June 2020

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June 2020

FREE

Gesso Magazine supports Pride Month and Stands in Solidarity Against Police Brutality and Injustice, Locally and Globally

Issue

Larry Spencer

Serving Up Art, Music, and Culture for the Metro Area’s Enjoyment 1 GessoMagazine.com Gesso Magazine

Inside Page

June 2020

Editor’s Word – June 2020

Straight Up Magazine is now Gesso Magazine and it is here with its 59th edition ‘Serving Up Art, Music and Culture for the Metro Area’s Enjoyment’. The St. Louis Metro deserves its own arts and entertainment magazine. And here it is. It’s called Gesso!!!

We are so very pleased to have Larry Spenser as our featured cover artist. Larry has been a friend of Gesso / Str8Up since its very beginnings in 2006. With his unique digital art techniques, he creates brilliant, dynamic works portraying proud and strong Black figures and experiences. See more of Larry Spenser on pages 16-19.

In March, we proudly sponsored and curated another Governor French Gallery exhibition, Jacque Davis's "Dreaming in Color", which, technically, ran through April 10th. Technically, because right after the March 13th Artist Opening Reception, the world shut down. And, though the exhibition is still hanging, it can only be seen from the sidewalk windows as the Gallery - and the Governor French Academy - is quarantined until further notice.

The Governor French Gallery is located at 219 W Main Street in beautiful Downtown Belleville, IL. Walk or drive by and see the amazing textile artwork of Jacque Davis.

We thank our writers for their poignant features and all those who contribute to this project. We appreciate all of those individuals who have submitted their works for publication. And “Likes” to all you followers on Facebook!!! We are grateful to you, the reader, for reading this latest issue of Gesso Magazine – issue #59 in the Str8 Up Magazine legacy!!!

Like Straight Up before it, the mission of Gesso Magazine is to support local arts and artists and the businesses and organizations that support local arts and artists. We invite you to contact us with ideas, comments, information, etc. that might assist us in our mission to serve you, the residents of the St. Louis Metro area.

WE WANT YOU! - All you artistic and creative types out there! You should contact us. Show us your work. Tell us of your craft and brief personal/artistic history. Submit any art form that you’d like.

Perhaps, you can be one of our next published contributors or even a featured cover artist. Check out the Submissions Pages to see who’s featured this month. Next month, that could be you!!

Enjoy Gesso! Tell your friends. Send us your work. And visit our website at GessoMagazine.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook daily for new and additional events and content. For the time being, you will not see Gesso Magazine at hundreds of area distribution locations! And we will not see you at the clubs, theatres, galleries, and festivals all over the St. Louis Metro Area.

We will be online only till the brave new world returns.

Be healthy and be safe.

P.O. Box 412 Belleville, IL 62222 * (314) 266-9199 Editor@GessoMagazine.com

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June Credits

Staff

Editors: Jake Bishop, Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert Layout Design Artists: Jake Bishop, Dylan Seibert, Mark Polege Sales: Thomas W. Allred Sr, Jake Bishop, Jake Choate, Dakota Kramer, Michelle McGee, Jennifer Lynn Reida, William Schmitz, Paul Seibert, Dylan Seibert Ad Artists: Jake Bishop, Mark Polege, Dylan Seibert, Wil Sullivan Calendar: Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert Website Design & Up-Keep: Mark Polege (MarkusDesignWorks.com), Jake Bishop Photography: Mark Polege (PhotographyofMarkPolege.com)

Contributors

Cover Artist: Larry D. Spencer Cover Logo: Jake Bishop Comics: JW Game Page: Dank By Design Fun Page: Jake Bishop Photography: Courtesy of: Campbell Museum (pg.10-11), Dakota Kramer @statesidecreations (pg.26-33) All material in this publication and its affiiated on-line content are copyrighted to the individual contributors or Gesso Magazine, LLC and may not be reproduced without written consent. We are very grateful to those who have submitted material to be considered for publication. However, the opinions and views of those contributing content to Gesso do not necessarily reflect those of Gesso Magazine.

The Gesso Movement Relies on Your Support!!

We are committed to supporting local artists, musicians, & businesses and providing this printed material FREE to readers month after month!!

We invite you to reach out to us!!

Together we can discover how we can best help you, your band, your business or organization, etc. and how you can best help us in our continuing mission.

Hit us up on Facebook or Instagram or via GessoMagazine.com Editor@GessoMagazine.com

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A Message From Gesso Magazine

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June 2020

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Governor French Gallery Exhibition Dreaming in Color Textile Arts by Jacque Davis

Opening Reception: Friday, March 13, 5-8pm Due to the Covid quarantine, the Gallery is closed.

This exhibit is continued indefinitely.

"You can't come in, but... you can see the exhibit through the windows."

Sponsored and Curated by Gesso Magazine Governor French Gallery 219 West Main Street Belleville IL 62221

Table of Contents

June 2020

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Resilience of an Artist

by Christie Luadzers

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Sunday Morning Game Night from Dank By Design

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June Comics

by JW

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Larry D. Spencer

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The Interesting Tale of Robert Campbell

by Carrie Paul

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June Submissions

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Friends of Gesso Membership Program

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featuring: Stacy Pants, Maxi Glamour, Joshua Vaughn, Dakota Kramer

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June 2020 Resilience of an Artist

by Christie Luadzers It circles and intertwines our lives every day, connecting us all over our beautiful earth. Music. Photos. Designs. Our senses crave the interaction. Graphic Designers. Musicians. Chefs. Artists.

Architects. Hair Stylists. Photographers. Even Engineers find comfort in the creating, and beauty in the bizarre. Every person has accepted it as a part of their lives, down to the colors on our walls and the personalization on our shirts.

Since the beginning, art has been an integral part of growth for mankind. All nationalities relied on carvings, drawings, and later handwriting, to document the vital aspects of their lives and beliefs. For many, it became a most important trademark of their families, their tapestries, dishes, and even family crests.

In our modern lives, we began life being encouraged to walk, dance, talk and sing. In preschool, we learn to express our originality by learning to write and create. Seriously, what are letters if not lines and our words: the patterns? In the United States, elementary schools devote school hours each week to learning musical notes and melodies, color hues, and shapes. Lines and angles are even interpreted in math classes. Our options widen in high school as we venture into Band, Orchestra, Dance teams, maybe even the Stage.

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Artists are undeniably flexible with their brave elasticity and reflective vibes. The COVID19 pandemic is not the first tragedy to propel artists into a new realm of public reach. Pandemics spot up our history books all throughout time. With the spread of disease, comes burdensome emotions and looming pressure. How has art survived so many tragedies? By integrative creations with the diseases sometimes even creeping into our art, thus allowing our frustrations a place to give birth to new hope and refreshment.

‘Diseased’ art has made a path throughout history and can be found in medical books too.

Resilience is a necessity in the art world. Artists are accustomed to being told no and blocked by closed doors. However, artists are ingenious when not only opening those closed doors but breaking them down with elegance and finesse. Our artists are no strangers to working outside the box, but can they beat down the door from inside this time?

Our most recent culprit of struggles is social distancing restrictions.

As public closures all over the globe had tour buses parked, art studios colorless, galleries cold, and salon chairs empty, our emotions ran high and our pocketbooks ran low. The closures of schools caused many to regretfully set their work aside and place new hats upon their heads. The social connections that made the art world thrive were suddenly silenced. Or so they thought.

The love of the arts flourish in our teen years, where we not only explore ourselves but watch and learn from others who’ve gone before us. We little sponges continue to soak up the knowledge and drench our whole souls with inspiration. The spark one gets from seeing their first play, hearing their first concert, seeing their first exhibit, touching that first instrument. As college approaches, career choices flood our minds…each phase of our growth is different, but sweetly wrapped together by the strands of art.

After the initial shock sunk in and eventually seeped out, the perseverance of art reared its brilliant head. In all different directions we went, though not physically, but with our crafts guiding our paths. While some accepted the pause graciously, indulging in precious time with loved ones, or as newfound teachers; others began redefining their craft, continuing education, creating in home studios and virtual exhibitions. On any given day, you can now find artists teaching online, musicians sharing new songs, piano lessons, children’s art classes, contests and opportunities to gain certifications and college credits.

Our world finds itself in a different phase once again. This year, 2020, has hindered the spirits of many, delivering chaos, fear, and empty pockets too. As all different ages learn to cope with the drastic new ‘norm’ we’ve been forced into - artists, musicians, our lovable entertainers ache. Their pieces go unseen, their music goes unheard, their creative juices are dehydrated, their galleries are quiet, and routines are all a shamble. Their creativity screams inside them, clawing its way out however… no matter what the government says.

When we asked Prairie Moon Band guitarist, Allen Brenner, how the band members were trekking along, he was very positive about the spare time. “We haven’t played any gigs since restrictions began but we used our time at home for practice, we have new setlists with fresh music, we’ve doubled our online presence with reminders of upcoming concerts this summer, and our online invites are through the roof!” He shared that even with the separation, the band was able to renew their ideas, interest and attitudes.

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June 2020 Claire Joyce of TinyTwoHourPortraits.com had a much different situation. When once her days were filled with portrait drawings, printmaking, painting and costuming, Claire’s normal routines were thrown out the window when her family became homeridden. With two young children, she’s taken on the teacher role along with cafeteria, janitorial, counselor at times, and of course being Mom and wife all the while. Her days leave her mentally exhausted. With this being said, her creativity has not stopped per say, she’s just sharing it with her children now. “I am coming up with projects, activities for us to do that some people might consider unnecessary. However, if they are going to be home with me, I decided I just needed to lean into the creativity of having fun with them before we all drown in math worksheets.” Claire’s neglect to her art continually persists in her mind though. With an exhibition scheduled in Texas this fall, her mind frequently wanders to when she’ll have time to prepare. Reflecting on the current craziness in the world, “I think all we can do right now is soldier forward, respect the health of others and how we contribute to the health of our community. If you are being productive that is truly amazing, keep at it! If you are not finding positives for your art during this time, don’t beat yourself up. Everyone is struggling through this in different ways with different unimaginable challenges and it is okay to step away and manage general life while you re-examine how to integrate your art practice.” And after a busy, hectic day sharing her appreciation of art with her children, we can’t help but see art’s resilience shining through Claire, reminding us of years gone by when the love of art was first shared with us.

So many facets of our lives have been changed or removed from us during this time, yet we are such adaptable creatures.

When the rock band, Shaman’s Harvest, was unable to tour or perform live any longer, they continued to press forward.

“We’ve been writing and recording a new record. We’re just trying to take advantage of the ‘pause’. I’ve been spending as much time with my family as possible. When everything does open up, we want to hit the ground running,” says Josh Hamler, guitarist. His sentiment toward our technology and the ability to collectively work together, though remotely, has been a great silver lining for them. Even Josh recognizes that “nothing can stop a creative mind. Look around and find your inspiration. It surrounds you.” The band is ready to get back to business as usual and anxious to share with the world again.

Talking with creators of style, though their income has slowed they are exploding with hope. “It was a huge loss to be away from our guests, team/family and craft! The connection, friendships, laughter...but our passion is on fire! New techniques have been obtained, we’ve used the time to continue our education and certifications. We have a new hand sanitizing product too, Bonblissity by Jack Winn. My love for the craft never wavered (during these times), nor did my love for my guest family and team,” shares Danielle Withouse, owner of Simply Beautiful Salon and Spa. Artists coming together. Support systems in place. Creativity flowing.

Technology, a lifesaver. Virtual sales. Future plans. Passion on fire. Anxious artists maneuvering their way through this with hope abounding. The world may have closed, but creativity will always shine through. Our resilience is only mastered through challenges, and who doesn’t love a good challenge?

----------Christie Luadzers is a 40-something year old wife and mom of two awesome boys. She’s grown up in Jefferson City, Missouri and now raises her family there. Her love for story-telling began the day she wrote her first alphabet letter. Christie currently works in an engineering firm assisting six civil engineers. In her free time, you can find her writing, and supporting all facets of art on her Facebook page https://www. facebook.com/ChoBlu-927002727318480/.

She also contributes to ChoBlu.wordpress.com.

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Comics

June 2020

by JW

by JW

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June 2020

FUN PAGE Word Search: Pride Edition -Pride

-Non Binary -Acceptance -Androgynous

-Education -Culture -Inclusion -Cisgender

-Coming Out -Pansexual

-Celebration -Love -Stonewall -Queer -Rainbow

-Gender Fluid -Polyamory -LGBTQIA -Equality

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June 2020 The Interesting Tale of Robert Campbell

by Carrie Paul

It has been a strange and unprecedented year. As the nation braces to try to understand the current pandemic of Covid-19, and schools across America closed, along with businesses and workplaces, we all quarantined to flatten the curve. At this time of “social distancing” and staying home I began thinking back to previous Saint Louisans who had possibly experienced similar times under different circumstances. The cholera epidemic of 1849, the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, SARS, the list can go on and on, but it led me to reflect on a family I had previously researched in great detail. I worked downtown in 2005, and a house museum I came across while walking on my lunch break was undergoing a meticulous historical rehabilitation. The house and story of this particular family struck me then as remarkably interesting, and after thinking about it recently, has some fascinating parallels to our own times. The Campbell family that had lived in that very house had experienced not only the cholera epidemic and tragic fire of 1849, but also the Civil War, the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918, and the decline of their once affluent neighborhood into the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Despite these strange times in their day, they left a lasting legacy on the city. The Campbell Museum, which is that very house today, contains many of the family’s belongings and beckons its visitors back to the times when America experienced radical changes both socially and industrially.

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Robert Campbell came to America in 1822 as a poor Irish immigrant. He became a famous mountain frontiersman and fur trader after moving to Saint Louis. His employer John O’Fallon was also from Ireland and took a liking to Robert and viewed him as a hard worker, valuing his work ethic and drive. Robert had suffered severely from lung issues as a child and O’Fallon knew of a doctor who specialized in breathing conditions. Robert’s pre-disposition to respiratory illnesses made him consumptive, so the doctor advised him to head to the Rocky Mountains around the year 1825, and the rest was history.

Robert trapped furs, and later became a clerk for the infamous Jedidiah Smith with his skills and education. He learned several languages while trading with Native tribes and became one of the most successful mountain men of his time! When he returned to Saint Louis, he went into business with a man named William Sublette and owned a successful dry goods store, while also venturing in the banking industry and investing in steamboats. In 1846, he became the Indian Commissioner and state militia colonel during the Mexican American War under President Fillmore. He later married a Southern woman named Virginia and both lived through and experienced the Saint Louis cholera epidemic of 1849, as best they could in their time. This was combatted with the tragic great riverfront levee fire in May of that same year, and the waterfront store they then owned was destroyed. Fire, plague, pestilence and death ravaged the city that year according to one historian. The Campbells also lost their first born child, as did hundreds more across the area, as the disease peaked, killing one in eleven people almost daily. Over 722 people in one week were reported as death by cholera in Saint Louis alone that fateful July, with one tenth of the population dying from the disease. Having no sewer systems and dirty drinking water which bred bacterial infection in the water were heavily the cause, but they, like us today with Covid-19, knew little at first as to what could be done to “flatten the curve”. The Campbells later moved from the heart of downtown into a very desirable location for the time, called Lucas Place which was just west of the downtown city limits. This became the first “suburb” and private area west of the city and was handsomely priced. Indoor plumbing saved countless lives for those who could afford to live in this new area, and helped considerably with the health crisis regarding sanitation and bathing of that time period, as fresh water could now be channeled into homes, lessoning cholera and its impact. The Campbells triumphed in other endeavors and became quite successful despite the crisis.

( Robert Campbell )

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June 2020

( Hugh Campbell )

The Campbell House Museum, named in honor of the family, was one of the first houses built in Lucas Place at the address then known as 20 Lucas Place. All the houses were large and handsome mansions and the area was once considered a quiet, safe, and relaxing place to raise a family. Today the street has been renamed Locust (1508 Locust today) and it is hard to picture such a neighborhood, as the only house that still stands there is this particular home. The Campbells had survived the Civil War in Missouri, previously emancipating their slave Eliza who was inherited when Virginia’s father had passed away.

Virginia and her mother did not like the institution of slavery and freed their slaves before the Civil War began. By the 1870’s, the Campbell home was the hub of entertainment and many prominent people, including President Ulysses S. Grant, were visitors to their house as Virginia was quite the socialite and loved to entertain. The Campbells faced many tragedies, none so great as losing ten of their thirteen children in their lifetimes.

Three children survived into adult hood: Hugh, James, and Hazlett. Hugh had kept in touch with Eliza and helped her and her family financially after the death of his father. She had an incredibly special bond with both Hazlett and Hugh for many years until her death in 1923. Hugh also helped countless other orphan children with philanthropy measures and left a lasting legacy on the neighborhood and city itself.

Hugh Campbell never married, and lived in the home with his two brothers, James and Hazlett as others in the area began flocking out to new private places further west of Lucas Place as the area went on the decline into the early part of the Twentieth Century. Unfortunately, Hazlett who at one time rode

horses, played baseball, and read intensely as a child, became mentally ill around the young age of twenty. Hazlett was loved and cared for by his older brother Hugh once Robert and Virginia passed away. Tragedy struck again, when James passed away from influenza at the young age of 30 after he went to Paris in 1890. He was remarkably close to Hazlett who then became quite reclusive and depressed. Hazlett suffered a stroke in 1924 and became bed ridden. Hugh spent his remaining years largely caring for his brother. Hugh passed away in 1931, and Hazlett, the last Campbell, died during the Great Depression in 1938.

Their gift to Saint Louis was in fact the home and middle Victorian artifacts within. Hugh had extensive photographs from 1885 into the 1920’s which were found and are today part of the museum’s archives. These photos served as a basis for that restoration in 2005, and since the brothers were mostly reclusive in their later years, the house was largely intact from their time, almost like a time capsule, giving historians and locals a peek into the past. Today the house can be toured and is one of the best examples in the nation of life in the 19th and early 20th Century. Blogs, websites, and documentaries serve as great resources for more information on the fabulous life and interesting tale of Robert Campbell. Check out the Campbell Museum today! - hours may be limited during the Covid-19 pandemic.

( Campbell House Museum ) Sources http://www.campbellhousemuseum.org/ https://stlgs.org/ research-2/life-death/medical-disasters/cholera-epidemic-of-1849 Pictures courtesy of 1885 collection and the Campbell museum website – archive.

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Introducing:

The Friends of Gesso membership program * Donate any amount to become a member * Donate $10 or more and receive a Gesso sticker as a thank you gift * Donate $100 or more and receive a Gesso sticker and a T-shirt as a thank you gift All Members will be thanked in print in the next issue (unless they wish to remain anonymous) All members who provide a valid email address will periodically receive invitations to access special bonus content on GessoMagazine.com, as well as other perks!

(No email addresses will be sold to any third party EVER) Gesso Magazine reaches THOUSANDS of people on both sides of the river & serves the local art & music scene by continuing to make this publication available to the public free of charge.

This community project relies on the support of the community it serves. Help us keep LOCAL art and music ALIVE.

June 2020

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

To become a member, send us an email at Membership@GessoMagazine.com Or send us a message on Facebook Or cut out this form and mail it to: Gesso Magazine P.O. Box 412 Belleville, IL 62222 Your name, or that of your business, band, group, or organization: Email (optional): Donation amount: Would you like to have your name excluded from print in the next issue?: (those who do not answer will have their name included) GessoMagazine.com

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June 2020

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June 2020

Attention Gesso Readers: We are seeking to continue highlighting in our digital magazine, on our website, and on social media those local artists, bands, musicians, performers, and businesses that are continuing to do their thing during this Corona Shutdown time period.

Please help us in that mission by sharing with us any such examples that you are aware of either via email at: editor@GessoMagazine.com or via our Facebook Page Thank you so much and please stay up with us via social media and GessoMagazine.com GessoMagazine.com

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June 2020

Larry D.

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June 2020

Spencer

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June 2020 Gesso Cover Artist: Larry D. Spencer was featured on the cover of Str8 Up Magazine #7 in December of 2006 and was also featured in #25 in August of 2014.

Larry D. Spencer’s style of mousepainting was created in the 90’s after 30 years in Graphic Communication Art and Design, and Editorial Cartooning. He creates “Mousepaintings” of Fine and Modern Art with today’s computer graphics technology. Larry has over five hundred creations of paintings and portraits expertly drawn using only the mouse as his paintbrush. “Mousepaintings” can be used as Screen Savers, Background Wallpaper, Icons, at home and in the office. View his gallery and enjoy a fresh and new flavor in the world of Fine and Modern Art at: www.mousepaintings.mysite.com/

Larry has been featured at The Governor French Gallery in Belleville. www.facebook.com/Mousepaintingsandmore/

Larry also authored the book: THE ART OF MOUSEPAINTING Fine Art Done With Today’s Technology

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June 2020

Attention Gesso Readers: We are seeking to continue highlighting in our digital magazine, on our website, and on social media those local artists, bands, musicians, performers, and businesses that are continuing to do their thing during this Corona Shutdown time period.

Please help us in that mission by sharing with us any such examples that you are aware of either via email at: editor@GessoMagazine.com or via our Facebook Page Thank you so much and please stay up with us via social media and GessoMagazine.com GessoMagazine.com

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Submissions

June 2020

Stacy Pants “Stacy Pants (of St. Louis, MO) is a multi-disciplined artist with a diverse portfolio. Her work ranges from murals --both permanent and temporary-- paintings, illustrations and elaborate hand created costumes. Pants also offers custom graphics and illustrations, bringing your personal and commercial visions to reality in exciting ways. With a style focusing on the fantastic she uses primarily paints and markers to bring her unique characters to life. She has been a featured artist and live painter at dozens of galleries, festivals and concerts in the midwest and nationally. The emphasis she puts on contributing to the communities she works in, has quickly built her a loyal following who proclaim that everyone needs Pants!�

To see more of her pieces and for commision information, check out her facebook and website!

Facebook.com/StacyPantsDesign

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StacyPants.org

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Submissions

June 2020

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Submissions

June 2020

Maxi Glamour Maxi Glamour is a non-binary drag artist from St. Louis, Missouri and self-described “Demon Queen of Polka and Baklava.” They were a contestant in Season 3 of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula. Glamour also founded St. Louis-based Qu’art in 2014 and organizes shows that promote diversity in the queer arts scene. For more information on Maxi Glamour, check out their website at MaxiGlamour.com.

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Submissions

June 2020

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Submissions

June 2020

Joshua Vaughn “Remember that atoms make up matter and matter makes up everything around you. Black lives, like the atom, help contribute to everything around you. Black Lives Matter.”

An Atlanta, GA native, and now a Metro resident, Joshua Vaughn has been dabbling in the world of fine arts for the majority of his life. At the age of 30, he’s collaborated with other up and coming artists as well as prominent ones, the most noteworthy being Freako, a well known artist hailing from Atlanta as well. Vaughn’s art is a blend of sketch art, pop art, surrealism, and political, with Vaughn even experimenting in sketching tattoos as well.

Looking to expand on his brand, Vaughn has made himself more available for commission work in recent years.

You can see some of his work on his Instagram : themaniacalmr.fox Also, if you’d like to inquire about commissions or collaborations you can email him: joshua.r.vaughns@gmail.com

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June 2020

The Movement That Inspired Me

by Dakota Kramer My ma’ always told me “You’re an influence, so choose to be a good one.”

O’Rion Lee Perkins He is a five year old.

He loves to do cartwheels and handstands.

And he deserves to live a life full of happiness.

He doesn’t know it yet, but he is gonna have a hard life.

His family; they are all trap stars, Hot boys I’d call them — Men and women who don’t have their priorities straight, yet continue to do what they can to survive.

Because of people like this I must be an influence, but in the age of influencers how must you get your platform heard?

I want to make my ma’ proud and be that for Orion, by my actions and not just my words.

When I look into the night sky I often find his belt.

Three stars nestled above my head, A strong warrior in the Northern night sky.

He guides us  wanderers to find our homes, wherever they may be nestled — from sea to shining sea.

This young boy will be a mighty warrior just like his namesake, but until then I will fight for him, because he can’t fight for himself.

I have faced the poverty, the homelessness, the drug addictions, the demons, the attacks by the system, and the suppression, and I want to use my voice to write a story so little O’rion doesn’t have to feel that same hurt.

I may never receive a lick of recognition for the work that I fight for, but that doesn’t matter.

That’s not the movement.

The movement is love.

I was taught by Bob and Jerry, While you were eating Ben and Jerry’s.

Janis filled me up, and Jimi played my battle anthem, and I cried for the pain that we all continue to put on others.

We as a collective have to get together and raise the vibrations of this place, our home, Earth.

John and Yoko aren’t here to inspire a movement, but we are.

The Morgans and the Shawnas, The Reagans and the Kirks, We have Zohears and Tamaras, Fuads and Kats, Nikkis, O’RIONS.

We are fighting a war of peace, Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly For I am one with the land, My feet on the ground and my head in the skies.

An oxymoron — fighting for peace.

It’s just ridiculous that we are having to stand and fight the fight for freedom and justice 244 years after this country was founded.

It’s 2020, so just like your vision Keep your eyes open.

I’m a warrior in the movement, A medicine man.

I will heal the soul, as I heal the body And I will continue to teach those around me, Because I get what life is, I get what it means to be a human, And why I can’t tell you; I can show you.

For this land is my land, And this land is your land.

But really this land is O’rion’s land, And all the other boys and girls like him.

America was made for all shades, All creeds, All loves, And all walks.

Even Coca-Cola got that.

America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, so why is it that so many of us are cowering with our tails between our legs?

We often forget what the rest of the world has to deal with; Our freedoms are not guaranteed.

So while I’m taking up shop here in this place, I’ll be one of the brave.

A domestic powerhouse.

My name is not George or Thomas, I’m not a general in battle or a businessman, But I’m an average American who understands that I’m already dead; I’m just grateful.

Until my light shines out I’ll be The red of the blood, The blue of the soul, And the white of the mind.

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We Respectfully Support The People's Right To Free Speech & To Assemble As A Necessary Tool To Create A More Just & Peaceful World.

We Encourage Both Activists & Civil Servants To Have The Courage To Be Guided In Their Words And Actions By The Fact That We Are All Human Beings.

Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be inPhototobybe Alice Donovan Rouse Unsplash.com formed of the nature and cause of the accusation; confronted withonthe witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

Amendment VII In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.