For Colored (Blank) Who've Considered Suicide when the ( Blank) wasn't enough

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So Tyler Perry will soon release the movie Version of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf is a 1975 play by Ntozake Shange. It's such a classic for so many folks( particularly Women Of Color) that it's hard for some to imagine what in the world is Tyler Perry going to do to it?

The writer herself chimed in recently saying something to the effect of telling him that he'd better not bring Madea into it. I am reserving judgement of course until I see it on cable. I'm sure that it will be a girls night out for women all over the Diaspora the way that Waiting To Exhale was ( and Sex In The City too) . I'm not particularly interested in sitting for two hours of AmenCorner bonding over the "Brutha's aint sh%$%&^T" See how bad they do us" bonding. I don't however deny the value and need to hear Sistah's voices. When I was a kid , I hated the Color Purple because I thought that the message was Black Men aint no damn good. As an adult , I see both the pathos and triumph in the story Perspective can and does change.. Maybe one day I'll actually see "How Stella Got her Groove back

.

In the meantime, here is my list of For Colored (Blank) Who've Considered Suicide when the ( Blank) wasn't enough :

For Colored contact wearers.Who've Considered Suicide …When the blonde weave wasn’t enough
For Orange Colored Jump Suit wearers who've considered suicide when parole wasn't
enough
For multi colored suit wearers who've considered suicide when rainbow gators weren't enough
For National Association For The Advancement of Colored people who considered suicide when Black members of the tea party were too much
enough
For Color Tv watchers who've considered black and white or cable suicide when the BET awards were too much
For Rose colored glasses wearers who considered suicide when The tea party’s rainbow coalition attacks were enough

For Sun colored Brown Indigenous People who’ve considered Suicide when The Nina , Pinta, and The Santa Maria wasn’t enough

Langston dreams/the nightmares of war

Many of us know the great and prolific Langston Hughes because of his dream poems. His ability to capture the voices of the people of Harlem in my opinion is unparalleled. The plays, poems, and short stories are the essence of Black America. Mr Hughes had some less publicized themes in his work too: He was crystal clear in his verses about war and it's cause /effect on the world.
(War by Langston Hughes)
The face of war is your face/ the face of war is my face
What color is the face of war?
Brown, Black.,White- your face and my face.
Death is the broom I take in my hands/ To sweep the world clean
I sweep and I sweep/ Then mop and I mop
I dip my broom in blood/my mop in blood/ and blame you for this
Because you are there/Enemy/
It’s hard to blame me, because I am here
So I kill you/ and you kill me
My name/like your name
Is War

Or: Comment On War
"Let us kill off our youth/For the sake of truth/ We who are old know what TRUTH is/ Truth is a bundle of vicious lies/tied together and sterilized-A war makers bait for unwise youth/To kill off each other /For the sake of TRUTH"

and: “Poem To A dead solider”

We who sent you to your doom/ now we make soft speeches/and sob soft cries/and throw soft flowers/and utter soft lies

But of course this is Mr Hughes, solutions and demands from the people's perspective are always available in his huge canon:
: (Give Us Our Peace
Give us a peace equal to the war Or else our souls will be unsatisfied/
And we will wonder what he have fought for/and why the many died
Give us a peace accepting every challenge
The challenge of the poor, the black of all denied/ the challenge of the vast colonial world that long has had so little justice by it’s side.
Give us a peace that dares us to be wise/Give us a peace that dares us to be strong
Throughout the peace our battle against wrong
Give us a piece that is not cheaply used
A peace that is no clever scheme/ A people’s peace for which men can enthuse/A peace that brings reality to our dream
Give us a Peace that will enlist a mighty army serving all mankind
Not just an army geared to kill/ but trained to help the living mind
An army trained to help the common good/and bring about a world of brotherhood

A few years ago, I wrote a play with some high school students around these poems ( titled Love And War) The students added their own poems around the theme of the heart as a battlefield.
These poems are from the excellent : The Collected Poems Of Langston Hughes.
Peace!

Kool Aid Smiles-or Let's reclaim it before it becomes what the Tea Party has become to tea and parties

Word Association: Tea Party? What comes to mind? Palin, racists, President Obama haters, people spitting on freedom fighting/peace loving icons from the civil rights movement. Maybe even the whole Boston thing back in Colonial times is where it is for you( although Crispus Attacks* is the only part of that scene that interests me). Just a few years back : Little girls pretending that there Barbie dolls were having a pleasant afternoon,or genteel gatherings to discuss arts and culture. Or just the Brits being anti coffee snobs.


Kool Aid : Jim Jones and The Jonestown Massacre-which probably led to folks believing that it is synonymous with a fatal last drink because you believed in a false prophets' demand that you take a sip as your final ambrosia before an awaited next life paradise.

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Let us reclaim our drinks as good times/ liquid fun.
We better do it (heaven forbid ) before it happens to lemon aid too.

Ok lets visualize: Picture yourself on a hot summer day during your childhood. You've just come from outside soaked in sweat; You open the refrigerator door and see that pitcher just glistening. What's in it. KOOL AID ( insert flavor)! Sure, there is enough sugar in that one plastic picture to give half of China diabetes( but that's not the point here). You were on your way to a kool aid smile. Why you probably wouldn't have been shocked if while you were sipping on the bomb drink-the Kool aid giant smiling pitcher with legs and arms came crashing through the walls! Today he would be called the multi flavored terrorist for doing that. Reclaim Our Drinks Folks!
It may be too late for tea. Let's not let Kool Aid get shifted into propaganda in strawberry, celebrity gossip in cherry, war against terrorism/military industrial complex in lime,police brutality/justified law enforcement homicide in grape, or anything else that could corrupt:
Apple, Bunch Berry, Blastin' Berry Cherry, Blue Berry Blast, Cherry, Cherry Cracker, Chocolate, Cola, Eerie Orange, Frutas, Frutas Vermelhas, Golden Nectar, Grape, Grape Blackberry, Grape Tang, Melon Mango, Strawberry Splash, Great Blueberry, Great Blue-dini, Groselha, Guaraná,Ice Blue Raspberry Lemonade, Incrediberry, Kickin-Kiwi-Lime, Kolita, Lemon, Lemonade, Lemonade Sparkle, Lemon-Lime,Lime, Man-o-Mangoberry, Mango, Mountainberry Punch, Oh-Yeah Orange-Pineapple, Orange, Orange Enerjooz, Pina-Pineapple, Pink Lemonade, Pink Swimmingo, Purplesaurus Rex, Rainbow Punch, Raspberry, Roarin' Raspberry Cranberry, Rock-a-Dile Red, Root Beer, Scary Black Cherry, Scary Blackberry, Sharkleberry Fin, Slammin' Strawberry-Kiwi, Soarin' Strawberry-Lemonade, Strawberry, Strawberry Falls Punch, Strawberry Split, Strawberry-Raspberry, Sunshine Punch, Surfin' Berry Punch, Tangerine, Tropical Punch, Watermelon-Cherry, Shaking Starfruit

Maybe I'll start the Kool Aid Party! Daniel Carlton says " You are the flavor that you savor". Reclaim Your Drinks!

* Crispus Attacks ( A Black Man) was considered by many historians to be the first person to die in the American Revolution

Teaching Artistry: A bit of my past year/recording and justifying the magic/ thanks

This past year was very fruitful for me as a teaching artist. As many of you know, I am always trying to strike the balance between my active artistry, and work as a teaching artist. Whenever I perform as an actor or storyteller, the response is immediate in the form of applause or the feedback immediately after. The teaching artist stuff is a little trickier. Because many of these gigs are funded by grants that have very specific criteria,the work is evaluated more in terms of the goals of the grant being met more than anything else.Oftentimes you wonder if evaluators have any sense of the magic that is not always apparent from the way that they quantify success. For example,I took a group of young men from a High School in Harlem to do a community clean up this spring. These young brothers came up with this idea themselves. How did we travel to that point of self determination? Poetry, monologues, discussion, role plays, and brainstorming by using the arts as a foundation. I remember one of the evaluators during a site visit asking me what these activities had to do with their academic development ? My answer was "everything."
I made several short films documenting some of my projects this past year, because I've come to the conclusion that for many folks it's easier for them to get it if they see it through process. The film of the Community clean up is called"Harlem Me".
I also have "Future now" that I filmed of some teens in a Harlem Homeless Family Shelter, and "Haters No, Dreamers Yes" filmed with a 9th class with mostly English as a second language speakers in Bushwick , Brooklyn. What I have captured probably wouldn't pass anybody's test of pristine camera, sound, etc., but they do serve as a record of the magic.
Like all years, I've had some administrators who get it, and some who don't(such is the nature of teaching artist work) One principal was very angry with me, because prior to showing a video of some teens in Brownsville Brooklyn doing poetry, that I didn't explain to an audience of their peers what they were about to watch. I honestly didn't know what to say. I felt that the poems would speak for themselves. There are those, however who see us and what we are trying to do even when we don't think that people get it. The following is an email that I received recently from a school that like many in NYC is suffering budget cuts , and therefore won't be able to use me after a 3 year relationship. The wonderful woman who wrote this was just laid off. She captures me working in a moment that I didn't even realize she was paying close attention to.

Dear Daniel,

I hope the summer is going well for you and that this email finds you in good health.
This is to formally let you know that SSR will not be granted the Extended Day/Violence Prevention grant that enabled to school to take advantage of your excellent services and it is unlikely, given the school's tight budget, that there will be sufficient funds elsewhere to retain your services.

I would like to thank you and Blackberry Production for your years of service at this school. Of all the talents that you brought to the school Daniel, I think your greatest was the ability to inspire students. You have such a friendly, warm way with students, At the same time you didn't try to become a peer so that they would like you, you would not accept anything but their best, pushing them to expect more of themselves and to do more. This resulted in so many wonderful performances at the school, most of which has been written by the students.
I remember the last interaction that I witnessed with you working with a student. It was Ramshah, she refused to perform her poem at Brooklyn College because she didn't think that she could do it effectively - she was upset. You didn't try to persuade her to go, you just calmly asked her to read her poem to you. Then you asked her to read it again. You pointed out a few areas where she could put emphasis and where to pause. She read it again and again; each time you suggested something new that she could do to improve her delivery. Within an hour she felt confident enough to perform on stage, now she is unstoppable. So many SSR students have benefited from your talents and your ability to bring out theirs. You have been with them in the classroom, on stage, making videos, teaching them the history of blacks in Brooklyn and so much more. You gave of your time, way beyond what was paid. You gave us the gift of yourself and we are grateful. Allow me to wish you the greatest of success for you and your organization. I pretty sure I will be seeing you on the big screen in the future.

With love and respect

Joan Vendryes

and one more. This was a tour that I gave of Harlem to some young folks


The Leaders-In-Training had a GREAT time on Saturday. Daniel Carlton is a dynamic, engaging, very fun person to be around! The teens were on the quieter side, but I know they got a lot out of the film, the discussion, and walking tour. Please let Daniel know that we were thrilled to have him as such an important part of our day. And having posters and information packets to give to all of them was very generous. Thank you!!!
Many thanks again!!
Best,Gaby

Gaby Moss
Executive Director, Camp AmeriKids

My fellow teaching artists-some folks do get it

It's Hotter than.......

We are experiencing a heatwave in New York City. How hot is it? It's :

Hotter than……..
A fresh lie
A new truth
A Black Panther FBI file in the 60’s
An overrated rapper
Willie the Wino’s breath
A reciprocated lustful gaze
Grandma’s kitchen in August when she insists on frying that fish.
A prison cell in the Congo
A crack head’s television set
Benyonce’s thong
A hidden s.t.d
The movie “Do The Right Thing” in a movie theatre without air conditioning in July
A Rasta’s scalp
Misplaced pride
An idea ahead of conventional wisdom
Daniel Carlton’s thoughts

by Daniel Carlton

Remember The Time -The Black Soldier

: The You Tube Clip is from the excellent PBS documentary "For Love of Liberty: The Story of America's Black Patriots"

Happy Memorial Day : Here is an excerpt from my show "Memories Of Self Journey to Weeksville" The character has just returned home from WW1. He is missing an arm that he lost in battle. This is a fictional character -but a very real history.


"Don’t mean to sound bitter, but Brooklyn is a long way from Germany where my brothers died. so that Europe could be free while we fight for every inch that we can get here at home.
Funny thing is, there was a whole lot of folks who doubted us from the beginning. See, we Men out of New York and Brooklyn was all a part of the National Guard. How we became part of the French Army is all part of the story. Before we even left the States, they had us segregated from the Whites. Many of the Men had left the South thinking that they had seen the last of old Jim Crow. Basic training put a stop to that wishful thinking. On some days during training we were treated like the soilders that we dreamed of being. On other days we were given equipment including guns that didn’t work right. Things were explained to us as if we were too dumb to understand what they really meant. Sometimes we would have Colored Officers, but they suddenly wouldn’t be there. We were told to ask no questions. Every man to a fault in spite of this was still ready to show the world that our race was just as qualified as ANYBODY else. We was even more determined after they gave all of the troops leaving for the war a big parade on fifth Avenue; all of the troops except us the 369th. We was only good enough to die in some people’s eyes. I guess that they had to eat their words when we came back known as The Harlem Hellfighters.
We were sent to the Western Front. At first we had to do all of the dirty work that the White Boys wasn’t being asked to do like dragging dead bodies out of the way while bullets flew over our heads. Lots of times we was asked to match parts that were separated from the bodies. Digging graves or trenches, no job was to dirty for us. Mr. Williams would have been proud to see that we did everything with pride. We had a feeling that the whole world might be watching us. When the orders came for us to fight, we fought like hell. That’s how we got our name. Although just as many of us was from Brooklyn, Harlem was getting a reputation as the home of the Negro. Didn’t matter to us. Race is a strange thing aint it? At first the Europeans was cheering us dark fellows whenever we would go into a town. We was taking care of business when it came to stopping the Germans. Everybody knew it. The children would run after us just so they could touch our uniforms. Then all of a sudden the look in their faces changed. We couldn’t figure out why until one of our men who spoke French told us that the White American troops was telling them that we had tails and other animal parts. We was also being told by our Superior Officers not to fraternize with civilians. Meanwhile lots of them were taking up with their women. I forgot to mention that we fought so well that we were given to the French army. We spent 191 days in combat. That was longer than any other American unit. We were the first troops to reach the Rhine. One time we were defending an outpost and were attacked by the Germans. So many of our men were wounded that it looked like a blood bath. We didn’t surrender, but kept on fighting. I killed two men with my bare hands. We finally won that battle. Take that Jim Crow. The French gave us their highest award called the Croix de Guerre. If that didn’t show them what we men can do then nothing will.
So here I am home in Brooklyn. I hope that Mr. Williams can come to our parade tomorrow. It’s going to be on 5th Avenue. I hope that he feels that we did our race proud."
by Daniel Carlton -copyright 2007

All That Jazz courtesy of Wynton and The Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra

Lonnie Liston Smith via last.fm

I must admit to something that I have probably never admitted out loud : Prior to my attendance at Jazz at Lincoln Center Performances here in NYC, I was not that big of a fan of Jazz pre 1970 ( Bebop , Free , Post Bop, Swing , Dixieland, e.t.c.). The exception being Miles's stuff (particularly "Kind Of Blue, "Sketches Of Spain" , "In A Silent Way , and songs like My Funny Valentine). Miles's notes through his horn have always spoken a beautiful language that seems to come from another universe. But in most cases I have always found the bios of the musicians more fascinating sometimes then the music itself. The history of Jazz itself is enough to fill a history head like myself up with stories of triumph, tragedy, race, class, genius, transcendence, dope, hope, migration, internationalism, poetry, aesthetics, style, and grace under pressure. Mingus, Ellington, Dizzy, Satchmo, Charlie "Bird", Coltrane, Max Roach, Philly Jones, Bud Powell , and so many giants that I haven't mentioned all have epic tales to go along with their mastery of the art form.
My taste in terms of jazz though was formed by a more funky genre bending mash up of guitars, synthesizers, amplification, and groove put down by folks like Herbie Hancock(Headhunters), Miles (On The Corner/Bitches Brew/Live/Evil/Jack Johnson/ Get Up With It/ e.t.c), Stanley Clarke ( School Days/his Return To Forever Work / Journey To Love/e.t.c) George Duke, Jaco Pastorius, Marcus Miller, Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith, Weather Report, and many of the "fusion" artists. Steely Dan, Earth Wind and Fire, Santana, Mandrill, and other rock/pop/soul/funk artists who were influenced by the muscians that I just mentioned were also Jazz to me.
What does this have to do with Jazz at Lincoln center and Wynton Marseilles? Attending the concerts there have given me a musical education though the music it'self of the masters. Every concert that I have seen there has been a tribute to a past master. In some cases the master him/herself is present.He(Wynton ) not only plays the idea with the orchestra ; he also gives you a story anout the artist and the tune. The orchestra itself is a marvel and treat to the ears. All accomplished players who also do some of the arrangements too. Dig if you will this picture : 12 or more horn players-multi racial, various ages, and in suits on a bandstand, Upright Bass, Grand piano, Drum Kit-sometimes two drummers , and guest masters. Try to imagine all of those horns in syncopation and solos. Wynton Marseilles just by himself can sound like Gabriel blowing from heavens gates.
Memorable and Educational Moments for me there:

Ahmad Jamal was a discovery for me( his playing made me go into his discography and learn about a living legend

The Women Of Ellington
"Satin Doll", Black Beauty" from 1928!, Portrait of Mahalia Jackson," from the composer’s 1971 New Orleans Suite , "Gal From Joe’s" , Red Roses For A Blue Lady,",All Heart"(dedicated to Ella Fitzgerald), Shout ‘Em Aunt Tillie," "Miss Lucy," and "Country Gal." Each song had an incredible story. The span was over 50 years.

Basie & The Blues:special guest pianist Cyrus Chestnut

Ask Your Mama featuring Joe Lovano, The Roots, Jessye Norman and Nnenna Freelon
A Concert to Benefit Haiti

This what I dug last year
:Eddie Palmieri’s Latin-jazz big band (Feb. 6 to 7); a 50th-anniversary concert in honor of two landmark albums, John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” and Miles Davis’s “Kind of Blue” (Feb. 12 to 14); and a run of concerts by a quintet led by the keyboardist Chick Corea and the guitarist John McLaughlin (April 23 to 25).

I could go on because there is so much more going on there. The touch screen exhibit/tribute to the masters alone is worth it.

I once had issues with Wynton Marseilles because I thought that he was trying to control the idea of what good Jazz is. As much as I learned from Ken Burns excellent PBS Jazz series, I was bothered by what I perceived as his( and Stanley Crouch's) rejection of the type of jazz that turned me on. I will admit that his vision for the orchestra and concert hall has expanded my appreciation for the past that I missed in terms of the music.
Jazz at Lincoln center, I walk in feeling like the mud of the week is on me. I walk out feeling bathed in cleansing notes. Like I'm wearing a fresh new suit and a shape up