Deloris Molentha Gutt There Are Blacks In Hawaii
Jeff Katts
Living His Dreams
Boys & Girls Club Aliamanu
Earth Angels Swimwear Showcase
Table of Contents June 2011
1 Jeff Katts
7 Deloris Molentha Guttman 15 Out and About with Godiva 17 Earth Angels 27 Social Jez with Taylor 30 Fave of the Month 38 Aliamanu Boys & Girls Club 43 Here’s the Deal with Twan Matthews Mahalo to our supporters: Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand Chef Cassie at Jawaiian Irie Jerk Manoa Valley Theatre Chiko’s Tavern Fusions Night Club Hawaii Actors Network Manifest Thanks to Bombay for his work on the Valerie Joseph fashion spread.
Excellence Happens through Endurance, Perseverance, Hope, Lov
Creator Jeanne Wynne Herring
Editor Jeanne Wynne Herring
Photographer Jeanne Wynne Herring
Public Relations Jeanne Wynne Herring Jared D.
Advertising & Marketing Jeanne Wynne Herring
Production Jeanne Wynne Herring
Technical & Web Development Jeanne Wynne Herring Chad Burch
Multimedia Jeanne Wynne Herring Chad Burch
Writers Jeanne Wynne Herring
ve and Blessings. Excellence isn’t given to you, you have to fight for
J
eff Katts was born and raised in Hawaii, and is the poster child for making dreams happen. His passion and drive for his “Soul Saviours” project is what convinced me to say “yes” when he asked me to be apart of his team. During the couple of years I knew
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Jeff and worked as his photographer, I have been inspired by his constant stream of ideas that proved to be exciting and, often, eyebrow raising. It has been a long haul for Jeff and the “Soul Saviours”. But, much like the “Saviour” in his stories, Jeff fights off the demons that relentlessly try to block him from his dreams. 2
I started with photography first. Then I saw a student editing at my college. She was editing one of her video pieces. When I saw that... I guess that’s when it began.
Tell me about yourself. I’m passionate about people who are passionate about creating something. I’m a go-getter, especially when it comes to my “SOUL SAVIOUR” project. I pour my heart and soul into it. What inspired you to start the “Soul Saviour” Series? Watching “Lord of the Rings” and “The Matrix.” These films had some “underlining” themes to them. I wanted to (at the time) do a film that would be not so much special effects driven, but something “supernatural”, but based on reality. 3
Did you always see sould saviour as a full series or was it supposed to be just one film? “Soul Saviour” is now known as a “transmedia” project or “transmedia storytelling,” which is a basic, original story that crosses different platforms like theatre, television, web, and film. That’s how I always envisioned it. Why the subject of the battle between demons and angels? It is the classic story of “good versus evil.” It doesn’t matter if you are religious or not, the subjects are universal. Why did you get into film?
Making my own stories... editing them... and sharing them with others. I loved going to the movies. Here’s a chance to live a dream. When you write your scripts, how long does it take to get your juices flowing? When do you know the story is complete? I suffer “writer’s block” every time and sometimes I have to force myself to write down ideas or dialogue. But rarely, there will be a time where the words will flow on the paper if the subject I’m writing about affects me. Sometimes I won’t know what kind of story I got until the last page is written OR when I get a chance to shoot it as a short film, movie, or webisode. I’m happy when there “is” something there, though.
Editing to me is like a fantastic puzzle that has millions of pieces but you can’t use all the pieces. How do you select the right pieces and put them together to form the right picture? Hmmm, I could never answer a question like that. Except to say that, editing is like being (a) drug addict. Once I start, can’t stop. I love the fact of being able to tell and share a story for others through video and film. Something about the “editing” this project is very challenging and very tedious. But it gives a great joy and a sense of accomplishment.
important. What advice would you give to aspiring film makers? Success is failure turned inside out. Passion and persistence are what makes dreams come true. Never give up on a dream.
Your journey with “soul saviours” has been long and difficult. What keeps you going even when you run into road blocks? Seven years. Seven years. I could have quit at any time, but I didn’t. I guess every year is a challenge. I believe the project will get me somewhere. If not, at least it has given me a chance to shine and makes me feel that I am 4
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It is the classic story of ‘good versus evil.’ It doesn’t matter if you are religious or not, the subjects are universal.
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f you watch TV shows or multiple films centered in Hawaii, or Hawaiian commercials you might think the islands are populated only with Asians, fair-skinned Hawaiians and white people. But if you live on the islands, and you walk down the streets, you will pass a gaggle of other cultures such as Mexicans, Indians, and African Americans (to name a few.) The islands are filled with so many cultures that are not represented in the media, yet they have been significant contributors to the growth and successes of the Hawaii. African Americans are 8
perhaps the most missed culture on the island. How often have I heard people say we just aren’t around. To the contrary, African Americans are all over Hawaii, and they aren’t necessarily military. Many, believe it or not, were born here. Descendants of individuals that were a part of Hawaii’s history. A part of history that tends to be looked over, ignored or simply not realized. African Americans in Hawaii (Images of America Series) exposes the truth about African Americans’ contributions to Hawaii, and it extinguishes the myth that we simply do not exist on the islands. I was honored to sit and chat with Deloris Molentha Guttman, founder of the African American Diversity Cultural Center Hawaii (AADCCH)and coauthor of “African Americans in Hawaii.” Deloris played many roles in her life. She is perhaps most noted as 9
an accomplished Author of children books and one of the top educators of African American accomplishments on the islands of Hawaii. Deloris founded AADCCH in 1997 after viewing racial injustice. She saw the need to bring to light the importance of African Americans in Hawaii. After reading your book i have found that the african americans have contributed quite a bit to these islands. However, we are under represented in the media. How do you feel about the lack of representation? I only know two (African Americans visually in the media.) How many people do you know in the main media visually? Channel 4 just hired an African American sports guy. He just came in since the fall of 2010. Channel 9 did have another lady, and I never did meet her. Was at noon time, she had about 5 minutes on
the news. They also have another one... the Star Advertiser has a black woman who is over there. I think she is a reporter. I’ve never met her. But in terms of the media, you still don’t see us. Because, they said there wasn’t a need for it. Cause they can’t see us, and that is the nature of the book. Arcadia Publishing... they do profiles on African Americans around the United States, and this happens to be one. This one is unique because of our President, and people were asking where are the black people in Hawaii because you can’t see us. This book was supposed to get a little bit behind the scene view of what we are doing in this assimilated community. We are here (number) with all of our parts. Earnest Golden, who is my coauthor, came out at 19, and he has four generations of family, and they’re all chop suey. So, when I say our pieces... when they count the
census, they said “mark black.” That’s what they put. So, it hovers around 20,000. They don’t do the diversity pieces. So, they are not counted. So, with the people, our families, we are looking at least of 30,000 African Americans who are African ancestry in all of our Islands. It’s pretty much that but it’s not counted, because they probably put down whoever their mother is not counting her other part. If she says she’s Hawaii, if she says she’s Filipino, or Portuguese. Whatever, that’s what goes down on the census. The thing is, is that it doesn’t give us representation, you know, to be worth noting. So, we get downgraded. So, they say we hover around two, two and a half percent. What they don’t know is that 20,0000 is not two percent. However, the Koreans are about the same size of the African American population, and they get acknowledged, but we 10
don’t. Are you saying that, because they don’t feel there’s enough of us, there’s no need? Yes, there’s no need. I had one of the editors of the Star Bulletin. I had called about something one day and he said, “you people don’t make a difference.” In other words, there’s not enough of you to give thought to. Of course, I wrote a letter to the editor. My comments to the editor were based on the conversation, but he edited out but they ran it. How long ago was this. I guess I’d say it was in the 90s. I was living in Hawaii since 1973. I didn’t see us going or coming for months. I was the one who circulated all over the place, and when we did see someone who looked black my children would say “Mom,” and we always slapped hands with each other because we were so happy to see somebody. Remember Dr. Dubois
always talked about “attunes” How we reflect on other people. Not what we are we reflect what they see, and we try to be what they say. Attunes! We all try to be somebody to please society. We forgot who we are as a people... as a cultural people. Best Known for the “Images of America” series, Arcadia Publishing is the leader in local history books, in the United States. “African Americans in Hawaii” is one of many Arcadia books that chronicle the history of the United States through images. “African Americans in Hawaii” can be picked up at Barnes & Nobels, or it can be ordered online at www. arcadiapublishing.com. Learn more about the African American Diversity Cultural Center Hawaii by visiting www. aadcch.org.
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J E A N N‘ E W Y N N E H E R R I N G P H O T O G R A P H Y
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sually I’m here, there and around the square, but as we all know money makes the world go round. That being said my world has been on a flat. So I’ve only been going to my local HQ’s. However, there was an event that I had to put my world back in motion for. My grand 26th Birthday party. I knew I wanted to do a lot but also knew I had a realistic budget. So i decided, for once, to keep it simple. So I asked the good crew of Hula’s Bar and Lei stand to allow me to have my bash there with a V.I.P. section that is only existent when performers come to town. Being the star that I am, how could they say no? They set up a beautiful area for me to run rampid in privacy, and peek out at the underlings, I mean other patrons of that night without getting overkill on their mugs. My nearest and dearest came to play including my wonderful editor who played security to my luxury den before I arrived. Might I add, I was an hour late to my own party, but I can do that because I’m Godiva dammit! One thing was absent. My killer fashionista style. Due to elements that I will not type of, I was not able to get my hairstyle, new outfit, or facial hair love that I needed. However, I was gifted a beautiful Armani Exchange shirt by my dear friend, and server of the night, Talon Garbiso. However, I still have to get my fashion ideas out of my head. On the eve of me typing this article, I will be attending a fashion show headed by ultra fashionisto Caleb Shinobi full of glam and a red carpet. You know they messed up allowing me to walk the red carpet. I’ll be reporting of the runway show in the next issue. I’m sure it will be fierce, and the models will be hot.
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E A RT H A N G E L S S W I M W E A R In March, Earth Angels Swimwear showcased its seductive
line to a large crowd at Pearl. Local designer, Dii, beame d with pride, and she has plenty to beam about.
Visit www.earthangelswimwear.com to see how you can order your new swimsuit in tim 17
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Manoa Valley Theatre ~ A Story
When you mention
live theatre to most people they all have the same image. A big space with seats numbering 1,500, balconies and private boxes, a curtain that spans from floor to ceiling, and set pieces that seem magically to fly in and out without assistance. Where, in some cases, this might be true, not all theatres are big or high-tech. For instance, The Hawaii Performing Arts Company, also known as Manoa Valley Theatre. Located about a mile up the road from UH Manoa, this black box theatre has been dubbed Hawaii’s Off Broadway Playhouse. This 150 seat black box theatre can switch from standard house seating, to thrust and even into cabaret seating to fit the feel of 27
the show. But don’t let its small size mislead you. This theatre has put on such shows as “Cabaret”, “Sideshow” and “Avenue Q”. MVT thrives on producing Hawaii Premiers of shows most others are afraid to tackle. So let’s go into its history a little. HPAC was founded in 1969 by a group of graduate students in the University of Hawaii Theatre Department. During its first two seasons, the company performed anywhere they could find space. Often in small spaces in downtown. In 1971, when more space was needed, the company moved into the Kawaiahao Church’s Manoa Valley Chapel, with a seating capacity of 100. In the years of 1983 – 1987 the company raised monies needed to build
an expansion onto the theatre allowing space for an office, and more storage and playing space. During the building phase, the company found them once again on the road, performing off site in schools and at other theatre venues until their new building was up and functioning. In 1987, the new building was dedicated. At the helm of this company is Dwight T. Martin, Producing Director. Dwight took over the position in 1980 and has held it ever since. Mr. Martin leads the small professional staff of 5 full time workers, 4 part time
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workers and an army of volunteers. As a not for profit company, MVT has a Board of Directors, which is made up of 35 members of the community. Together they help shape the company, and raise much of the money needed to keep the doors open. Some of the board members aside from the money they help with also lend their help in the office, with technical support and some even have appeared onstage. MVT is said to have a family feel. All company members agree that when they work on a show with this small theatre, whether
first timers or those returning after a long break, MVT feels like a family. They welcome all who want to join, and spend much of their off time together, enjoying each others company. Oh did I mention they are located in the middle of a graveyard, which made their showing of “Rocky Horror Show” even more of a treat for Hawaii audiences. Recently, MVT found it caused controversy by producing a show the way it was originally written. “HAIR”, a musical that had become known for its 5 second nude scene, was shown at MVT minus the added in scene. The cast
was made up of highschool students, and young adults. This lack of nudity upset the local reviewer beyond belief, and the theatre found their show mentioned in every review for the next almost 2 seasons. I guess he really wanted to see some minors naked onstage, which if you ask me is a really stupid reason to attend a show. Oh damn, looks like if got mentioned again. Recently MVT packed in the houses nightly with the Hawaii Premier of “Avenue Q”, a raunchy comedy with all the humor of “South Park”, but the look and feel of “Sesame Street”. The cast made, up of humans and puppets, takes a look at love, life and growing up. But don’t let the puppets fool you; this is not a kid show. The show features such songs as, “You Be As Loud As The Hell You Want (when you’re making love)”, “It Sucks to Be You”, and “The Internet is for Porn.” 29
There is just enough adult language to make you laugh, and it even features puppet sex. Some of the characters mirror those found on “Sesame Street”, Rod and Nicky are two young men who live together. While Rod, the Republican Investment Banker, sings about his girlfriend who lives in Canada, secretly he is in love with his slacker roommate Nicky. Nicky, while straight, sings to Rod, ‘If You Were Gay,’ where he tells Rod he would still love and accept him no matter what.
If you are planning a night at the theatre, and you want to check this place out I highly recommend it. However, if you are planning on bringing the kids with you, I recommend you call first. This theatre is often known for putting on the more controversial shows, they don’t shy away from the gritty dramas, the homosexual themes, or even the pedophilia in the catholic church dramas. On occasion, their actors find them selves naked or next to naked on stage with audience members less than 20 feet away.
They welcome all who want to join, and spend much of their off time together, enjoying each others company
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Kanov and Fusions
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BOYS & GIRLS CLUB Dreams can come true in-spite of trials and tribulations The Outreach Aliamanu Boys and Girls Club are closing it’s doors due to budget cuts. This didn’t prevent the young artists from showing off their good eye to an adoring public at Ong King for the first annual “Na Leo O Na Keiki” Media Festival. Monday, May 23rd, the most impressive art show was held in China Town. I have been to many shows, but this by far was the best and brought tears to my eyes. Children from the 38
Aliamanu Boys and Girls club photography and film classes showcased some of their best work. Throughout the gallery of Ong King, works from children of all ages hung proudly. Some photographs brilliantly stuck to the traditions and rules of composition and light while others clearly said, “what would this look like?” Well, it looks stunning! In the small room, the film students’ videos played for an attentive audience of parents and fellow artists. Amazing
attention to detail and emotions are what shocked me as I watched and listened to tales of love and living. My heart was filled with excitement as the children ran around with their parents and friends pointing out their art work. The talent in this room was awesome. Unbelievable what the love and passion of strangers can do for children and what an innocent, young, nonjaded eye can do for art.
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September 22nd, 23rd and 24th Arts at Marks Garage and Laughtrack Theater Company
Featuring 19 local and mainland groups including
Super Mega Art Show
Brand new restaurant opening in Kaimuki August 6 Come to the grand opening and enjoy a genuine Caribbean buffet. 40
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Models: Sway Mark-Davis and Alexis Sanjurjo Sway’s outfits provided by: Valerie Joseph Boutique 44
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his month we celebrate Juneteenth. Now, I know that many of you all are asking yourselves, “what the heck is Juneteenth?” I do not want to sound disrespectful and say the word, hell. Oops! I guess I already broke that rule. As I was doing my research, (after many hours of being distracting by the evil website known as “THE FACEBOOK”) I have decided to find out exactly what this Juneteenth was all about. Juneteenth is the actual end of slavery, on June 19th, 1865. Major General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, TX, with his regiment, and told the enslaved that they were slaves no more and were now free. Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, but there are many theories that those who were enslaved were not notified about it until two and a half years later. One theory being that a messenger was killed on the way to delivering the news. Another is that the news was withheld because the plantation owners wanted to reap a healthy cotton harvest crop. These theories have since been expelled but make for great subject conversation. I am assuming, not in the south. Bad joke. Sorry southerners. Juneteeth is a time, in modern times, where all different people come together to celebrate such a great time in history. This celebration can last a few days or even a whole month. This is a time to remember those before us, to reflect on the achievements that we have since accomplished and the many more that we have to accomplish. It is not just a black thing anymore I would like to state. But a symbol for any person, government, people or lifestyle that have felt repressed or ostracized by their peers. I just have one question. Why isn’t any of this in our history book? HEY THAT’S JUST ME AND THAT IS MY GAY WAY. 43