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Opal Tometi, Brooklyn-Based Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter, to Keynote at Borough’s Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday, January 16

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Opal Tometi, Brooklyn-Based Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter, to Keynote at Borough’s Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday, January 16

Brooklyn’s Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr to Feature Opal Tometi, Brooklyn-Based Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter

Every January, artists, activists, civic leaders and community members come together at the Brooklyn Academy of Music to honor the legacy and share the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This tribute is the largest of its kind in New York City. It will be presented on Monday, January 16 with BAM, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and Medgar Evers College partnering.

Dr. King once said, “Our nettlesome task is to discover how to organize our strength into compelling power”.

Attendees of the BAM event will hear the voice and words of a Brooklyn-based taskmaster who Dr. King dreamed would continue his journey. Opal Tometi, Brooklyn-based co-founder of Black Lives Matter, will be the keynote speaker.

The Black Lives Matter Movement, perhaps the most primary extension of the 1960’s Civil and Human Rights Movement, is as misunderstood now as Dr. King’s Rights Movement was misunderstood more than 50 years ago. Her “truth to power” messages will be broadcast to the world when she keynotes at the tribute.

Opal Tometi has been a dedicated activist working at the intersection of racial justice and immigrant rights for more than a decade. Incensed by the 2013 acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin and inspired to take action, she, along with Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors, started the Twitter hashtag #BlackLivesMatter, which prompted activism nationwide and introduced the banner under which this current generation’s Civil Rights Movement marches.

Tometi is the executive director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration, the country’s leading Black organization for immigrant rights, steering such initiatives as the first congressional briefing on Black immigrants. Her work and passion as an immigration rights advocate and community organizer stems from her experience as the child of Nigerian immigrants. She has been recognized as a rising leader in the movement, having been included on the Los Angeles Times’ list of new civil rights leaders in the 21st century for her work building movements that bridge immigrant and human rights initiatives to the ever-growing Black Liberation Movement. Tometi and her fellow Black Lives Matter co-founders were honored with inclusion on The Root’s Top 100 list in 2015 for the movement’s social and political impact. In 2016, they received BET’s Black Girls Rock Community Change Agent Award in recognition of their contributions to human rights and were recognized among the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders by Fortune and Politico magazines.

Tometi reveals raw insights into the adversity inflicted by social injustice, anti-black bias and uninformed views on immigration, and she is committed to educating and inspiring audiences to organize and stand together to transform society into a world where the lives and contributions of all individuals are recognized equally.

Brooklyn resident Opal Tometi will keynote the BAM event, the largest of its kind in New York City.

In addition to Ms. Tometi, BAM’s annual tribute to the civil rights leader will feature performances by the Institutional Radio Choir and the Campbell Brothers. For more information, visit: www.BAM.org.

 

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View From Here: Happy New Year?

David Mark Greaves
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View From Here: Happy New Year?

Happy New Year?

This has not been the most joyous holiday season, and certainly cries of “Happy New Year” will feel hollow and forced with the specter of Donald Trump becoming President of the United States on January 20. In the early days after November 8th there was hope that things weren’t going to be that bad but then he began making appointments of white supremacists, racists, climate science deniers, and billionaire corporate tycoons and we saw that it was going to be worse than bad. It seems like every day brings more horrific news. For example, in addition to filling at least one Supreme Court vacancy, President Trump will be appointing 100 federal judges. And if his past picks are any indication of what is to come, then we can expect a hardening of the judiciary that will last for a generation.

That is the central problem we have and the source of the deep sadness. Usually the refrain “This too will pass,” give some comfort when confronted with dire situations.   Now we are faced with damage that will last for the lifetimes of many of us and as for the Trump policies effect on the climate, environmental activist Bill McKibben says that damage will be measured on a geologic timescale.

The actions of the North Carolina Republicans in stripping the incoming Democratic governor of many of his powers of the office, are a sign that the Republicans are not interested in norms of behavior and the orderly transfer of power.   Following this path puts the fate of the nation, as we know it, in jeopardy and shows us why we must soldier on.

So in this New Year, let us roll up our sleeves and revel in the struggle. Like those before us who faced darker times, we will fight and we will overcome. That is our legacy left to us and we must honor it by not faltering or ever giving in.

 

 

 

Denzel Washington And Viola Davis On Adapting ‘Fences’ And Honoring August Wilson

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Denzel Washington And Viola Davis On Adapting ‘Fences’ And Honoring August Wilson

By NPR STAFF

Denzel Washington says his character, Troy, “thinks he can control death and the devil, and he finds out in the worst way that he can’t.” Washington stars alongside Viola Davis in Fences. David Lee/Paramount Pictures

Six years ago, Denzel Washington and Viola Davis starred in a Broadway revival of August Wilson’s Fences. Now they also star in the play’s film adaptation, which Washington has directed.

‘Fences’: A Major American Play Finally Makes It To Screen; It Was Worth The Wait

Fences tells the story of Troy and Rose Maxson, a married couple living in 1950s Pittsburgh. Troy, a sanitation worker, is having an affair, and over the course of the play Rose begins to realize what she gave up by staying with her husband.

Fences is part of Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle, a series of 10 plays that explore the African-American experience in each decade of the 20th century. Wilson won a Pulitzer Prize for the play in 1987, and now both Washington and Davis have received Golden Globe nominations for their performances in the film. The actors spoke to NPR’s Michel Martin about what Wilson’s work means to them and how they approached their characters.

Interview Highlights

On Rose Maxson

Viola Davis: I loved Rose’s journey. I always say I think her journey — it’s a complete journey. I mean, you see her at first and she seems to be in the background. She’s making her marriage work — it is working, as far as she’s concerned. And then it gets turned on its head and you see her pain. … I love it as an actor, that just complete journey of womanhood. …

‘Fences’: Where Washington And Wilson Finally Meet

I just really wanted to create a portrait of a woman. … You see age has affected her, but you still see the smile; you see a little bit of the lipstick; you see a woman who is not downtrodden. It was very important for me to create an entire and specific portrait of a woman, so by the time everything is taken away, it really is taken away. You really feel the trauma … and I could have only gotten to that level if I would have had something to lose.

On Troy Maxson

Denzel Washington: One of the first things I wrote down on the script as I was starting to do rehearsals for the play six years ago — it just hit me, I wrote, “From hell to hallelujah.” And early in the play he’s always saying, “Aw, hell.” Aw, hell this. Aw, hell that. Aw, hell this. And by the end of the play he’s screaming hallelujah. So the arc of the character for me was a spiritual arc. If God was sitting there watching, he’s saying, “OK, that’s as far as he’s going to be able to go.”

IN CHARACTER

Troy Maxson: Heart, Heartbreak as Big as the World

And there’s a take where Rose, I forgot the line exactly — God’s the one you’ve got to answer to. And I just kind of put my hand over my ears like I don’t want to hear it. He thinks he can control death and the devil, and he finds out in the worst way that he can’t.

On why Fences is the most well-known of the Pittsburgh Cycle plays

Davis: I think that this play is probably the most accessible. I think that when people come to see this they will relate to it in a way that it’s [not just] an African-American experience — it’s a story about a family and it’s a story about a flawed man who is at the center of this family who doesn’t understand the extent to which he is destroying it. And I think that that really is at the heart of who we are as people and what we are as family.

On what Wilson’s work means to Davis

Davis: To me August honors those men that people just never even talk about; men in history that were invisible. Men like my dad, who was a groom on the race track and born in 1936, had a fifth-grade education. And his only dreams were us, his kids. And he honors him in these plays, and I love that.

On getting to meet Wilson before he died

Washington: I spent one day with him in 2005 and flew up to Seattle. He wanted to meet and we were talking about [the Pittsburgh Cycle play] Gem of the Ocean. But it was just a great day I got to spend with him and ask him questions about how he worked. It had nothing to do with Fences — just ask him his process and just spent the day with him. I had no idea it was the first and the last time I was going to see him, but it was just a lovely, lovely day.

THEATER

On Washington’s mission to make each of the Pittsburgh Cycle plays into movie

Washington: I made a nine-picture deal with HBO. … I was doing A Raisin in the Sun two years ago, 2014. Constanza [Romero], August’s widow, came to the show and after the show we were small talking — and we had already been working on Fences — and she says, “The estate is asking would you shepherd his other nine films?” I couldn’t believe it, and I said yes.

On Fences being one of several big 2016 releases by and about people of color, and whether it’s just a trend

Davis: I think what has happened is people … [are] just taking what they feel like they deserve, like any artist would. I think that’s what’s changed. Now people are saying, “This is what I have to give to the artistic community and I’m going to give it. I’m not going to wait for Hollywood. I’m just going to do it and I’m going to do it because I deserve to be here.” I think that’s what’s changed. … I think this is not a trend. I think we’re here. …

Washington: If it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage. What an opportunity we have now, because August Wilson has left us about a thousand pages of his brilliant work, and we have 10 opportunities — the first one now being Fences — to make sure it’s not a trend. … I have enough work for the next 10 years, even if it’s just as a producer, but also there are hundreds of actors — African-American and white actors — in his plays that now will have an opportunity to not just work but to interpret a genius’ work — one of the five greatest playwrights in American history’s work. So I honor that.

 

What’s Going On by Victoria Horsford

Victoria Horsford
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HAPPY NEW YEAR

Psychic/clairvoyant, Uversa Oumbajuah

I wanted to list some 2017 predictions as is customary by many publications for their New Year’s issues. I recently learned about an extraordinary psychic/clairvoyant, Uversa Oumbajuah, who predicted in August that a Donald Trump would win the Presidential Election, and she foresaw subsequent events unfold in his administration. Ms. Oumbajuah holds forth in Union Square Park during the warmer months. Now I have to stalk her online to get a list of 2017 predictions. Ms. Oumbajuah says that she was conceived in Mobay, Jamaica and born in New York 51 years ago. The college-educated seer is writing a book and would love to be a guest on THE VIEW. Her Trump prediction has been published by hopes&fears.com, newsmax.com and thetab.com.

KWANZAA (50)

Kwanzaa is that weeklong Pan-African holiday/celebration which was born on 12/26/66 in the midst of the Black Power period. Its seven founding principles are Umoja(unity), Kujichagulia(self-determination), Ujima(collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa(cooperative economics), Nia(purpose), Kuumba(creativity) and Imani(faith). This week begins Kwanzaa’s 50th Birthday. Here are some remarks by Dr. Maulana (Ron) Karenga, Kwanzaa founder/creator.

“The 50th Anniversary of the Pan-African holiday Kwanzaa brings added focus and emphasis on its customary call for remembrance, reflection and recommitment. He continues: “It is a celebration of family, community and culture. But it is also a celebration of freedom, an act of freedom and an instrument of freedom. It was conceived as an instrument of struggle to raise the consciousness of the people to unite them around principles that anchored and elevated them in the struggle to be themselves and free themselves and build the just and good world we all want, work for and deserve.” HAPPY KWANZAA!!!!!!

NY POWER POLITICS

FILE — Dean Baquet, currently the Washington bureau chief for The New York Times, in Washington in 2007. The New York Times announced Thursday, June 2, 2011, that Jill Abramson, a managing editor, will succeed Executive Editor Bill Keller, who is stepping down to become a full-time writer. Baquet was named a managing editor. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)

POLITICAL POWER 50. The NY Observer Internet News Service, owned by Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, published its annual list of the 50 Most Powerful People in NYS. US Senator Chuck Schumer heads the list. The following people of color made the power elite: Preet Bharara, US Prosecutor, 3; Carl Heastie, Speaker, NYS Assembly,7; Melissa Mark-Viverito, NYC Council Speaker, 8; Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, 14; George Gresham, 1199 SEIU President, 23; Dean Baquet, Executive Editor, NY Times, 24; Letitia James, Public Advocate, 31; Shola Olatoye, NYCHA Chairperson, 32; Hector Figueroa, President of 32BJ SEIU, 33; NYC Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras, 34; John Banks, President of the Real Estate Board of NY, 35; Errol Louis, NY1 Anchor, 37; Henry Garrido, Executive of DC37; Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clarke, 41; Al Sharpton, 43; Norman Seabrook, Corrections Benevolent Association President; Betty Rosa, Regents Chancellor, 49. The list is interesting but flawed. Impressed to see Black media men Dean Baquet and Errol Louis in the count. I think that Seabrook’s name is an oversight.

The Democrats are in complete disarray in just two months before they elect new leadership and insurmountable challenges like winning more seats in local, state and congressional races. Congressman Keith Ellison is running for DNC Chair, as is Labor Secretary Tom Perez. About 450 voting members of the Democratic National Committee will elect a chair, five vice chairs, a treasurer, a secretary and a national finance chair. Michael Black, rookie NYS Assemblyman from the Bronx, 34, is interested in a vice chair. However, the Bronx political machine does not support his bid.

The Equality Coalition is organizing “The Candidates Forum” for the 9th Council District, recently represented by Inez Dickens, which will be held on January 11th at 215 West 125th Street, 3rd Floor at 6 pm in Harlem. Announced candidates who were invited to the forum include Charles Cooper, Mamadou Drame, Donald Fields, Shannette Gray, Marvin Holland, Troy Outlaw and NYS Senator Bill Perkins. [Contact cnelly@nyccoalition.org] During the round of holiday parties, there were murmurs about Athena Moore of Boro Prexy Brewer’s office and her interest in the 9th District election. Calls to her office were not answered. Hope to see all of those people who have been communicating with me about their candidacy and speaking at the forum. Hey Larry Scott Blackmon, Cordell Cleare, Michael Adams, Yvonne Stafford, Charles Cooper, I am talking about you!

More Harlem holiday parties and great places for tongues to wag about the 2017 elections: Stanley McIntosh, President of The Neighbors United of West 132nd Street, which hosted its Annual Holiday Gala at the La Maison D’Art Gallery; Manhattan Boro Prexy Gale Brewer joins the festivities attended by neighbors from local Block Associations ……..Henrietta Lyle hosted her Annual Xmas Eve Party at Lenox Terrace where muckity mucks were ubiquitous 

NEWSMAKERS

Idris Elba, British actor/musician and confirmed workaholic, has a busy film calendar. He has already completed three films–“100 Streets”, “The Dark Tower” and “Thor: Ragnarok– which are scheduled for 2017 release. Next year, he cuts his teeth as a feature film director with “YARDIE”, a story about a Jamaican drug lord in London in the 1980s.

HELLO CAPRICORNS, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!: William Allen, Board of Elections leader; Bill Burgess, Executive Search Executive and gallerist; filmmaker Rafee Khamaal;   Michael Horsford; Attorney Nathanael Wright; Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Chair  Lloyd Williams; chef extraordinaire Laurita Watson; and Clarence Williams, Los Angeles event planner.

Black Enterprise will present its highest honor in recognition of the achievements of Black women during the “Women of Power Legacy Awards” on March 9th. The awards event is part of the Women of Power Summit which convenes March 9-12 in Phoenix, Arizona. The distinguished honorees are Ursula Burns, Chairwoman/CEO, Xerox Corporation; Phylicia Rashad, Tony Award-winning actress, vocalist and stage director; Marcia Ann Gillespie, former Essence magazine editor and author; and gospel music legend and Pastor Shirley Caesar.

12/31 AND BEYOND

Eric Adams

Brooklyn Boro President Eric Adams’ office partners with the Alliance for Coney Island for a one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve Party on Coney Island’s historic Riegelmann Boardwalk where free rides and ice skating will be available. The fun begins at 6 pm and continues through midnight along Steeplechase Plaza. Adams also teams with the Prospect Park Alliance on New Year’s Eve at the Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Heights at 11 pm. [Visit Brooklyn-usa.org]

 

The Apollo Theater and WNYC will co-present the 11th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration “WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? and the Future of Inclusion” on Sunday, January 15th from 3-5 pm. WNYC host Brian Lehrer and Jami Floyd will co-moderate a discussion on the future of social justice movements in the wake of one of the most divisive general elections in recent history and the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Guest panelists include NY Daily News journalist Shaun King, Black Lives Matter co-Founder Opal Tometi, President of the Brooklyn NAACP L. Joy Williams and Sr. Minister Emeritus at Riverside Church Rev. James Forbes. Event is free and open to the public.

Bethann Hardison

The Metropolitan Museum hosts the Met Winter Party, celebrating Diversity and Inclusion…… with cocktails, festive fare and dancing on Monday, January 23rd at 8-11 pm. Proceeds benefit community engagement, cultural festivals and programs. Gala honorees include Nita Ambani, Indian businesswoman and art collector; fine artist Sam Gilliam; Bethann Hardison, former mannequin and agency owner; Susana Torruella Leval, Andy Warhol Foundation for Visual Arts Director; and Donna Williams, the Met’s audience development director. [Visit metmuseum.org/winterparty]

A Harlem-based writer, Victoria Horsford can be reached at Victoria.horsford@gmail.com.

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