I dont understand artists who arent politically engaged on some level. Mainstream politics or grass roots. What kind of artist are you? A BS artist? I remember when i met Stokely Carmichael aka Kwame Toure in the early nineties. I was in awe of him and inspired. I asked him what my role was as a poet, as it related to activism. He asked me if i was a real poet or a bullshit poet. I very confidently, with full thick 20-something afro answered, Im a real poet. He answered, Let me hear a poem. And there i was....in the middle of a group of students being called out by one of my heroes. I performed my poem, Black Statue of Liberty. It was still new:) He loved it and when i was done he said, You are doing what you are supposed to be doing. That moment had such a profound affect on me as a poet and person. On April 19th Im traveling to Newark, New Jersey to support one of our own. How can we be the artists we say we are, and not support Ras Baraka and his run for Mayor of NEWARK? It doesnt matter if i or any of us live there. We need strong young leadership all over this country, so all of our cities are more livable for our children and our elders. I called on every artist I thought would say yes, but more of you should be coming on board to support. You dont have to perform, just show up!!! Lets bring all our artist muscle to NEWARK APRIL 19th. Ill be Co-Hosting with my longtime friend Hakim Green at the Key Club 58 Park Place in Newark. 9pm. We have some surprise celebrity guests coming to rock the mic....and some of my friends have answered the call. Come hear Saul Williams Lamar Manson aka Black Ice Umar Bin Hassan of the Legendary Last Poets, Hasan Salaam Len Xiang Ekere Tallie Asha Bandele and oh..there are more!!!!! Ill save something for the flyer..yall spread the word here on FB....and bring your energy, money, love and support to NEWARK, NJ SATURDAY APRIL 19TH!!! ILL SEE U THERE!! Amiri Middy Baraka Obalaji Baraka Tony Medina Danny Simmons Kevin Powell Tamar-kali Eternal Polk Leah Jackson imani uzuri ursula rucker jessica Care moore Moore Black Press Publishing Inc.
Posted on: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 02:10:16 +0000
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