Just wanted to share this amazing poem by the late Henry Dumas, who was called an "absolute genius" by Toni Morrison. Additional Resources: .
Ngoma, a poem by Henry Dumas
On the Ngoma Vol. 2 – Umojah Nation at Jilly’s
So, after a small hiatus (it seems), Umojah Nation hit the stage this past weekend at Jilly's in Akron and we had an amazing time. I have so much fun with my band mates, we are such a family, and in many ways this has helped sustain my inner being. I have had periods of … Continue reading On the Ngoma Vol. 2 – Umojah Nation at Jilly’s
Do you see any niggers? No. You know why? Because there aren’t any.
I had to reblog this one. We need a daily dose this message.
Richard Pryor from live on the Sunset strip describing why he stopped using the word nigga.
“It’s nice to have pride about your shit. I went home to the motherland. And everybody should go home to Africa. Everybody. Especially, Black people.
Really man, there is so much to see there for the eye and the heart of the Black people. Cause white people you’ll go there and you’ll get ideas: “Well that’s where the Black people of America should be walking around with sticks.” You’ll get the wrong idea.
But man you’ll go, I went to motherfucking land of my roots. 700 million Black people not one of them motherfuckers [unintelligible]. I looked in every phone book in Africa. I didn’t find one god damn Pryor. I found one familiar name, “Jabo Walker.” I called that up, they said he was in Arizona.
One thing I got out of it…was…
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The Blessing in Blackness: Thoughts on Melanin
I’ve been doing a lot of research on the Pineal gland, Melatonin, & Melanin and I just wanted to express my thoughts and findings thus far. I’m not an expert in the field or subject matter (nor do I claim to be). This is just a ‘brain dump’ of all the things I’ve collected to this point on the matter. Hopefully this is helpful to someone else doing the same research. More posts on this will come and I encounter more information. Enjoy…
When discussing Melanin we can not go fully in-depth without discussing the Pineal gland & Melatonin. The Pineal gland is an organ that is found at the center of the brain. This gland, also referred to as the Inner or 3rd eye, is approximately the size of a single kernel of corn.
Ancestrally it was well known that the Pineal gland, or 3rd eye, was the ‘seat…
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From Ankh to Akofena – Finding strength in symbols
There is such a deeper side to life that very few ever encounter. What makes it even worse is that many who actually encounter this deeper side don't know how to use it to guide them, or to express their gift to the world, or simply enjoy the world in a fulfilling way. I have found … Continue reading From Ankh to Akofena – Finding strength in symbols
Living the Dream through Art and Collaboration
Calling Ohioans "Buckeyes" goes back to the 1830's. The buckeye is seen as a sign of good luck. Ohio State seems to personify this "myth" of luck, always winning everything, growing at an astronomical rate, leading in education, etc. Well the Buckeye neighborhood of Cleveland could say just the opposite. This area once showed … Continue reading Living the Dream through Art and Collaboration
Navigating the Arts Vol. 4: Anthony David
Much appreciation to University of Akron for bringing the Keeper's Lounge concert series! C'mon Cleveland State, get with it! The DJ (Krate Digga) was on point with the old school to new school mixing. Since it was Dilla Day in Detroit, it was the perfect filler - especially after hearing (during the concert) that Whitney … Continue reading Navigating the Arts Vol. 4: Anthony David
A Father’s Love Vol. 3: Pharoh and Clifford
Well, most of my closest people know that my partner, my Bean-town buddy, my boy! - Roh! (as we affectionately called him) has transitioned into another life. (That means he died). After nearly 14 years, 6 cities, 3 cars, 2 schools, and about 7 or 8 residences together, I am now without my dog, Pharoh … Continue reading A Father’s Love Vol. 3: Pharoh and Clifford
What it means to be a Griot…
Sometimes you do things because it just feels right, or you may feel some type of pressure. But sometimes, you have to admit when things are simply divine. I am a Griot who speaks through rhythm, the Ngoma, the drum. I am immensely proud to be a Griot. It is a way of life, a … Continue reading What it means to be a Griot…
“F… this Library!”
Yep, that's what the young man said. We tell him to watch his language around adults... "Man, F...k this Library!" Really? What did the library do to you? Actually, it sounds like the coward way out, because what he wanted to say was, "F... You!" But instead chose to yell out his little, lame statement … Continue reading “F… this Library!”
AKOFENA ARTS - IT'S A VIBE 