Sweet Memory...

by J. Sanders-Nelson

DALLAS - O' Riley's, on a cool Friday night, kind of diggin’ the sound of the EffiNays as I wait patiently for Melody Memory to bless the crowd with music, lyrics, poetry flowingly into rap and rhythms. I am not kept waiting for long or in vain. My ears are anxious to hear, my pen poised to scribble my thoughts and I am blinded by the brilliance of A.P. Alejandro Perez with his welcoming smile and chi giving presence of the entire band. The incense provides a positive fragrance to the serious vibe the band is just beginning to fill around the room…it would seem to capacity.

The wah-wah pedal gives the crowd a comfortable old school feel which they slip nicely into as the opening rapture of vocals and rap mix characterize the bands flavor, which they regard as “meta-lyrical fusion of Reggae, Hip-Hop and Funky Soul”. Lead vocalist Alejandro is hypnotic, he grabs you; his tenor rap trills reach out and individualize each enraptured listener. Improvisational, sensationally led the band communicates, invigorates and stimulates the people. Their ears, their hearts and most of all their minds. Blown.

What makes this band so good? Is it because they don’t have to be pleasingly commercial? That they are actually feeling and enjoying the output of astounding sound? What must their rehearsals sound like? As I ponder these thoughts “B.U.I.L.D.I.N.G.” brings me back the Her Earth, as it sweeps through the gathering of admirers like a cosmic broom, dusting us away on irie air. “C.R.E.A.M.” (Creativity Rules Everything Around Me) is a blessing of a song that praises what we have been gifted with. It encompasses is and becomes all we are. Messaging that we are surrounded by creativity every day.
Glancing around the modest space and seeing the audience mouth the words, shows love and support among the community of artist and appreciators and reveals the very soul of the music and melody that is being shared. The song “Beautiful” ethereal as ever, flows like hot thick chocolate love. This is number is demurely sexy in its repetitive nature; it feels almost too intimate to be listening to in a crowd of people.

Only my hands are able to produce appreciative sound as I am left amazed, speechless, and a few dollars short purchasing a CD (thank you A.P.) In total awe of what I have seen and heard I cannot wait to share my new found musical joy. I can see the richness in this golden sound and count down the moments until I am once again blessed with the authentic audacious amplifications of Melody Memory.

Melody Memory is Alejandro Perez, Jr., lead vocals, mistress of melody on the flute and vocals, Aisha Marshall, Bobby Ramirez, bustin’ big sounds on bass, “Captain” Ron Davison percussion, Valenti Thomas, caringly caressing the keys on keyboard, Reggie Webster leading the way on guitar and Menkiti “Grüv" Rice ‘dem drums and vocals.

Maya Angelou: A Resilient Renaissance Woman by Buster Spiller

DALLAS, TX - Ancient stoics viewed sages as individuals with the ability to rise above the human condition, not seeking love or wisdom because they accepted love in its purest state and were already inherently wise. Their happiness wasn’t derived from the external trappings of life that most seek like wealth, adoration, success, fame, and glory but in the intangible of happiness as a virtue for abundant living.

As a medicinal herb, Salvia officinalis or sage is reported to have many healing properties, including enhancing one’s memory, serving as a powerful antioxidant, lowering blood sugar, relieving stress and depression, alleviating allergies, promoting oral health, and easing common cold and flu symptoms.

Renown chefs and cooks applaud sage as an herb with the ability to hold its own for long cooking periods with its slightly bitter yet peppery taste. Fall holiday dishes like mom’s famous stuffing or dressing just wouldn’t be the same without the presence of sage.

The same can be said about Dr. Maya Angelou, a resilient Renaissance woman and American treasure who list among her many attributes: poet laureate at the 1993 presidential inauguration, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award nominee, Grammy award winner, educator, historian, playwright, performing artist, civil-rights activist, and one of the most prolific best-selling authors of contemporary literature.

Works by Angelou include Still I Rise, All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes, A Song Flung Up To Heaven, Phenomenal Woman, Singin’ and Swingin’ and Getting’ Merry Like Christmas, Gather Together In My Name, I Shall Not Be Moved, Letter To My Daughter, and her signature novel, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.

In a recent visit to Dallas as the first speaker for the 2011 NasherSALON series on Thursday and again at Barnes & Noble – Lincoln Park in the Northpark Shopping Center area, Dr. Angelou delivered juicy tidbits of wisdom and gratitude as she signed copies of and healthy living through her latest literary project, Great Food, All Day Long: Cook Splendidly, Eat Smart.

The NasherSALON series, presented by the Nasher Sculpture Center, spotlights international acclaimed guest lecturers whose work in a variety of artistic fields have legitimately earned them the title of American Legend.

Gracefully wearing her diminutive frame as though it was among her oldest and most prized possessions, Dr. Angelou displayed a youthful vitality much younger than her actual age. As she smiled and laughed with the beautiful rainbow coalition of more than 300 men, women and children assembled, one couldn’t help but feel as though Angelou was presiding over the standing room crowd as its elder stateswoman.

One patron, a white man who had driven several hours with his wife, a Latino woman, could barely contain his excitement as he shared with Dr. Angelou their determination to meet her. A young black girl cried upon learning she wouldn’t be able to an autograph, only to have her joy restored after Dr. Safisha Hill, director of Act of Change Institute of Cultural Arts was able to secure a poster of Angelou at the conclusion of the event.

It was her final remarks however that firmly cements Angelou as a true ambassador of humanity. Speaking in a more decided tone, Angelou reminded the audience:

“Every human being needs to be needed, needs to be respected. Black, white, latino, gay, straight, male, female, boy and girl, everyone. I’m 82 years old and I’m working hard to reach 83. I need to be needed just like the person sitting next to you. I thank you. That’s the most any human being can say because that’s the most you can say to God. So I thank you.”

Celebrating Kuumba at the South Dallas Cultural Center

by J. Sanders-Nelson

December 31, 2010 - South Dallas Cultural Center - The stage was set for a bountiful presentation on the 6th day of Kwanzaa, Kuumba which means “creativity.” According to Dr. Maulana Karenga, “Kuumba calls on us to do always as much as we can in the way we can in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.”

Initiating the evening was a percussive entrance of drumming, followed by the pouring of libation by Sis. Fagbenro, to our ancestors, paying rightful homage to all who set the path’s for future generations. From the Ivory Coast, to the Middle Passage and the “horrendous” institution of slavery, as well as the extended African-American family community and our fallen leaders, Lumumba, El Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X) and Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Bring is all the things we need to love a good Life! Ashe!”

Following a brief welcome by Center Director, Vicki Meek, and the Acts of Change Youths took the stage and provided a rhythmic and informative lesson including the history and meaning of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba and each of its seen principals and what each item used each night of Kwanzaa symbolizes. The enthusiastic lesson also contained the ceremonious lighting of the Kinara.

“Only through our struggles do we have progress!”

To further explain Kwanzaa and its meaning, the South Dallas Cultural Center Youths, presented a very thorough reading, “The Kuumba Connection”. Afterward, Performing Arts Coordinator, Harold Steward, proudly introduced films created for and by students at the SDCC. The presentation of work ranged from historical documentaries to documenting the educational experiences that occurred over the past year at the SDCC.

The final film show was a very compelling documentary highlighting the talent and connection of an artist Val-Inc, entitled “Sound Rite” directed by Ja’tovia Gary. This very talented young woman demonstrates her talent as an Afro-electronica musician/percussionist as well as her feelings on the devastating earthquake in Haiti and the misconceptions behind her homeland.

Finalizing this celebration of the creative spirit were two remarkable young quilting student artists, Morgan Jackson and Crislyn Fayson. Using their imagination and age old process of quilting, these two artists communicated their feelings about themselves, their community and their country. The quilt is a great symbol of pride and respect that the young people who participated have in themselves and in their community. It is the ultimate wish that the quilt will find its way to the First Family in Washington, DC.

The evening ended with food, fellowship, Zawadi exchange and the hopefullness for leaving behind 2010 better than that which we inherited it and visualizing an even more productive and creative community in 2011.