES ROCK RD. \ ST. LOUIS, MO. 63114

MAKE ME AN OFFER. www.Allstarmotorsinc.com

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

Check out Blackarchaeologist on Pinterest

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Sister's Keeper Products

Natural Hair & Skin Care

We have created an all natural, emollient-rich, and affordable product line. Our products are created using the most effective ingredients to nourish, rebuild, repair and rejuvenate hair and skin. Some of the items we offer are: Dream Whip Body Butter Dip Hair & Body Moisturizer Exfoliating Brown Sugar Body Scrub Brahmi & Rhassoul Conditioning Masque Goats Milk Soap Whipped Soap Frosting Raw Organic African Black Soap Cocoa Honey Deep Conditioner Penetrating Hair & Body Glaze Sister's Keeper Sunburst Shampoo Bar Totally Twisted Styling Custard Happy Hair Leave-In Conditioner We also offer a bi-monthly subscription service.

Contact us Website: www.sisterskeeper.biz Email: customerservice@sisterskeeper.biz Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest @SistersKeeperProducts

Twitter @sisterskeeper11

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

Rickkita Edwards teaches Core:Cardio & More @ North Co.Rec Center

every Mon-Wed- Fri.

5:30 PM-6:30 PM

She also teaches "WaistNWeights" every Mon

@ Faith Miracle Temple

7:15 PM-8 PM

Contact me today for personal training sessions!

314-566-9125 I.G WaistNotFitness | FB WaistNotFitness | Email:WaistnotFitness1@yahoo.com pg.

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Health, Beauty

And

Fashion

May is

National Physical Fitness and Sports

Month!

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Summer

Tips

SKIN CARE

by the Cubicle Chick

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This is a compensated post written by me on behalf of RoC Skincare and Socialstars #WomenWhoRoC.

Prepare for the sun with my summertime skincare tips, perfect for busy women on the go! With summer being right around the corner, it’s important that we step our skincare game up. Increased temperatures, humidity, and exposure to sun, makes taking care of our skin during this time of year critical. Whether you have travel plans, or attending outdoor concerts or shows, or just enjoying a lazy day at the beach or on your patio, I’ve got a few summer skincare tips that’ll have you looking fabulous with nourished and healthy skin that everyone will notice.

Here are my summertime skincare tips for the busy chick:

• DON’T Skip the SPF While being out in the sun, it is important that you use a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher, as recommended by the AAD. As a RoC Ambassador, I have tried their moisturizers, and I am especially fond of RoC MULTI CORREXION 5 in 1 Chest Neck and Face Cream with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30. It goes on light and allows your skin to breathe while protecting it at the same time.

RoC moisturizers can help protect against future sun damage when used with other sun protection measures. As you may sweat or perform various activities, your moisturizer may need to be applied throughout the day for maximum protection. Doing this will not only help keep your skin out of harm’s way, but will keep it soft and supple as well.

• Hydrate While on the go, you need to make sure to hydrate your skin. You can do this easily by getting a small spray bottle of water. Fill it 3/4’s full of spring water, then add a few teaspoons of Witch Hazel and Vitamin A and a few drops of lemon. Carry the water bottle with you in your purse and spray as needed during the day to refresh and revitalize your face and skin—this is also a way to cool you off, too on extra steamy days.

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

• Lip Action We can’t forget our lips when it comes to skincare, so make sure to use a lip gloss or lipstick with added SPF. And if you opt for bare lips, choose a lip protectant like Rosebud Salve to help moisturize them for puckered perfection.

• Exfoliate When washing your face, make sure to use an exfoliant two to three times a week to rid your face of dead skin. You can even make your own with items you may already have in your house shown here in a past post on my blog. Your skin will thank you! (and, you can use your exfoliant all over your body, softening areas like your knees, feet, and elbows)

• Soothe After a long day in the sun, pamper your skin by applying a mud or clarifying mask to your face. This can help soothe your skin and settle it down from being in the intense heat, and potentially stop any breakouts and oiliness from forming.

Here’s to a wonderfully fabulous summer with happy skin. Make sure to utilize my summertime skincare tips for your ultimate go-to guide for the season. Follow Danyelle on Twitter pg.

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Way

Black In Time Series

An animated black history web series for the whole family. Season # 1 # 2, And # 3, DVDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at: BlackArchaeologist.com https://www.facebook.com/BlackArchaeologist/videos/886767681406592/ pg.

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Portfolio Fundraiser Moves to Artist's Studio

Janet Riehl's "Women & Wardrobe: The Riehl Collection" exhibit has finished it's successful run at The Portfolio Gallery and Education Center. It brought in $2,000 to help with much-needed building repairs. Many people went home with framed ($150) and unframed ($50) prints they love, and a good time was had by all. Folks have said they would have loved to have seen the show, and were sorry they missed it. Janet has decided to host At Home evenings on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. so you can! Come visit, enjoy the work, and of course buy whatever calls to you. Any profit realized will continue to benefit Portfolio Gallery. If you'd like to come, please contact her at janet.riehl@gmail.com. Janet and Robert Powell, director of Portfolio Gallery and Education Center appeared on Fox 2 news. http://fox2now.com/2014/07/29/women-wardrobe-and-art-on-a-cell-phone-atportfolio/# Janet and her art was featured in the Alton Telegraph. http://www.thetelegraph.com/news/home_top-lifestyle-news/50095336/Artists-workmakes-Riehl-results#.U-Tbf1Ao7qC

Come on out! Meet some new people and enjoy some playful, colorful, and sensuous art inspired by African Women.

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ART OF FOOD

The Delicacy of

Salmon by #chefjonbaby

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

Salmon A Very Healthy Fish! Searing Salmon instead of frying it in a heavy oil is not healthy. Simply take some olive oil, some sea salt, and pepper. Bring the (non stick pan) to hot (check by a little water by hand) once the water quickly dissolves add your olive oil ( just coat the pan) turn the temp down on pan to medium. Place salmon filet(s) in pan and sear.. Cook on each side to your liking...

•••

Salmon is a great source of protein and should be considered as a number one choice of Now once you have finished cooking your salmon to your liking feel free to be fish for those with health creative with your toppings or sauce..Most use fresh dill, I prefer to get a little more creative using spices, herbs, and veggies...just open your mind and try restrictions and looking something you never have. to loose weight...baked, ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• seared or grilled you can never go wrong with a #chefjon is a private chef living in St. Louis, Mo and currently does dinners nationwide upon great piece of Salmon. request. He is also a partner with Private Chefs of St Louis Alliance dba Private Chefs of St Louis: pcstlal@gmail.com, www.dineinhome.com fb:john enlow

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Foodie Adventures |

CURRY & RUM

With a Jamaican Flare

If you enjoy curry, whether it be chicken or goat you should definately check out De Palm Tree on Olive Blvd. (University City). This small restaurant was hiding in plain view from me for years. I decided to check them out recently and was pleasantly surprised with the food and the service. The first evening we went there was a wait for a table and it was too chilly to sit outside. We sat at the bar to look over the menu and have a drink. Note: The Rum Punch is awesome! That along with an appetizer, say the Fish Balls, will keep you occupied as all entree orders are cooked to order. During our first visit we were given additional Rum Punch drinks since there was a mix-up with our order. By the time our food arrived we were seated at a table and both the cook and the waitress checked on us frequently. When our food arrived it was hot, spicy and full of flavor. We tried the Jerk Chicken and the Curried Chicken. My favorite was the Curried Chicken. Both entrees came with the preferred meat/vegetables and a sweet cabbage that worked well with the spices of the main dish. The next time youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in UCity, stop at De Palm Tree for a little Jamaican spice and ambiance. ~ Shontel @bdesignme @MsShontel

Fish and Potato Balls

#trysomethingNew pg.

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De Palm Tree Restaurant 8631 Olive Blvd University City, MO 63132

www.depalmtreerestaurant.com

Jerk Chicken

Curry Chicken

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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

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Redefine Your Lifestyle

Selena J’s

www.meditationloungestl.com

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Wrap

it UP

o this month we’re going to keep it super short + simple and Wrap It Up. When you’re constantly on the run, wanting and needing something on the go or just want a simple and delicious meal to go...let’s make some wraps. Wraps are often lower in calories than sandwiches with the same filling. As long as you monitor and measure the amount of cheese and pre-made sauces, it can be a great healthy alternative. You can easily take your favorite salads and throw them inside a tortilla shell for a filling meal. Instead of buying store bought spreads and dressings, try making them from scratch. They are typically simple to make, you’ll know exactly what is in it & you will able to pronounce every ingredient. Try websites like Pinterest (my favorite) for different variations of spreads. Summer is right around the corner, so grab some wraps for your picnic and enjoy the weather! by Lena O.A. Jackson

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Wrap Spring Mix or Spinach & Arugula Mix Red Apple, sliced Green Apple, sliced Walnuts, roughly chopped Feta Cheese Dried Cranberries Poppy Seed Dressing or Vinaigrette (your choice)

Grilled Veggie Quinoa Wrap Red Onion, thinly sliced Red Pepper, thinly sliced Zucchini, sliced Garlic, minced Alfalfa Sprouts or Bean Sprouts Baby Spinach Quinoa, cooked Hummus Directions: Sauté red onions, peppers, zucchini & garlic until slightly

tender. Be sure not to overcook, you want the veggies to still have a slight crunchy bite to them. Let the hummus be the 1st ingredient inside your wrap, it will act as a spread. Feel free to swap out the hummus for any other spread or dressing.

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Greek Wrap Romaine, chopped Red Onion, thinly sliced Cucumber, sliced or chopped Kalamata Olives, pitted & halved Goat or Feta Cheese Greek Dressing Roma Tomatoes, halved

Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Wrap Grilled Chicken Grilled Pineapple Slice Romaine, chopped Red Onion, sliced Sesame Seeds Teriyaki Sauce

Caesar Salad Wrap Romaine, chopped Red Onion, thinly sliced Croutons, crumbled Roma Tomatoes, halved Red Onion, thinly sliced Grilled Chicken or Grilled Salmon

Doré

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

The

New African Paradigm Study Group (NAPSG)

is an organization dedicated to the empowerment and education of our community through book study and our lecture series. We have brought many African scholars to St. Louis to awaken our people and to get on one accord to face the challenges in our community. The NAPSG is in need of your help so we are currently seeking new members to help us continue to be able to meet the demands of our lecture series and our study group. Our study group meets every 3rd Sunday at Sabayet, 4000 Maffit, St. Louis, MO. at 4:00 p.m. Please join us on our journey for knowledge of self, our gods, and our Ancestors. Contact James Steward at (618) 977-8191 for more information. Also, Like us on FaceBook.

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Debra, Has issued a $100 challenge

Help African Non-Profit Open Store African businesses, just like African people, have a responsibility to share their skills and resources with the people. When African businesses are dedicated to our people...

VIEW CAMPAIGN

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ART OF HEALING

Your Ad or Article could be here!

218

Hidden Jewels of North St. Louis

To all: I am trying to close in on my target for this project, please do two things: Support it with a donation as small as $10.00 and Forward this e-mail to friends, family and colleagues in hopes they can support as well. This link includes both the IndieGoGo site, and my St. Louis on the Air Interview.

Why Hidden Jewels of North St. Louis Matters For those who just want to go straight to the campaign site go here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/hidden-jewels-of-stl/x/46548#/ Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make this project happen! Thank you!

-Phillip W. Johnson, Producer of the #Ferguson Film Fire this Time

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

"I have lupus, but lupus doesn't have me. God does!" Denita's Team D4C: Dazzle 4 Christ

Greetings Family & Friends! As a lupus patient fighting this disease over 17 years, I have benefitted from the workshops,

educational events, & medical info. sponsored by the St. Louis Heartland Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA). YOU can help me continue these FREE and valuable services.

May 7 in Carondelet Park, the "Heartland Walk

to End Lupus Now" will commence. You can join my 'Friends in the Spirit' team by donating and walking, too! That's optional. đ&#x;&#x2DC;&#x160;đ&#x;&#x2DC;&#x160; My short testimony: "When I was first

diagnosed with this mysterious disease, I was told it would cause blindness, strokes, and ultimately death. I was gripped by fear for approximately 2 weeks. I had to consume a

concoction of medications that made me sick. Even greater, this diagnosis didn't align to God's plans and purposes for my life. So, I had a little talk with Jesus. God spoke! Much like He told the devil concerning Job- there were limits to what the devourer could do. It is a dis-ease, but His grace is sufficient. Therefore, I am made strong in my weakness by His power. God said lupus for me equates to Living Under (the) Power (and) Unction (of a) Sovereign, Supreme,

and Selfless Savior. So I must contribute to help those living with the disease, like myself, in order to glorify God- my keeper! Will you join me in the fight?"

Put on the full armor of God and join me in the fight. I gave $100. It's YOUR turn! Donate" http://lfach.convio.net/goto/Dazzle4Christ

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Ajuma Muhammad Author of 101 Proven and Effective Strategies for Empowering Black Boys

WATCH NOW!

1 0 Strategies

f o r E m p o w e r i n g B l a c k B oy s 1. Black boys should maintain a healthy relationship with God. 2. Black boys should honor and always respect their parents. 3. Black boys should embody greatness in everything they do. 4. Black boys should take pride in their history and culture. 5. Black boys should empower their community through leadership and service. 6. Black boys should be role models in their communities. 7. Black boys should honor, respect and protect the black woman. 8. Black boys should work to establish an economic foundation in their communities. 9. Black boys should travel internationally to better understand their place in the world. 10. Black boys should love themselves!

www.ajuma.org

Volume 3.3

Discov

DISCIP

in East S

To obtain an informed view of what is happening in American poetry and poetics, you have to do a lot of work. One task is to attend to matters of discovery and discipline in East St. Louis and the directions traced in Roy, Darlene. Afrosynthesis: A Feast of Poetry & Folklore. East St. Louis: Kuumba Scribes Press, 2015. Roy, a co-founder of the Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club, has compiled a guidebook to the kind of African American experimentation and lore which is seldom mentioned in such critical discourses on the status of our literature as the anthology What I Say: Innovative Poetry by Black Writers in America (Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 2015), edited by Aldon Lynn Nielsen and Lauri Ramey. Roy’s book is evidence that our literary culture is vast , always contributing the American historical narrative which is myopic and unfinished. The yearly “Da-Dum-Dun” gatherings that pay homage to Miles Dewey Davis, Henry Dumas, and Katherine Dunham enliven triple consciousness regarding sound, words, and motion, but that consciousness can only be transmitted by such a creative document as Afrosynthesis, which allows us to discover the rewarding discipline of the kwansaba, a fixed poetic form that originated in East St. Louis. “The kwansaba,” Roy explains , “is a form composed of seven lines of poetry, each of which has seven words, with each word containing no more than seven letters. It was developed by Eugene B. Redmond and refined in an EBRWC summer workshop in 1995” (60). The forty-three kwansabas in Afrosynthesis, which are prefaced by free flowing poems, blues, toasts, haikus and tankas ---preparatory works for

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overy

and

PLINE

St. Louis

dealing with the challenges of the kwansaba, illuminate how to both conform to and depart from the strict rules. In “Appendix: Guidelines to Writing Effective Kwansabas” (60-61), Roy enumerates permissible exceptions to the rule of seven and suggests using alliteration, assonance, neologisms, and onomatopoeia to maximize variety. It is pleasant to discover from careful readings of Roy’s kwansabas how discipline within a tradition inspires remarkable innovations ---re-w(rapping), for example, of consciousness into conch-us-nests. Through the dedicated play with language and form, Roy teaches us how shape historical clues about the April 1, 1865 founding of East St. Louis or the July 2, 1917 race riot (a prism for Ferguson, August 9, 2014); craft praise poems for Mrs. Ezora Gertrude Woodard Duncan, Josephine Baker, Barack Hussein Obama, Sonia Sanchez, Quincy Troupe; remix Paul Laurence Dunbar’s phonetics with the humor of Langston Hughes. Ultimately, Roy teaches us that the discipline demanded by fixed poetic forms begets stronger authenticity and encourages sustained meditation on the conditions of now. Ah, yes. Afrosynthesis gives us proof that innovation in a nest of complex African American imperatives is a beautiful thing in need-plagued time. ~ Jerry W. Ward, Jr.

May 11, 2016

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

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.

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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.

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FROM THE LAMBERT BROTHERS

Way

Black In Time Series

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watch now

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Volume 3.3 May 12, 2016

VIDEO: bell hooks + Kevin Powell conversation on manhood, trauma, hiphop, violence against women, healing, more:

Click below to watch now!

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Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Scott Joplin House State Historic Site Family FunDay for Earth Day Sunday, April 24, 2016 2:00 - 4:00 PM 2658 Delmar, St. Louis, MO 63103

Create Your Own Kokedama!

In honor of Earth Day, April 22nd create your own hanging garden Inspired by the Japanese bonsai technique of kokedama. We supply the moss, soil, rocks, string and plants. You supply your green thumb! This event is free, but space is limited and you must register.

Please call and RSVP (314)340-5790.

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t e e w T t e e w T t e Twe t e e w T t e e w T t e Twe t e e w T t e e w T t e Twe t e e w T t e e w T t e e Tw t e e w T t e e w T t e e Tw Follow us Tweet t e e w T t Twee t e e w T t e e w T t e e Tw t e e w T t e e w T t e e Tw @ArtsTodayez

#artstodayEZ

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OPPORTUNITIES

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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.

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Closing in on my goal for “Fire this Time” - if everyone would do two things 1) support the making of this film with just a $20.00 donation and 2) encourage 2 of your friends to do the same - it will allow me to license some additional footage and photos - you can donate now by going here: http://www.cmt-tv.org/#!join-the-team/c1195 CMT-TV.org is a 501c3 non-profit organizations thus your donations are tax deductible - thank you - the making of this film will help me attract more resources which will allow real community filmmaking in STL -Phillip W. Johnson Producer of the #Ferguson Film Fire this Time

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CAREERS

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A big Thank You to our CONTRIBUTERS