[press] kit
“the balance and value that the arts provide [cannot] be replaced in life… we need to [FOKUS] on how important the [arts] are in LIFE… we want to highlight the enrichment and stimulation that the arts provide in cultivating the minds, both young and old, of our times.” Atiba Edwards, Co-Founder, F.O.K.U.S.
FIGHTING OBSTACLES KNOWING ULTIMATE SUCCESS F.O.K.U.S. Our MISSION
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Our ROOTS
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Get [FOKUS]ed
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F.O.K.U.S. [media properties] INSIGHT Magazine
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Official website
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F.O.K.U.S. [resume] Previous Events
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F.O.K.U.S. [members]
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Contact [F.O.K.U.S.]
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www.onefokus.org
our [MISSION] Founded at the University of Michigan, F.O.K.U.S. is an arts advocacy organization that strives to create and unite a diverse community using the arts as the common medium. F.O.K.U.S. provides inspiration for artists to continue following their dreams and for perspective artists to attempt an art. Our life is surrounded by art and F.O.K.U.S. highlights the importance of recognizing this fact through the production of events and workshops and by giving artists an opportunity to display their art. F.O.K.U.S. events attract artists and audiences from all walks of life. F.O.K.U.S. sees this inclusive nature is the only way to truly grow and develop as an arts community. F.O.K.U.S. uses the arts as tools for education, entertainment and empowerment. The core values of F.O.K.U.S. that guide all events and members are: accountability and integrity; community; creation of positive change; fortitude; innovation; inspiration; leadership; open communication; passion; respect for art and people and teamwork.
our [ROOTS] F.O.K.U.S., Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit arts organization that has chapter in the New York City region in addition to a student organization at Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan. After recognizing the absence of wide-reaching opportunities for artists to showcase their talents and audiences to experience a truly diverse arts experience, the two set out to correct this in a free-flowing and fun format. F.O.K.U.S. inspires and supports artists and audiences by producing engaging events such as workshops and concerts. Art is what unite us and that fact is why we as a people need to support the arts and artists. www.onefokus.org
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Get [F.O.K.U.S.]ed F.O.K.U.S. encourages people to share their art as a means to bridge various gaps and divides across individual identities by using the arts as the focal point. We, as individuals contribute to the arts on a daily basis; we use language, movement, action, and thoughts to express our ideas, feelings, and personality traits to others without restriction. F.O.K.U.S. utilizes this natural tendency to communicate to further encourage and highlight additional capabilities or talents of individuals in the community; we believe that ‘to take part in arts on a conscious level, individuals are able to enjoy and participate in a rich life, filled with varying perspectives, personal achievement, and team building.’ It is in this way that Art simply becomes an extension of a person’s or persons’ creative expressions presented in a tangible form to external audiences. In addition, Art then begins to flourish not only as collaborations take place between varying identities, but also through the sharing of art mediums and personal, artistic journeys. A main component of F.O.K.U.S. is enabling aspiring artists to display their talents. Two of the most important elements that artists need are a medium to share their work and the opportunity to receive feedback; both of which aid in the artist’s continued path to follow their dream. This role that F.O.K.U.S. takes on is especially useful when artists are up against “the wall of creativity,” and feel as though their work is not ‘good enough’ or worth pursuing.
The arts provide an essential, and at times undervalued, balance to life and a sense of well-being. Thus, F.O.K.U.S. creates a diverse community that enables and encourages individuals to develop and share their artistic talents. F.O.K.U.S. strives to provide a unique spotlight on the importance of arts in education and in life. We feel that embracing and developing creativity within the self and the community fosters growth within social networks and the mind.
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[INSIGHT] the magazine INSIGHT is a quarterly magazine published by F.O.K.U.S. The cover of each issue, starting with issue #5, features art work by emerging artists. We feature poetry, short stories, artist interviews, photography, art and more. All INSIGHT issues are available to read and download via the F.O.K.U.S. website.
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official [WEBSITE] www.onefokus.org Welcome to the official website of F.O.K.U.S. The purpose of this website is to communicate, educate, and convey our mission, goals, and other important F.O.K.U.S. related information to our internet savvy student body. It also promotes F.O.K.U.S. to the rest of the world. The website allows students to showcase their work and keeps students updated on the latest world news, entertainment, music, sports, and the arts. All articles are exclusively written by student reporters. There are other important features students can take advantage of as well such as being able to view and download all of our past and most recent newsletters; a continuously updated message board; and a scrapbook containing photos from all of our events. On a monthly basis, students are also updated on current and future F.O.K.U.S., on-campus, and Michigan area events. Students have the opportunity to advertise and sell their work as well
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[F.O.K.U.S.’] resume 2003 Establishing F.O.K.U.S. at the University of Michigan Mass Meeting & Outkast Album Listening Party: Our first mass meeting consisted of exposing the campus to F.O.K.U.S., our goals and missions as an early preview of the latest Outkast album at the time, Speakerboxx & The Love Below.
2004 Re-Establishing F.O.K.U.S. at the University of Michigan This meeting was designed to reintroduce F.O.K.U.S. to the campus featuring an updated logo, stronger core team and improved message for the campus. After our 2003 initial launch, F.O.K.U.S. did not have adequate support on campus to enact our intended projects. F.O.K.U.S. spent most of 2003 refining F.O.K.U.S. which included the launch of INSIGHT.
Movie Screening, Hooked: Award winning documentary, Hooked, the story of Demetrius “Hooked” Mitchell. This film screening featured a guest speaker, Michael Skolnik, who was the director of the film.
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ART-I-FAKTS I: Student Art Gala Art-I-FAKTS stands for Art Is Freeing Ambient Knowledge Through Salience. The opportunities for student artists to display their art was limited, especially if the students were not in the School of Art. F.O.K.U.S. designed ART-I-FAKTS to create more spaces and opportunities for all students and community members to have the ability to be part of an art show. This premiere art gala gave five students the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents with their peers and surrounding community. Featured artists were Erick Michael, Chamira Jones, Roberto Vazquez, Phillip Simpson, and Farnaz Mobayyen.
John Legend Concert In the fall of 2008, F.O.K.U.S. produced a sold-out show headlined by R&B sensation John Legend. The show openers consisted of performances by six student groups. This event marked the beginning of many high profile shows that would take place on the campus. F.O.K.U.S. invited six student groups to open for John Legend, awarding them the opportunity to perform in-front of a sold out audience and gain wider exposure.
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2005 ART-I-FAKTS II F.O.K.U.S. featured artists Mashawnta Armstrong and Maggie Kantola as part of the second ART-IFAKTS art show.
VANGUARDS: End of the Year Concert F.O.K.U.S.’ new annual event, “Vanguards,” was a celebration of the arts on the University of Michigan’s Diag. It showed the diversity that the arts embodies, both in physical art and the artists. The event highlighted students’ involvement in the arts including music and visual arts by putting them in front of the entire campus. This event was headlined with a performance by Slum Village, an acclaimed rap duo from Detroit, Michigan. The name Vanguards was chosen as it represents those leading the arts movement.
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F.O.K.U.S. Film Screening Series: This screening series was co-sponsored by the Center for Afroamerican and African Studies, MSA. UAC. M-Flicks, the Women’s Studies Department and the U of M Institute for Research on Women and Gender Heroin Town: An award winning documentary, Heroin Town, focuses on the town of Willimantic, Connecticut, whose Hotel Hooker and heroin problem were the subject of an investigative report by the Hartford Courant. The Courant’s article became the basis of a television piece for the CBS program 60 Minutes: 2. Josh Goldbloom felt that the true story needed to be told so he went to the town with only a digital camcorder and through interviews with the town residents, he shows the untold side of the story and the devastating effects of that 60 Minutes story on the town. On The Outs: A dramatic narrative feature based upon the real stories of girls from the streets and juvenile jail of New Jersey, who lent their voices and unique stories to the filmmakers. These are girls who struggle with all the highs and lows of teenage life in an inner-city world that makes its own rule. This film focuses on the stories of three different girls and how their worlds collide. It has won various awards and nominations. F.O.K.U.S. had Paola Mendoza, an actress in the movie and also the co-creator, on campus to lead an open dialogue with the audience on the film’s messages and the current state of the youth actresses. Crash: This film looks at several inter-related stories of individuals living in Los Angeles. It examines the racial component of each story as they begin to inter-twine. This film examines the race relations and stereotyping that takes place in these individuals’ lives and also takes place in the broader scope of the nation. A discussion with the audience of topics the film raised was held following the film.
Photo from “On the Outs” Screening
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“Hear Me” Project The “Hear Me” project is an event to remember those affected by the HIV/AIDS virus educate the community on HIV/AIDS and its effects. Artists were heard through music, poems, dance, movies and other forms of creative expression to show their experience with HIV/AIDS. This event was done in collaboration with Aids in Black and Brown and HARC.
F.O.K.U.S. Presents: The Remix The Remix was a multicultural talent showcase that featured poetry, dancing, break-dancing, DJing, singing and rapping. The student body is very talented and F.O.K.U.S. wanted to provide a stage for the various talents to be showcased. We featured a diverse group of performances to show the beauty in bringing together circles that seldom overlap.
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2006 F.O.K.U.S. Film Screening Series: “A Time To Break The Silence Through Film” This series was co-sponsored by University Unions Arts & Programs Office, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Frankel Center For Judaic Studies and Hillel. The four movies were screened on each Tuesday of January starting on the 10th. The motivation for this screening was to show how individuals used film to speak and share stories on a wide variety of subjects and issues. Music Is My Life, Politics My Mistress
A poet, playwright, civil and social activist, musician, composer, lyricist and author, Oscar Brown Jr. takes us on the road that is his birthright as a man of all seasons. In the feature length documentary film "Music is My Life, Politics My Mistress," filmmaker Donnie L. Betts focuses on the life of Oscar Brown Jr. and his great contribution to our history, which has gone largely unrecognized due to his politically charged speech and teachings. Donnie Betts held a discussion with the audience following the film. Born Into Brothels: Calcutta’s Red Light Kids
This film is a chronicle of filmmakers Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman's efforts to show that world of Calcutta's red light district. To do that, they inspired a special group of children of the prostitutes of the area to photograph the most reluctant subjects of it. As the kids excel in their new found art, the filmmakers struggle to help them have a chance for a better life away from the miserable poverty that threatens to crush their dreams. Innocent Voices
“Innocent Voices” was based on the true story of screenwriter Oscar Torres's embattled childhood. The film is the poignant tale of Chava, an eleven-year-old boy who suddenly becomes the "man of the house" after his father abandons the family in the middle of a civil war. Chava must decide if he is going to enlist in the guerrilla fighting forces or stay with his family. Oscar Torres was in attendance and held a very emotional discussion with the audience following the film. Paper Clips
Whitwell Middle School in rural Tennessee is the setting for this documentary about an extraordinary experiment in Holocaust education. Struggling to grasp the concept of six-million Holocaust victims, the students decide to collect six-million paper clips to better understand the extent of this crime against humanity. The film details how the students met Holocaust survivors from around the world and how the experience transformed them and their community.
MLK Art Show: Breaking The Silence Through Visual Art The Art Lounge inside the Michigan Student Union was transformed into an event that displayed student artwork which had the theme of speaking out and speaking up. Various mediums were displayed but the underlying theme was to speak out against prejudice and hatred.
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A Call To Action Through Spoken Word featuring Saul Williams As part of the annual MLK Month Long Symposium, F.O.K.U.S. collaborated with the MLK Planning Committee, Arts @ Michigan and Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives to hold a poetry event at the Mendelssohn Theater. Poetry was displayed in two forms at this event. The first form was a program that featured poems submitted by students, faculty, staff and community members. The second form was through spoken word performed by University of Michigan students and staff, members from The Neutral Zone and Saul Williams.
Hot 8 Brass Band plays New Orleans benefit to Save the Brass! Arts @ Michigan and F.O.K.U.S. collaborated to hold a concert which would help raise money for musicians displaced due to Hurricane Katrina. This event was held several months after the disaster in an effort to raise awareness that help and aid are still needed. The event was held at the Michigan Theater and featured opening performances by students and a feature performance by The Hot 8 Brass Band from New Orleans. Proceeds were donated to the Jazz Foundation of America.
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Hip Hop 101: Introduction ft. Jeff Chang, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, R.A.N. & Buff1 March became the “Unofficial Month of Hip Hop” because F.O.K.U.S. felt that Hip Hop is a powerful yet misunderstood collection of art forms. This event featured a panel of artists involved with Hip Hop in different ways. Jeff Chang is a writer and Hip Hop historian; Marc Bamuthi Joseph is an acclaimed performer and arts activist; R.A.N. is a University of Michigan graduate student from the NYC area and also a rapper and Buff1 is a graduate of the University of Michigan and a rapper from Ann Arbor. Hip Hop 101: Introduction was designed to provide insight and first-hand knowledge about what is Hip Hop and the many different pasts and positive aspects.
“The Truth Behind Hip Hop” Screening In collaboration with Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., F.O.K.U.S. screened this film to analyze a very different opinion on Hip Hop. The film was screened and then a discussion on the film and its content was held after the viewing.
”Beat Street” Screening This movie holds a prominent place in the history of Hip Hop. Beat Street embodies the motivation for “Hip Hop 101” because it tells the story of two friends trying to make it and expose people to Hip Hop music and culture.
“V for Vendetta” Promotional Screening F.O.K.U.S. partnered with Warner Brothers’ to help promote the upcoming film “V for Vendetta.” F.O.K.U.S. held a free advance screening on campus which filled to capacity as student had the chance to view the upcoming feature film.
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Band Camp The presence of a live band automatically enhances any event. F.O.K.U.S. held an open call for bands to be featured at “Band Camp” because F.O.K.U.S. felt that the members of bands are very passionate about what they do and they often juggle other commitments especially those in school. This free show was recognition of their work and talents.
“Letter to the President” Screening “Letter To the President” is a feature documentary that showcases the close-knit ties between the Hip Hop Music community and America's social and political policy in the last 30 years. This documentary gives some insight on the relations that Hip Hop has with the world.
Hip-Hop 101: Evolution ft. Kool DJ Red Alert, Popmaster Fabel, Blue Scholars, Invincible & Buff-1 This panel continues the Hip Hop 101 theme and was designed to give insights from individuals who have been around since the early days of Hip Hop and from individuals who are involved in the Hip Hop of a more recent time. The panel focused on how Hip Hop has evolved and also included personal experiences with Hip Hop music and culture. The second day featured a variety of events. A lecture by Fabel and footage from his upcoming documentaries started the day. He made ties between current trends in Hip Hop to various trends of the past. He also discussed gangs from the past and their involvement with the development of the Hip Hop Scene. Blue Scholars and Invincible discussed Hip Hop being used as a tool for positive social change. Kool DJ Red Alert discussed DJing and also played at the after-party.
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The Nigerian Nightmare Album Release Party F.O.K.U.S. held an album release party for member, Ayodele Alli, to celebrate the release of his spoken word CD, The Nigerian Nightmare. The event also feature an on-stage interview conducted by Atiba Edwards with Ayodelle.
Vanguards 2006 The second annual celebration of the arts was a great success. This year featured a stronger focus on the aspiring artists as we worked with student performers and local artists. The event featured free food and drinks, double-dutch, face paint and various activities to unite the campus and community in a day of art. F.O.K.U.S. had performances by local dance groups, rappers, poets, singers and a feature performance by Marina V, a pop star from the Los Angels area.
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Day of Change A Day of C.H.A.N.G.E. provides ALL students with the opportunity to connect with Michigan's commitment to diversity. F.O.K.U.S. hosted a graffiti mural for Extravaganza for CHANGE where students were able to stop by campus organization tables to take part in quick activities and learn about making CHANGE on campus.
ART-I-FAKTS Presents: [her] story [her]story was a student art gallery celebrating women in the arts. Art was displayed that was either created by or for women, as well as performed poetry and songs for the gallery entertainment.
F.O.K.U.S. Holiday Community Service F.O.K.U.S. members raised money and bought toys to donate to “Toys for Tots.” F.O.K.U.S. also spent an evening preparing a dinner for families at SAFEHOUSE, a shelter for abused women and their children.
2007 F.O.K.U.S. Film Screening Series: [REEL BLACK CINEMA] for MLK Symposium This is a film screening series exhibiting aspects of topics directly affecting African Americans through the art of film production. Films used in this series were Boys of Baraka, Rize, Unsound Mind, and the Vanishing Black Male. All events were hosted at the Trotter House.
The Nuyorican Voice: A Poetry Slam in Honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and Jose Marti This poetry slam featured Nuyorican Poets Café and HBO Def Poetry Jam poet, Anthony Morales, from New York City. www.onefokus.org
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Nigger: The Word & The Elimination Of It In collaboration with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc, this was a film screening of “The N Word: Divided We Stand� starring commentary from Russell Simmons to George Clinton on their personal history of the N Word. It was followed by a discussion of the origin, history, development and socialization of the word nigger in our society. Come evaluate why this controversial word has wounded a people for over 300 years and can still be used as a term for affection and even empowerment. Become educated and also discuss the implications of the word and how to finally rid ourselves of it.
Building Community through Dance Featuring Tommy the Clown and the Hip-Hop Clowns This year's student event is a dance tribute to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the 2007 theme "Building the Beloved Community." There will be performances by University of Michigan student organizations and will feature Tommy the Clown and the Hip-Hop clowns whom were highlighted in the documentary RIZE. Sponsored by 2007 MLK Symposium Planning Committee, the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives and F.O.K.U.S.
Vanguards 2007 Despite unfavorable weather, the third annual Vanguards celebration set a new standard for F.O.K.U.S. events. 2007 featured a stronger focus on aspiring artists not only on campus but around the country as well. The event featured tent with poetry performances, free food & drinks, double-dutch jump rope, face painting and various family oriented activities to unite the campus and community in a day of art. Performances included local dance groups, rappers j.a.m.e.s. watts & Gist (aka the Essence), brought in from New York City, Buff1 of Ann Arbor, and Invincible from Detroit. Rappers shared the stage with singers & bands such as Belikos, The Macpodz, and Animate Objects from Chicago. This year also saw the debut release of our first Vanguards Mixtape, The Sessions Vol. 1, which featured singles from all of the performers. The free mixtape was not only a great marketing tool, but also a hot commodity amongst students around campus.
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Jails, Hospitals & Hip-Hop Screening This event was a screening of the film version of the Danny Hoch one-man play by the same title. Following the screening was an intense and informative discussion about the eight characters in the film and their representation of urban culture’s influence on mainstream America. This event was sponsored by the University Unions Arts & Programs.
The Beat of Urban Art: The Art of Justin Bua Lecture, Art-I-Fakts Art Show, and Paint Workshop F.O.K.U.S. welcomed world renowned artist Justin Bua to the University of Michigan for a weekend of celebration of visual artistry. The weekend began with Justin Bua displaying and speaking about the origins of many of his works. Following the lecture, another installment of the successful Art-I-Fakts Art Show series was held, which featured the work of student artists. Justin Bua also autographed copies of his book “The Beat of Urban Art: The Art of Justin Bua.” This event also featured a workshop which allowed University of Michigan students to have their artwork critiqued by Justin Bua and gain knowledge from him as a professional in his field. Sponsored by MESA, OAMI, School of Art & Design, Division of Student Affairs, Arts at Hill, Arts at Michigan, MSA, and LASP.
Little Brother Listening Party Culture Bus to Little Brother Concert Prior to its retail release, F.O.K.U.S. hosted a listening party for the new album Get Back from rap group Little Brother. Students heard the album in its entirety before they were able to purchase it and also received free giveaways provided by the group’s record label. F.O.K.U.S. then took a bus full of students to see Little Brother live in concert in Detroit. This event was sponsored by Arts at Michigan. www.onefokus.org
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Roots, Rock & Reggae Lecture & Concert Featuring Ronnie Davis and The Pocket The lecture featured reggae legend Ronnie Davis providing students with a lesson on the history and evolution of reggae music and his experiences in with reggae music in Jamaica. Then there was a concert where students and members of the Ann Arbor community were exposed to a musical form that has not had a strong presence on campus. This event was sponsored by Arts at Michigan, MSA BPC, LSA Screen Arts and Culture, Program in American Culture, SAPC, Comprehensive Studies Department, and Honors LSA.
Hear Me Project 2007 In collaboration with AIDS in Black & Brown, this event educated the community on HIV/AIDS through spoken word poetry and speeches by local professors. Attendees left this night with a greater awareness of this very important issue that is affecting so many individuals throughout the world.
The Remix: Featuring Matthew Santos This 2007 student talent showcase featured performances by student groups and rising national recording artist Matthew Santos. This event allowed students to show their peers their art. The Remix featured performances from student and local performers including Angela Davis & Alton James, Yoshi, Dance 2XS, Darren Criss, and The Day Manolete Was Killed. Sponsored by University Unions Arts and Programs Umix Late Night and Motivation Boutique.
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2008 One Harlem Service Day and Celebration with City Year F.O.K.U.S. partnered with City Year to produce a celebration event for their One Harlem Service Day. The event provided food, games and performances to congratulate the volunteers and members of City Year. Volunteers worked on service projects including mural painting, landscaping in community gardens and parks. The celebration event featured performances by youth groups in the area of tap dancing and contemporary dancing, a singer, poet and a Latin dance group. Additionally, F.O.K.U.S. setup arts and crafts supplies around the park for kids to use as F.O.K.U.S. encourage them to freely try the arts
Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival and F.O.K.U.S. Present: Family Day 2008 As part of the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, F.O.K.U.S. and The Brooklyn Bodega/Room Service group produced Family Day on July 12th in Empire Fulton Ferry State Park. The event featured lacrosse demonstrations, board games, face painting, reading materials for families, arts and craft supplies and performances by poets and a salsa dancing company. Family Day was designed to address the epidemic of childhood obesity and the diseases associated with it, plaguing our community such as asthma and diabetes. Wes Jackson, Festival Executive Director, "Hip-Hop was created as a tool to quell gang violence in the Bronx. Now to many, Hip-Hop is synonymous with violence, misogyny, and materialism. That is not the Hip-Hop culture I live.�
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F.O.K.U.S. Presents: The Stoop 2008 F.O.K.U.S. launched its first annual NYC event / 5-year celebration in Fort Greene Park. The Stoop features a variety of genres on one stage as a means to promote the notion of one community of the arts. The event was held in Fort Greene Park due to its unique location as it serves as the intersection of many different cultures in addition to its ease of access via several methods of transportation. F.O.K.U.S. featured a blend of performances styles including house and experimental DJs, alternative, rock, reggae, rap and poetry for the audience. The Stoop mimics the concept of the common meeting places that are found throughout the world where people gather and enjoy each other’s company and share stories. This event was sponsored by Independence Community Foundation and The Fader.
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F.O.K.U.S. present “Karnival “ Taking note from the overwhelming success of Vanguards, F.O.K.U.S.’ end of year event, Karnival was a new take on our community building efforts. Rather than wait until the end of the school year to celebrate art openly, Karnival shifts the celebration to the beginning. This event took place in the Diag, and included games and food found at a carnival, as well as local and national musical acts. The well known rap group, Kidz in the Hall, was brought in from Chicago to headline the event. Our goal was to create a unique event that would encourage open interactions within the community, through games, food, and music. F.O.K.U.S. also wanted to show incoming students that college life includes fun and social interaction; not just studying and attending records. F.O.K.U.S. was able to capture the attention of passersby during our infamous burrito eating contest. This was something simple and fun that was talked about for weeks by members of the student body. F.O.K.U.S. also collected donations for the Neutral Zone, Ann Arbor’s Teen Center, to go towards funding their after school programs, including visual art and music classes.
Art-I-Fakts: New Orleans Art-I-Fakts: New Orleans was centered on the lingering effects of Hurricane Katrina three years after the fact, our bi-annual Art-I-Fakts featured art by F.O.K.U.S. member, Emma Raynor. Photographs taken by Raynor during a volunteer trip to New Orleans were on display in the University of Michigan Student Union Art Lounge, and were complemented by installations, a jazz band and an interactive art project for attendees. During the event, a short edit of Jack Taylor’s documentary shot in New Orleans was played to offer further insight on the effects of Hurricane Katrina through interviews conducted with affected residents. Taylor is a core member of F.O.K.U.S., and his completed film would later become the inspiration for “Monday Night In New Orleans” an event held in 2009. www.onefokus.org
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OFF THE WALL: Art Series: Destroy and Construct F.O.K.U.S. hosted an art exhibition at Deity Lounge in Brooklyn, NY. The event featured works created by AV One of Destroy and Rebuild, a grassroots New York City graffiti collective, and John Wright of Convoluted Construct. Deity’s brick walls and cozy lounge atmosphere made the social interaction between members and all attendees ignite; and further animated mission to bring light to the aim to destroy negative connotations and public opinions that are associated with graffiti. Attendance reached 200 for OTW, and included free food and available drinks as well as a number of giveaways provided by event sponsors: Fresh Industries, NY Kings/Frank151, Nort/Recon, Fresh Industries, Spraygraphic,, Streets Are Saying Things, and F.O.K.U.S..
2009 2009 MLK Symposium Student Event Janelle Monáe at the Michigan Theater As part of 2009s MLK Symposium, F.O.K.U.S. hosted Grammy nominated artist Janelle Monáe at Ann Arbor’s historic Michigan Theater. On a below zero degree night, F.O.K.U.S. brought together over 1,000 attendees to watch student poets, rappers, and musicians perform on stage. In addition to student acts Celsius Electronics, R.A.N., and Detroit’s Big Sean definitely put on a show to remember. To end the night Janelle Monáe put on an electrifying performance that made fans out of many Wolverine students and accelerated her popularity in Ann Arbor.
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INSIGHT Volume II Issue 1: Release Party To celebrate the re-launch of INSIGHT, F.O.K.U.S. held its magazine’s release party at Deity Lounge in Brooklyn, NY. The newly designed magazine was distributed to attendees while the party itself was being blogged in real time on the F.O.K.U.S. Twitter page by event-goers. Accompanying the release party, F.O.K.U.S. featured works from Destroy & Rebuild, Jeff St. Romain of Structure NOLA, and photos by F.O.K.U.S. member Emma Raynor, from her time in New Orleans a few years following Hurricane Katrina, and other art from the release issue. The event was sponsored by Frank151, Fader Magazine, powerHouse Books and F.O.K.U.S.
Monday Night In New Orleans This event featured poetry, music, and dance by University of Michigan students dedicated to once again remembering the effects Hurricane Katrina had on New Orleans and our nation as a whole. The goal was not to let people forget how much work still needs to be done in repairing the city. The event’s primary work was F.O.K.U.S. member Jack Taylor’s documentary shot while on a volunteer trip to Louisiana earlier in the year. The film focused on interviews with New Orleans residents affected by the disaster, documenting through words and footage the extreme extent of the damage done to the city.
One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show – A Play Reading On an energetic Sunday in March at the heart of Brooklyn, F.O.K.U.S. presented a live play reading at Solomon’s Porch. Don Evans’ play “One Monkey Don’t Stop Know Show,” was brought to an audience exceeding 100. F.O.K.U.S. member Mutiyat Ade-Salu and Courtney Harge lead a cast of 10 aspiring New York City actors to create an exciting Sunday brunch performance. A discussion followed the play which opened up actors and attendees to comment on the various messages found in this religiously charged comedy.
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Art-I-Fakts: [her]story The third annual [her]story featured art by various students, as well as performances by local poets and singers. F.O.K.U.S. also brought out Airea Dee Mathews, a well-known poet from Detroit.
Vanguards 2009 Once again, in April 2009 Vanguards brought art to the Ann Arbor community to celebrate the end of another school year. F.O.K.US. transformed the Diag into a community building block party complete with free food, games, face painting, and moon bounce to round out the days festivities. On the steps of the Hatcher Graduate Library F.O.K.U.S. hosted rappers j.a.m.e.s. watts from New York and Gist a.k.a. the Essence from New Jersey as well as a slew of student musicians and dancers, including the bands Manolete, Vox Maui, and Self-Me-I. Throughout the day the performances escalated in excitement and crowd involvement culminating in day’s main event: a rousing performance by Detroit’s own Mae Day. The 2009 edition of Vanguards definitely set a new standard for the scale of our year-end festivities and F.O.K.U.S. look forward to doing bigger things in 2010.
heART + Sole Art Show + INSIGHT Volume II Issue 2: Release Party F.O.K.U.S. celebrated the release of the second issue of INGITH Vol. II by curating an art show feature the artwork published in the issue release. The art show and party were held at Solefood NYC, a lower Manhattan customized sneaker and clothing store that also displayes emergeny and celebrity artists. The event featured works by legendary graffiti artists, STAN-ONE TSF, REE 2 MTA, PRIZ TS5, photography by Silvia Laserna, and art from See One, cover artist of Issue 2. Attendees enjoyed light refreshments, and a chance to interact with the artists. The event was sponsored by Solefood NYC and F.O.K.U.S.
F.O.K.U.S. Family Day 2009 as part of the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival F.O.K.U.S. produced its second annual Family Day event in association with the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival. F.O.K.U.S. set its sights on a full Family Day’s worth of vocalists, art workshops, and free programming for families to enjoy. The Festival’s theme this time around was the full family and their artistic needs, wants, and interests. The idea that grandparent, parent, child, extended family members and friends all attend events for various reasons, have individual expectations for what they hope to gain in their event experience themselves as well as for their loved ones is unique. F.O.K.U.S. selected a variety of artists, performers, and programming to satisfy everyone’s creative taste buds. Patty Dukes and RephStar of Circa ’95 hosted the Family Day, with performances by the Astronomical Kid, Black Girls Rock, Inc., Urban Art Beat, Beacon, and DJ Misbehaviour. Participating organizations included Younity, Metropolitan Hospital, SohNup Industries, Urban Art Beats, Bev www.onefokus.org
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Bond, NJ Nets LifeBeats, YWCHAC, F.O.K.U.S, and more. The event proved to be an enormous success for F.O.K.U.S. despite the unfavorable weather. Upward of 500 individuals attended the Family Day event and nearly 250 attended the Family programming during the evening concert. The Family Day included giveaways from sponsors Crayola, Sprite Green, Target, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Bodega, MetroPCS, and Metropolitan Hospital. Primary sponsors for this event were Brooklyn Bodega and F.O.K.U.S.
The Stoop 2009 F.O.K.U.S.’ second annual event, The Stoop, was an explosive celebration of the power of the arts. Circa ‘95’s Patty Dukes and RephStar hosted the event which features performances by headliner Keys N Krates, and supporting sets from emerging talents such as The Astronomical Kid, Caleb Curtis, Gist aka The Essence, The Kid Daytona, Fascious, The Approaching Storm, a Brooklyn youth drumline, and DJ Synapse. Organizations such as The Orange Giraffe Project, Bowery Arts and Science, Beyond Race Magazine, and Yelp! came out to display their information while sponsors IZZE, Boyland Bottling Co., The Fader, NY Kings, Robert’s American Gourmet, Yelp!, Staple Design and Fresh Industries provided free giveaways for all; while Tone [of Photo by Tone] took photos of the event. F.O.K.U.S. far exceeded its own expectations as an audience of over 800 people attend The Stoop 2009 and enjoyed its various offerings.
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Aerosol Academics Art Gallery F.O.K.U.S. an art show featuring Graffiti because it is an art form that triggers certain perceptions and assumptions that are not always favorable. The best way to correct misunderstandings and assumptions is to bring those being criticized to the stage to discuss the art of graffiti and its evolution. Aerosol Academics featured works from graffiti writers from the ‘80s and ‘90s, namely Crane TMT; Ink 76 Bad inc; Part TDS; Priz TSF; Ree 2 MTA; Sonic 002 Bad inc and Stan-One TSF, many of whom have been featured in the PBS Documentary "Style Wars" and the classic book "Subway Art" by Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant; two widely regard looks at the graffiti culture. Sponsors for this event were: Solefood NYC, Frank151, N.Y. Kings, Scrap Yard, Montana Colors, @149st, Pepsi, Brooklyn Brewery and IZZE and Fresh Industries
Art-I-Fakts: Hallo[what]?! Though Halloween is generally celebrated as a day for candy, fun, and mischief, as an organization F.O.K.U.S. hoped to look at all aspects of the holiday through Hallo[what]?! Costumes sometimes have the propensity to perpetuate racist and sexist stereotypes in a careless way, a subject F.O.K.U.S. addressed through a dialogue with attendees. For the event, F.O.K.U.S. gathered artistic representations of reality from a variety of student artists as the centerpiece for the day, which also included two local DJs, and candy to round out the event. Hallo[what]?! was a success on multiple fronts offering education, entertainment, and a great display of the creativity that our campus has to offer.
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F.O.K.U.S. [members] Atiba T. Edwards, Alma E. Davila-Toro, Allison M. Lasky, Francis Medina, Ashlee Arder, Bryan Davila, Lilia Epstein-Katz, Emma Raynor Jeff Albert, Ayodele Alli, Anna Barsan, Aneicka Bookal, Ivan Christopher, Jamie Killen, Giovanna Fischer, Malik Jones-Robinson, Kaz McNelie, Maya Pope-Chappell, Michael Rosen, Julian Allen, Dominic Jones, Denisa Fann, Katherine Drake, Felix Lopez, Jasmine Leon, Jozi Zwerdling, Malika Roy, Nina Nwachukwu, Levester Williams, Rachel Spruills, Quinn Konarska, Rose Jaffe, Theodore Cullinane, Tatiana Hofmans, Sasha Rosenthal
Contact F.O.K.U.S. at contact@onefokus.org
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[NOTES]
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“…we are a true [vanguard] … our [foundation] is created upon [avant-garde] art from student painters, poets, emcees, writers, musicians, dancers, and the like within our [community].” Alma E. Davila-Toro, Co-Founder, F.O.K.U.S.
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