Word To Ezra Jack Keats

I’ve touched on this before, but I’mma say it again — the work of Ezra Jack Keats makes me smile with all of my heart. And I so need of a smile right about now. Aren’t you?

Keats reminds me of all the things that were good about my childhood — the schools “media center” being at the top of the list. Yup, the media-center/library was my grade school jump-off. At one time I could even fit my little body into a “cubby-hole” (refer to item #1). Sometimes I wish I still could…post up in the cubby and just read all day without any adult responsibility. *sigh*

If you’re an admirer of Keats delightful collage style illustrations, you’ll find posters for purchase over here. So, so, fresh they are.

“For Colored Girls” is too Necessary to Have Thrown Back in Our Faces

I’m bummed out, yo.

I’m just now learning that the revival of Ntozake Shange’s ‘For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf’, which was to have starred the Grammy-winning singer, India Arie has been postponed. Apparently financiers were “spooked” by the “edgy” title of the 1970’s choreopoem.

For real? Wow, in this day and age? [insert sarcasm here] Hmmm…
How did they not read the title of, or research the content of the play prior to agreeing to back the show financially. It makes no sense.

Side Note: In high school I played the role of “Lady In Green” (Somebody almost walked off with allll of my stuff). In college, my mother played the role of “Lady In Green” as well. She has a custom framed autographed poster that I have been begging for years, for her to pass on to me. I can’t find a poster like that anywhere online or otherwise.

We’ve also had the privilege of hearing Ntozake read. Our family loves us some colored girls. Period. It’s a classic. 30 years later Ntozakes words still ring true to many of my personal experiences of being a “Colored Girl” in the new millennium.

More talk on “For Colored Girls” over here and here.

GHOSTFACE x DOWNSIDEUP NYC = Crushed Out Heavenly

Ghostface Killahs newest project, the long awaited “Starks” piece is now available to all of you label whores of the world. Only 125 pieces are being signed and released. Step ya thread game up!

If you’re not a true GFK fan, the gold eagle and blue wallabies are not for you to understand. But if you know deal, aw man, it’s a wrap…maybe. Raise your hand if have $155.00 to spend on a t-shirt. If your hand is in the air, call me now. I need a baller like you in my life. If your hand is not in the air, it’s all good. We can still be friends. Non-Autographed versions retail at $50.00 a pop.

Get the full scoop (video included) at www.downsideupnyc.com

The Black Candle

“Narrated by Maya Angelou and directed by M.K. Asante, Jr., The Black Candle is a landmark, vibrant documentary that uses Kwanzaa as a vehicle to explore and celebrate the African-American experience.”

View the trailer and gather more information at the new website, theblackcandle.com

Word To SNL, Tina Fey and ‘Nem

Loooved it. Tina Fey nailed the accent, didn’t she?