African American Art Diaspora 493 @ SUNY Buffalo

Hip Hop Across the Globe

2009-01-12T22:35:00.003-05:00

See Our Facebook Event Page For More Information
or
leave a comment and I'll respond.

Criticism With Love

2009-01-06T17:52:00.002-05:00

I'm a firm believer that for every "bad" rapper and "garbage" song on the radio there is another MC out there with talent doing something creative.
When Common appeared on Oprah following Don Imus' comments he said that people who criticize hip hop need to do so with love. I agree. When all we do is point out the problems without providing a solution little is accomplished. For that reason I'd like to provide some examples of what I consider "good" and certainly under appreciated hip hop.
I encourage you to do the same.

Jay Electronica- Renaissance Man
Jay Electronica- Annakin's Prayer
Jay Electronica- Spark it Up

Common's Universal Mind Control

2009-01-05T21:30:00.002-05:00

So it's been over a month since I first listened to this album and I think that's given me enough time to make a critical judgment of it. Upon my first listen I thought it was great. The beats were fresh, Common had some decent lyrics, what more could I ask for? Since then my opinion has totally reversed.

Well, I guess not totally, I'm still a fan of the production. The Neptunes did a great job, and if the MC were someone besides Common I probably would not have a major issue with the CD. Still, we are talking about someone who released his first album in 1992 and who will be 37 in March. Rappers should show progress as they get older, not dip into more immature material – but I feel like that's what Common did.

I know I'm partial to Nas, but his 2 latest albums have been fresh and new. Why can't Common do the same? Was there really a lack of club records in hip hop right now and Common had to fill that void?

I enjoyed Finding Forever and Be, so hopefully this is just a blip in his career, but if it's not here's hoping he calls it quits soon before he begins to tarnish his legacy.

Gaza

2009-01-03T13:12:00.003-05:00

Hope all of you had a great New Years and Christmas and all that jazz, whatever you celebrate. Just a quick word: I really hope all of you are paying attention to what's happening in Gaza right now, and if not, I'd like to direct everyone to the following websites for some pretty decent information.

BBC online news, tends to be very neutral and well-researched
B'Tselem is an Israeli human rights group reporting on Gaza
Electronic Intifada, with reporters from across the world writing opinion and news pieces on Palestine
Haaretz, an Israeli daily newspaper that is quite biased towards Israel, but often contains some really great journalistic work
Al Jazeera is one of the few international presses already located in Gaza, thus bringing us some truly disturbing images and stories of the humanitarian crisis Gazans are facing

Most other international news outlets have been barred from Gaza by Israel, despite a ruling from the Israeli Supreme Court deeming this action to be illegal. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Oxfam international are also human rights groups/aid organizations that are putting heavy emphasis on the crisis in Gaza.

If anyone would like to get involved in local action protesting the massacre taking place in Gaza, and our role in it (seriously, UB plays a part), please e-mail me immediately. azeb@buffalo.edu

Some Stuff on Kanye's Blog

2008-12-14T23:56:00.003-05:00

I saw this photo and it reminded me of Josephine Baker

And, I'm not posting this whole thing because it's pretty long, but he has a cool post about the
"30 most promising young black artists" click here for the link

A Few Left Over Thoughts

2008-12-10T22:55:00.002-05:00

Some things that have been on my mind since our hip hop class:

1) We talked about how the demand break dancers had for certain records influenced the music DJ's played during hip hop's earlier years. We then debated whether a similar situation exists today. I'm not sure why it didn't occur to me at the time, but I would definitely say that Krumping demands a certain style of music to be played. The type of music most Krumpers dance to has a very distinctive sound.

2) I'm pretty sure it was Cobb (but it could have been Ogbar) who made the point that only Will Smith and Wyclef Jean have made platinum selling records without rapping about violence and sex (and maybe something else).
He might be right, but wouldn't it be even more unusual if more rappers had made albums that failed to include either of these two topics? We live a society where these two issues are highly important, how can one expect rappers to make an album without including them? Hip hop is a socially conscious art form; violence and sex both exist in the urban neighborhoods that many MCs come from. It's only natural that these topics are included in records, it would be unrealistic if they were not.

Now This is Just DOPE

2008-12-09T22:48:00.002-05:00

Jay-Z- Sweet (Fela Kuti Remix)

Common and Microsoft

2008-12-09T22:34:00.003-05:00

Maybe I'm out of the loop, but I did not know he was working for them!

Interesting partnership....

Anyways, I have a lot to get off my chest and hopefully I'll have some freetime this week so expect a lot of posts.

Microsoft to sell line of "softwear"-labeled shirts

Papers

2008-12-09T22:27:00.003-05:00

Hey Folks,

Talking to you all during the semester I know that some people in the class had really interesting paper topics. I thought it might be cool if we uploaded our papers to the blog so we can read what each other wrote.

In case anyone wants to take a look at mine I'll attach it to this post. Using zshare.net it's very easy to upload a file.

If you want to upload yours please do! either edit this post or drop the link in a comment.

Enjoy Your Breaks!

Updated with a new, hopefully working link
Post Pryor:
A Look At How Richard Pryor’s Stand-Up Lives On In Nasir Jones’ Music
and Chris Rock’s Comedy

Thanks everyone

2008-12-06T12:06:00.002-05:00

I want to thank everyone in class for really pulling that show together last night. I'm really happy with the turn out and especially with how engaged our guests were with the show. I think the space looked really beautiful, everyone did their job really well, and I've honestly never put together an event where the clean up was so quick (really - activists are lazy! I guess History students aren't!)

You should all be really proud of yourselves for bringing this to Buffalo. I know Carlos and Unique's mom was so happy to see her kids' artwork and musical talents being admired, and the few parents I met of the International School's kids thanked everyone for the great display. Natasha was so impressed by the krump dancers (and how much the kids of hers that attended loved them) that she plans on contacting them to come to the STAR program and perform for the kids. Oh, and the food was a rocking success, of course.

Just one last thing - I really encourage those of you who will be in Buffalo a while longer to finish up school to really make an effort to get into the local art scene/music scene/any scene! El Museo really does have great shows, and the people you'll meet while you're at them will often become lifelong contacts and friends. I promise, Chippewa and Allentown strips aren't the only places with a nightlife in this city, and Buffalo is really a great place once you get to exploring.

Thanks again everyone, that was a really wonderful show.

Migrations Poster

2008-12-03T23:30:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone, I hope everyone is doing well. I bumped into Sophia and Iassic today and they mentioned that I should make the poster available to everyone , I've been so frazzled lately that I did not even think of that, and for that I apologize. I do not currently have a list of every ones email, so i have posted the poster to photo bucket and the link is posted below. However if you would prefer to have a copy of the file I can be reached at either: shannon7@buffalo.edu or keelidangershannon@gmail, both work well and are checked everyday throughout the day.

Photobucket Link : http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/mylightbright/?action=view&current=POSTERTHREE.jpg

Best -- Keeli

KRS-One Speaks On Making A, “Balanced,” Hip Hop Network

2008-11-30T17:35:00.002-05:00

Why do rappers even go on Fox News at this point? You have got to love the constant contrast with Lil Kim, can they really not give KRS a full screen?!

EVENT for Next Friday, December 5th

2008-11-29T01:25:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure who had the list of what to bring for the Friday event, but I have not received any emails at all pertaining to the event. Have there been any reminders sent to others which I may have not received? Can someone just post the list on here? Or send it again, if it has been already.

Jamie Foxx as James Bond?

2008-11-23T16:46:00.001-05:00

Jamie Foxx would like to be the first black 007

Track Art, etc...

2008-11-22T21:10:00.003-05:00

Allyson Felix and I are friends on facebook and someone tagged her in these pictures. I love track and thought they were real cool so I figured I'd share them.
As far as I can tell the artist is Darryl Blackwell. The last one is Diana Ross.

Josephine Baker

2008-11-20T19:22:00.003-05:00

During the bus ride home I had a few more thoughts about our discussion of Josephine Baker.
Many people in class argued that because of societal and historical forces Baker did not exercise full consent in her decision to perform in France. I countered that her decision was a conscious and consenting one, pointing out that Baker had control over her performances and could have chose not to do them altogether.

Also during this debate, we talked about how society places limits on the art a person can do.
While I agree partly with this statement, I think that one must place an important modification on it. People are limited in the art they do if they are concerned with mass appeal. To state that Baker could not have performed other types of dances is not true. She could have practiced any type of art she wanted, she just might not have been a celebrity in another field - an important, and huge difference.

Down by Kehinde Wiley

2008-11-19T21:31:00.002-05:00

Kanye posts some pretty neat stuff on his blog.
Link to more paintings and a short description of the exhibit.

For all the hip hop heads...

2008-11-19T20:46:00.003-05:00

First of all, the track sampled that's "their music" (i.e. Arab music) is actually a Punjabi song.
Second of all, I'm flipping sick of hip hop artists ruining Arabic songs. Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin" got Abdel Halim Hafez, a 1950-60s Egyptian singer and actor a lot of play by stealing his song "Khosara" for that distinctive hook.
The same goes for South Asian music. Why are we being exotisized like this? Using a distinctively East Asian sample and singing "Ching chang chong" over it would be absolutely unacceptable - but 'Arab Money' references aren't?
Cultural appropriation sucks a big one, and to have black people doing it makes it feel even worse. I'm sick of seeing white hipsters and every single person out of NYC wearing a Kheffiyah without knowing what it means - PALESTINIAN SOLIDARITY! Urban Outfitters even sells Kheffiyah's, but calls them "anti-war scarves". Nothing burns me more than seeing Zionists wearing a kheffiyah to further disrupt the true meaning of it.
(This is a fabulous link about the Kheffiyah, if you're interested - very tongue in cheek.)

Any thoughts? I'm sure I'm not the only one who notices brown-skinned people being systematically categorized by hip hop for its own economic gain.

STAR after-school program artwork

2008-11-16T23:59:00.004-05:00

I completely forgot to post this link, but if you click on the title of this post you can see the artwork that we have from the kids at STAR, as well as some of the kids themselves. Enjoy!

Peer Review

2008-11-16T22:54:00.002-05:00

I already agreed to review Harpreet's paper, but I can read someone else's as well. First person to speak up in the comments gets the "prize."

2008-11-16T10:42:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone.

I think it was an excellent idea to present a slogan or comment that we like or impacts us as historians....or perhaps something that impresses us individually, or a quote or statement that we have created. For instance, I am impressed with the fact the nation's national day of prayer was created by Abraham Lincoln. I think that it is on some calendars, and certainly it is always in the news.

I will be needing an easel for my presentation. Are they available for use in the art department?

Colin, when will we need to set up?
Has name badeges been ordered? Of course SA can take care of that and they are free. If anyone has issues concerning that you can see me about it. If you have ever attended any conferences or anything at UB you should have one already. It would just be a matter of obtaining it or the sign department would be able to reformat them. Again it is at the UB print shop.

Post on Viacom from Stuff Black People Hate

2008-11-16T00:39:00.014-05:00

Insightful post on the increased use of the N-word in public and private discourse.
The blogger blames Viacom, and in particular Comedy Central, for this phenomenon.

My favorite part:

Vi . a . com [vie - ah - cohm] (n) - a soulless economic juggernaut with the sole and expressed purpose of destroying black people*

Viacom is responsible for all kinds of offenses against black people, in addition to tricking Dave Chappelle and the creators of South Park into thinking their racially incisive wit would be understood with any degree of sophistication by the average jackass.

*This may be understating a little.

That about sums it up for me.

BEEJOIR - LV CHILD SCULPTURE

2008-11-14T00:32:00.003-05:00

I tried to find out the artist's race, but the only thing I came across was a youtube video where about the only thing you can see is the back of his hat (he's doing some graffiti). If anyone else can find the answer please post it!

Playing to Eat

2008-11-13T20:56:00.003-05:00

This doesn't really have anything to do with art, but I thought some of you guys might be interested. I was in Tamale, Ghana for a little while this summer. The conditions there have become worse and worse due to sharp increases in the price of food as well as bad weather. It doesn't help that the focus for Ghana since the British colonized it as the Gold Coast has been almost exclusively on the coast/southern part of the country (primarily Accra).

Soccer/football has become, for many children, their only way out. ESPN, in my view at least, put together a very realistic report on how things are. Many of the children captured in the article and in the pictures I saw first-hand during my brief time in Tamale. They're hungry, and their country is doing little to help make things better for them.

Have sports become too much of an obsession? I'm a huge sports fan, but I just don't see why a tryout (especially a short one for nine year-olds) should determine who gets to escape such a situation, especially at that age. Every kid who I talked to and approached me wasn't asking for food; they were looking for soccerballs/footballs and cleats.

Obviously, this isn't the only place in the world where such conditions exist. But, at least the way I see it, it shows how the west has created a narrow and misguided path to success in many places across the world, including in many places in the United States (althought not on the same level). The money and resources that get poured into many of these football/soccer academies could easily be used to improve their countries instead.

Kara Walker

2008-11-13T18:52:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone,

The reading material for next week can be found here. Please peruse the entire exhibit, making sure to download the gallery guide and other related material for next week's discussion. I'll see you then.

The show

2008-11-12T18:26:00.004-05:00

Alright, I just got back from the S.T.A.R after-school program that my friend Natasha works with for local school children. I'm just giving a quick rundown of plans as they stand:

DEFINITE

-Each kid has at least one piece of artwork, signed and matted for simpler recognition and hanging, that we have the option of displaying (depending on space, obviously, but we have more than we need from these kids). We also have a picture of each child to place next to their drawings/paintings/etc.

p.s. The artwork consists of themed drawings they have all done - hearts, the outdoors, etc. but also a really gorgeous collection of oversized bookmarks they had designed and painted.

-There is also a lifesize tree that the kids decorated with pictures of themselves as leaves, very cute, the parents would love to see that up somewhere.
-The kids also have a large grafitti sign of S.T.A.R that they had made this summer, and we have the option of hanging that as well - it's really cool and they're very proud of it!

-The parents have all been made aware of our event, and are excited to come see their kids' work. 7 p.m. is their ideal time, as most get out of work between 5-6 p.m. and only a few parents work night shifts that cannot make it.

-The kids AND the parents are very pleased with the idea of accepting donations of winter clothes at the door, and some of the kids offered to give some money from their allowances (which is freaking adorable, as they gathered pennies and nickels to prove their financial capabilities).

UP IN THE AIR

-The director of the program, Dave, would like to see if El Museo would allow the kids to take a day-time field trip anywhere from 3-5 p.m. on December 5th to watch us set up. We'll have to talk to El Museo about this, but if it's not a problem, then I think we can allow this, no? The kids are insane at the program, but very well behaved in public.

-Food - don't know if we can get any, so IN THIS POST I need people to sign up to bake something/cook something/get drinks together, whatever. If you put your name down to make something, make sure you do it!, and share what it is - many of the kids are Muslim, so anything with pork (that includes lard or any animal fat shortenings) cannot be served. Obviously that means no alcohol as well - if any of you are proficient at making punch, please volunteer to do so!

I'll make banana bread and baklawa, and can donate a few bottles of juice as well. If you volunteer something, I'm putting it on a list, which I'll remind everyone of the week prior to the event.

-And finally, the program is also talking to the parents about making this a field trip for the kids, so that even parents who cannot attend may still allow their children to go. Basically, Dave is putting a lot of trust in us to make these kids feel great about their work, and we need to live up to it.

Things that must be finalized tomorrow:

-The title of the show
-The date/time/locale (pretty much decided, so we're okay here)
-The format of the show (including music and non-hanging art related activities)
-Definite list of sponsors for the flyers, and a definite list of contributors
-Definite list of artists/performers/etc. for the flyers

Things that we should finalize by this time next week:

-THE FLYER! Obviously this also means quartersheets!
-List of groups, organizations, departments to advertise to
-People making or bringing food and beverages
-Music? Dancers? Should be done this week, but this is the last chance to do it.
-Game plan for pre-show preparations

I think we should discuss this tomorrow before or after class, if possible, and if not, then whoever CAN stay and discuss please do! If you're not willing to spare your time and energy for this now, then just show up on December 5th and help where you can. All those who can take an active role, this is your last chance to do so.

Thank you! The pictures I took will be up later tonight.

HHSA Meeting

2008-11-12T17:52:00.002-05:00

Hip Hop SA's next general meeting will be:
Tuesday (11/18) @ 5pm
210 Student Union.
The topic is:
"NAS VS. JAY-Z: 7 Years Later, Who Won? Why it Matters.

I'll be leading the discussion, and I promise I'm going somewhere with this (it's not just frivolous) so come show your support.

The Future

2008-11-09T10:44:00.002-05:00

Hip hop these days takes a lot of heat for being "watered-down" and "stagnant." Next time you hear someone say good hip hop doesn't exist anymore force them to listen to this song. I have had this on repeat all weekend; I can't get enough of it – it seems like every part of the song is innovative (and dope).Easily the freshest thing since Lupe...

Jay Electronica - Exhibit A (Transformations)
And if you want some more information/music from Jay Elect:
Urb Mag Article
(Unofficial?) Myspace

Chris Rock and Amiri Baracka

2008-11-07T12:42:00.002-05:00

Anyone else think Chris Rock read Amiri Barack's The Slave?

From Bigger and Blacker:

"I got an uncle, real crazy. My Uncle B, 55 years old, hates white people, married to a white lady. And he sit around and go ' you know, these crackers ain't shit. 'Cept for Suzy.' And he tried to explain the whole thing to me one day, said: 'ya, ya, ya I got a white wife. I love her, she loves me, that's all that matter. But I tell ya this, if the revolution ever come I'll kill her first. Just to show these crackers I mean business. Mother fucken cracker ass mother fucker cracker. Shit, cracker mother fucker. Whaa, Hey, Hi Honey. Mother fucken cracker. I'll kill my cracker kids too."

Why Blaxploitation?

2008-11-07T12:36:00.002-05:00

I was reading Lawd Today(~1936) by Richard Wright and I think the following quote helps explain the development of Blaxploitation:

"When he went to the movies he always wanted to see Negroes, if there were any in the play, shown against the background of urban conditions, not rural ones. Anything which smacked of farms, chaingangs, lynchings, hunger, or the South in general was repugnant to him."

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

2008-11-06T19:54:00.002-05:00

Ever since the presidential campaigns of John McCain and Barack Obama began, a schism has taken place between Americans. Now, difference is perhaps the greatest characteristic of people in my humble opinion. Part of why the United States is so great is that freedom of speech and expression are written into the very framework of our nation's being (although, it seems, that our nation's leadership forgets this).

Of course, when choosing the next president of the United States everyone has to consider their ideas of what that position entails. Other factors include their history of experience and will it suffice when presented with the stresses of the presidency. All that said, and I assume understood, why is it that we cannot simply stand behind a candidate that we see fit? I have heard peers speaking politics with their buddies, "My roommate and I are not going to vote because our votes cancel out each other so what's the point?" A vote for one is not a vote against another. It pains me to see that it is now the year 2008, and while American democracy has evolved (or mutated), after over 200 years people still do not get what this is all about. Now I am not trying to present this as fact, not trying to preach a message, but rather trying to see if you can all help me understand why it seems to be in our nature to draw sides rather than choose paths to a common goal. I understand that most Americans have a "better America" in mind for tomorrow, no matter their method of reaching it, this is a common goal. But again, people believe a vote for this is a vote against that.

Now with the election over, I thought I could look forward to the future (regardless of who won). I figured for the most part, the "war" was over. Instead, I find that now it is getting heated higher than before. People are cutting ties with other people who are bitter about McCain losing or cutting off people that are perhaps "too happy" that Obama won. Both sides are guilty. Even now, the threats of America's doom have changed from "you're voting for (Obama/McCain)? So, you want the United States to collapse." to "you voted for (Obama/McCain)? So, you wanted the United States to collapse." Will people realize that there is no right and wrong? That there are options, there are choices of paths, but they all intend to lead to a better United States (for the sake of objectivity during this discussion, I'm neglecting my input on what exactly a "better" United States could be).

I am just getting very frustrated with how even now that our Nation has spoken, we cannot look forward, we still have to look at that one day and discuss why it happened that way. I understood democracy to be the choice of the people, to use voting as a national choice for our decision-making. Basically, I am sick and tired with how both sides are acting now that the election process is over and if you could not tell this is my method of productively venting and looking for arguments and comments about the subject from a community of peers that I feel will approach this situation in a sound and level-headed manner (even if it does not line up with my views). So to those McCain supporters that have been bitter since Tuesday night, saying there was a mistake; and to those Obama supporters that have been rubbing the victory in the faces of those with different views because the other candidate did not win: how long must we wait passed the tally of all those votes before both sides can just SHUT UP and do something about the future rather than just talk about the past?

We as a people wil get there . . .

2008-11-05T01:05:00.001-05:00

I want to say something about what has happened tonight.

First, let me be clear that I'm more than a little tipsy right now on some celebratory champagne. Beyond that, I'm a radical, and a bitter bastard to boot, and I'm 100% sure that I'll be furious at President Obama over plenty of issues once he's in office. I have no illusions that this changes what this country is fundamentally about.

Still, this matters. I'm not that old . . . well, kinda . . . but I didn't think I'd ever see a person of color as president. Just as Booker T. Washington being invited to dinner at the White House by Teddy Roosevelt mattered, it matters that a black family will be living there a century later.

My favoritte part of the whole night was when Obama said "we as a people will get there," essentially quoting from the speech Dr. King gave the night before he was killed, which to me is the greatest speech in American life (along with Lou Gehrig's farewell speech). You can see Dr. King's speech here:

HHSA Meeting Tommorow

2008-11-03T21:16:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the late notice. Hip Hop SA and BSU will be doing a meeting together tomorrow.
Topic: When Keeping it real goes wrong. More specifically, we'll be discussing hip hop's role in the "cool-pose" culture.
Time/Place: 5pm 210 Student Union

I'll be leading the discussion, and I think it will be a very interesting one.

that stuff

2008-11-02T17:33:00.004-05:00

This Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. I can take whoever would like to come with to see the kids' art - also, the Buff State step troupe might be there as well. We'll just be previewing some of the kids' work and hopefully scoring some donated food from the parents that own restaurants on the West Side of Buffalo.

Also, this is sort of a work assignment - we need to photograph/record what we're shown on Wednesday for the owners of El Museo so they can okay what we're setting up there. Everything needs to get locked down within the next two weeks, so if you've made suggestions or promises, get it done!

Please let me know as soon as possible if you're able to come. I'll be leaving from North and returning to North by 6:30 at the latest.

African American Art Diaspora 493 @ SUNY Buffalo: Event Planning Part 5

2008-11-02T01:22:00.000-04:00

http://youngmeoneyartistry.blogspot.com/2008/10/event-planning-part-5.html?showComment=1225483140000#c7189471991622356057

Hi

I think that sounds good. We should let the SA lend a hand We also are able to use UB's printing services. I know that it used to be on the south campus in the basement of HSL.

Also we should not serve wine if there are going to be children. Be sure to have something for them to do. Maybe cut a picture and arrange a collage or put their name on a boboa tree.

We can get sodas and bottled drinks, no big deal with that with SA's assistance

Gun Shot, Gun Shot, Gun Shot

2008-10-27T16:10:00.005-04:00

This is not the video I want to show, but I looked for over an hour on youtube, and it's the closest I can get so it will have to do. The dance I want to talk about is a bit more graphic and features actual gun shot sounds. One or more of the dancers pretends to be shooting and the others move their bodies like they are being hit with bullets.
I don't know exactly when this dance started; I think I first saw it like two years ago. At the time it didn't bother me too much, but watching Buff State's CSO practice it about 10 times on Saturday I started to think differently.
I find it a bit incredible that shooting and violence have become so accepted in our culture that we have dance moves that pretty much imitate murder. Dancing, at least in the sense I've seen this move performed, is a fun activity done at a party or other festivity. These dance moves seem to take what should be a very serious subject and turn it into a joke.
It is my opinion that many murders occur because people underestimate the power of guns and what it really means to take a life. Dances like this help contribute to the desensitization of society.
At the same time, I do see a certain beauty in the dances. Obviously it takes a lot of physical talent (at least certainly more than I have) to be able to move your body like that. I don't support the censoring of art to "uplift" society, and have no problem with artists incorporating the less pleasing aspects of life (or death) into their work. In this case, however, it seems that the artists are doing little commenting an just turning something horrible, like gun violence, into a fun dance.

Something for the Youth

2008-10-27T10:22:00.002-04:00

The Public Library is sponsoring an event that might be of interested to you, or your little cousins.

Nas and Du Bois (Edited For Clarity)

2008-10-23T19:44:00.006-04:00

At the end of class today I mentioned that I saw many connections between the Du Bois article "Criteria of Negro Art" and ideas Nas has expressed in his songs. Here are some of them (Edit: I've decided to add some commentary too make my ideas clearer):

1) DuBouis Paragraph 22: DuBouis talks about how the "white publisher catering to white folk" limits the expression of black artists and effectively censors black artistic ideas.

Nas on the third verse of "Hero":
"This universal apartheid/ I'm hog-tied, the corporate side... Still in musical prison, in jail for the flow/ Try telling Bob Dylan, Bruce, or Billy Joel/ They can't sing what's in their soul/ So untitled it is/ I never change nothin'/ But people remember this/ If Nas can't say it, think about these talented kids/ With new ideas being told/ what they can and can't spit."

Earlier in this verse Nas talks about how he was pressured into changing the title of his album from "Nigger" to something less controversial. I think the connection between this song and the Du Bois passage is fairly straightforward – both realize that artistic freedom is limited when whites are in control of the publishing companies and major critical presses. This results in Black artists being forced to change their ideas to cater to a white audience (i.e. Nas changing his album title and the young man in the Du Bois article who has to change the content of his writing).

2) DuBouis Paragraph 31: "If a colored man wants to publish a book, he has got to get a white publisher and a white newspaper to say it is great."

Nas on "We Major":
"Now I'm a free agent and I'm thinkin it's time/ to build my very own Motown/ Cause rappers be deprived, of executive 9 to 5's/ And it hurts to see these companies be stealin the life/ And I love to give my blood sweat and tears to the mic."

Just as Nas and Du Bois saw problems with whites being in control of black art productions, each also argues for more black control. Nas suggests the idea of creating his own record production company; Du Bois contends that judgement of black art should be left to blacks.

3) Du Bois Paragraph 22: "They want Uncle Toms, Topsies, good "darkies" and clowns."
And, Du Bois Paragraph 30: "...the young and slowly growing black public still wants its prophets almost equally unfree[when compared to the freedoms given white artists]."
"Our worst side has been so shamelessly emphasized....In all sorts of ways we are hemmed in and our new young artists have got to fight their way to freedom." In general, Dubois calls for new artists to break free of typical black stereotypes.

Nas on "Coon Picnic":
"Let's hear it, one for the coons on UPN 9 and WB/ Who 'Yes Massa' on TV, what ever happened to Wheezy? The Red Fox's?/ Never got Emmy's but were real to me/ Let's hear it, two for the spooks, who do cartwheels/ 'Cause they said they played they parts well/ Now they claim caviar, hate that oxtail/ Lambda Sigma Phi badge on lapel/ Whitey always tell him, "Ooh, he speak so well"/ Are you the one we look to, the decent Negro?/ The acceptable Negro -- hell nah/ But they say, 'These are our heroes.'"
I highly suggest listening to this whole song. Nas goes on to address Kobe Bryant, and a host of other black celebrities.

Nas and DuBois are both criticizing popular representations of blacks that reinforce negative stereotypes. Each wants a change in this behavior and calls for black artists, celebrities, and other entertainers to present more than one vision of black life. I did not see this initially, but I also think "Coon Picnic" echoes parts of the Hughes reading. Like Hughes, Nas critiques members of the black upper and middle class that try to embrace white customs and ignore black ones: "Now they claim caviar, hate that oxtail."

These are the just the connections that jumped immediately out to me while doing the reading, but I can see one coming up with many others.
For example, "I Can" promotes connections to Africa and calls on young kids to use education as a tool for advancement. Also in his latest album "Untitled" Nas addresses many racial themes; this would certainly fit in with the idea of art being used as a political tool.

Event Planning Part 5

2008-10-23T19:33:00.003-04:00

Feel free to edit this post instead of leaving a comment so that we can have as many details as possible together in one place.

Site: El Museo
Date: December 5th, 2008 (Friday)
Time: 7 or 8pm?
Admission Price: $0-$2, optional donation?
Our Attire: Should we dress up, conform to some other theme?
What should be included? Personally I support a "combo" idea. Visual art, dancers, a dj, does anyone know any singers?

Here is a list of potential performers etc... I compiled based on previous posts. Please edit if there is missing information, if I forgot someone, or if something no longer applies. The name in parentesses corresponds to the person who posted it or the contact person we have with the group.

Sponsors:
1) Us
2) Hip Hop SA (isaac): I am working on this one, hopefully we will be able to supply some money etc... too.
3) PUSH (sophia, colin?)
4) BSU (sophia)
5) AAS (sophia)
6) FASA (john)
7) POC? (Eric)

Performers:
1) Hip Hop SA (dance, isaac)
2) Step Troupe (dance, sophia)
3) Congolese (dance, angela)

Tablers:
1) Buffalo Class Action (Sophia)
2) PUSH (Sophia)
3) UB STudents Against Sweatshops (Sophia)

DJ:
HHSA Sponsored? (isaac)

Visual Exhibits:
1) school (art, colin)
2) school (art?, amber)
3) ub students (art, sophia)
4)school (art, sara)

Other:
Indian food (sophia)
Should we supply anything else?
Is wine/alcohol an option since this is an off-campus event? Maybe that's not a good idea if we will be welcoming kids.

I apologize

2008-10-23T18:32:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to apologize to the class for my behavior. It was uncalled for and if I offended anyone I apologize.

Event Planning Part 4

2008-10-21T16:42:00.002-04:00

You can see Part 3 here.

Ok, so last week the head of the art department in the Buffalo Schools sent out a memo to every art teacher in the district about our event! This both excites and horrifies me. I've already heard back from a teacher at Burgard whose students are doing an African-American collage project, so that's good.

Sophia mentioned her friend getting students involved, and also the possibility of donated Puerto Rican/Indian food (good combo!) -- any updates?

Isaac mentioned getting the hip hop SA dance troop involved -- anything there?

Is anyone working on a dj?

Blackface in Hip Hop

2008-10-20T21:52:00.003-04:00

I was watching BET (something I never do and I am so glad that we do not get this channel at home) while in Toronto this weekend. Though I am usually disturbed by the various rap videos I see on this station I was most especially repulsed by the new Soulja Boy Tellem music video called Yahh. Not only was he rapping about foolishness there was also this little figurine that kept popping up in the shot that depicted this black man with huge lips (it was clearly blackface).

Now this had me thinking about how negatively blacks, and especially black women, are depicted in hip hop. I always wondered what exactly were the driving forces behind this because I just cannot imagine why black people would want to portray themselves in that manner.

When you look at the video make sure you watch the whole thing. There is a part at the end where he raps about getting D's on his report card instead of F's. It was just too ridiculous for words.

Anthropolgy vs History

2008-10-20T12:28:00.003-04:00

Hi

I am researching Zora Neal Hurston and Katherine Dunham. I am taking a survey and since this blog is now public, How many readers out there feel that anthropology and history are inorexably entwined? It never really dawned on me that these two divas were anthropologist. It is quite a common sense thing when really thought about: During a quiet moment, one thinks about where an idea or story originates.........

I know that does not mean that you have to give it any "real time" but.......
you cannot deny that "real" time enhances and enriches any artistic work... Real time does not have to be long in duration; as we know time to be but it is something that is deep within.
Time and space definitely are inorexably entwined no question.

Arguments? Agreements? Comments?

Dr. Rijiin

Leonard Pitts Jr.: A message to Chris Rock on the N-word

2008-10-19T17:15:00.001-04:00

Article Dr. Young mentioned in class on Thursday.
Leonard Pitts Jr.: A message to Chris Rock on the N-word

2008-10-18T17:37:00.001-04:00

I'm not really sure what exact relation this has to the class (perhaps someone can find one?), but since I wasted my time writing it Thursday I thought I'd share it...

Las Vegas- In a surprising move The Commission on Presidential Debates announced plans for a fourth debate Thursday morning. A spokesperson from the Commission said final details are still being worked out, but that everything major has already been approved.

In contrast to the first three debates, this one will feature Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain squaring off in a boxing match. It is believed to be the first time in American history that the two candidates will literally throw punches at each other.

According to The Commission, the debate will take place here at the MGM Grande Hotel and Casino on Saturday October 30th at 10:30 pm est. The site was chosen not only because of Las Vegas’ rich boxing history, but because of Nevada's crucial importance as a swing state. Bob Costas will moderate the event.

No one is exactly clear how the idea of a boxing match came about so quickly, but Obama Campaign manager David Plouffe has been taking credit for the idea so far. "The idea just came to me at the end of last night's debate,” Plouffe said. "John and Barack went to shake hands and John kept saying 'good job, good job, good job' in a really annoying fashion. I started to think, wow, if I were Barack I'd really want to punch him right now. From there the wheels just started turning. I ran the idea by a few people in our campaign and they loved it. Barack was game, and so we decided to ask the McCain camp what they thought. I'm surprised, but grateful that we managed to get it done so quickly."

Just a few weeks ago Senator McCain told supporters that he would be taking "the gloves off" at future debates. Now he will apparently be putting them back on.
HBO Boxing analyst Larry Merchant did not express high hopes for McCain in the ring. "Listen maybe forty-five years ago McCain could have put up a challenge, but now? No question, the favorite has to be Obama." Merchant cited McCain's inability to lift his arms beyond a thirty-five degree angle and lack of stamina as factors that will hinder him in the ring. He believed that the real question was not who would win, but if and when Obama would score a knock-out.

Plouffe also expressed confidence in his candidates chances. "Frankly I was surprised they agreed to the fight" Plouffe responded when asked whom he thought held an advantage. Plouffe added, "I don't want to play the race card, but I think history is on our side."

Some political experts were calling the move a last act of desperation on McCain's part. In recent weeks McCain has suffered in the polls. Many believe that for him to win he has to shift the race's focus away from the economy, but attempted attacks on Obama's character have not helped the Republican close the gap either.

McCain campaign manager Rick Davis denied that the fight was an act of desperation, saying it would prove to Americans that McCain is able to handle the demands of the Presidency. Davis said that in these troubled times Americans need someone who "will fight for them." He claimed John McCain was that man, and that he would prove it on the thirtieth.

Republicans, Democrats, and Independent voters alike all seemed enthusiastic about the upcoming bout. Denzelle Green, an African American from Ohio who said he plans to vote for Obama, was confident his candidate would be victorious. "No question. Obama, TKO in the third round," Green replied. Green continued, "This event is monumental. Even when I go to the polls and election officials claim that I was taken off the registration list three weeks ago because of a computer error and McCain ends up winning, I'll be able to say 'ya but Barack beat McCain's ass when it counted."

Samuel McCarthy, a white Missouri voted expressed an equal level of excitement. "I already voted for McCain once through early voting, but after he tears up that terrorist Obama I'm definitely going to vote again." McCarthy added, "Honestly, these first three debates were boring. Who wants to hear these two guys talk about issues? This is something Americans can really look forward to."

No word yet has been announced on whether the Vice-Presidential nominees will agree to an under-card match, or if any Senators involved in close contests will try to get in the action. McCain's running mate Sarah Palin did seem to send Joe Biden a bit of a challenge Thursday afternoon. "Alaska has the highest rate of domestic violence in the country," Palin said. "If Joe, or anybody else doesn't think I can take a few punches they've got another thing coming. Remember, I'm a hockey mom."

No official line on the fight has been announced yet, but officials said that there would be no restrictions on betting. "What have we raised so far, $465 million?" Plouffe asked. "Well unless the odds are 1:1 on Barack that is about to get a whole lot bigger. We are planning to wager every contribution made to our campaign so far on this fight. This is what's going to decide the election."

Upcoming Hip Hop SA Events

2008-10-18T17:24:00.003-04:00

Hip Hop SA has two upcoming events.
We are hosting a dance competition on Saturday the 25th and a
Poetry Slam on Thursday the 30th. Please leave a comment if you want more information about either; if you would like to enter the poetry slam please let me know.
Hip Hop SA Presents: UB Thinks You Can Dance
Saturday October 25th @ 5pm in the Student Union Theatre
Tickets are $3 pre-sale, available at the SBI ticket office, or $5 at the door.

Hip Hop SA Poetry Slam
Thursday October 30th @ 7pm in the Hadley Village Community Building
This event is right after class and has free admission and free food; I'd love to see some of you join me!
Again, if anyone is interested in entering please let me know. There are both competitive and exhibition categories; $100 cash prize to winner of exhibition category!

The whites only sign in Niagara Falls

2008-10-15T21:00:00.001-04:00

How could it not be racial? Honestly now. This has little to do with the class unless you look directly what the pictures show. The pictures show the difference and magically they started to open up eyes of people who supposedly had no idea about the differences in the South. I'm sure the entire class has viewed the white water fountain and colored water fountain picture at some time, but if you haven't, you can see it here

What gets me about this story, is that the city decided to step up diversity training after the incident. It's the obvious cover our ass move, however, a preventable event is blown up into what I'm surprised has not turned into a complete shit show, because this is the first time I had heard of it. The thought that everything can be fixed with training, or counseling is the biggest load of crap ever. If someone puts a whites only sign on the white house gates, is the entire country going to have to go to diversity training? Just federal employees? What is that going to accomplish?

Economic study finds that Buffalo has the highest rate of unemployed black males in the country

2008-10-15T09:24:00.002-04:00

Just published in today's Buffalo News. The study also finds that Buffalo has the second highest income gap between blacks and whites.

I don't find any of this to be shocking at all. Just thought I'd post it up if anyone was interested

Immortal Technique on Aljaziera

2008-10-15T02:59:00.002-04:00

In particular, check out what he's got to say about Obama...

Columbus Day

2008-10-13T20:22:00.005-04:00

So today is Columbus Day here in the States, and Thanksgiving Day just 20 minutes away in Canada. TO both of these events, I'd like to give a hearty, "F*** YOU," welcome on behalf of the indigenous people of the Americas. Oh, and I'd like to extend that to Leif Erikson Day, which was October 9th.

Now Columbus Day is just wrong for obvious reasons, which is why Native people all over the Americas have appropriated the holiday as their own - in Venezulea, Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Day of Indigenous Resistance) is celebrated today thanks to Hugo Chavez' efforts in 2002 and the 2004 toppling of the Columbus statue in Caracas by activists. We United States redskins claim Indigenous People's Day, as do First Nation folks in Canada, as our official resistance.

The Canadian's celebrate Thanksgiving today OFFICIALLY as a celebration of harvest, with claims to a Christian-European influence. However, as aboriginal peoples in Canada have noted time and time again, the actual harvest festival that actually does fall around this exact time of year was, in fact, a native tradition that was appropriated by the European descendants that populated Canada.

Connection to this class? Absolutely none. I do hope, however, that a few of you will be inspired to look into the disgusting history of American and Canadian national holidays that we take so much pride in. Our youth are indoctrinated with pithy celebratory explanations of figures like Columbus and never truly learn the history of genocide these continents were founded upon once Europeans found us. Also, I hope this encourages us all to remember that the Americas had a history PRIOR to European arrival, that Native American people have and still have AGENCY, and that we are still here and still struggling for basic rights that all of you take for granted as citizens in your respective countries.

Some links to helpful websites on current indigenous issues as well as various Native American activists (focused around my nation specifically):

Contemporary Native news site
Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890
Wounded Knee Incident of 1973
Leonard Peltier, a political prisoner for the past 3 decades
An article on the 1969 Indians of All Tribes occupation of Alcatrez
A brief history of the American Indian Movement organization, with bibliography
L. Frank Baum's (author of The Wizard of Oz) genocidal declarations after the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890.
John McCain, circa 1996 as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, explaining why he refused to rescind the Medals of Honor awarded to soldiers who massacred at least 300 elderly, women, and children at Wounded Knee in 1890

"....The Birth of a Child on the 8th of October...."

2008-10-08T16:12:00.002-04:00

Pete Rock & CL Smooth- T.R.O.Y. (They Reminisce Over You)
Wikipedia for more info about this classic joint

kanye's new video

2008-10-08T13:18:00.002-04:00

wow, I love this new song and I feel that the music video really touched on the African roots. Thanks isaac for posting the video

Love Lockdown Video

2008-10-07T14:16:00.004-04:00

Third, and most likely final, post I make about this song. I would definitely recommend watching the entire video, it's unlike anything I've ever seen before.

SIDE NOTE: Since we don't have any class this week I'd like to invite people to share their feelings/debate Kanye West. I am obviously a big fan and think a lot of the stuff (not everything) he does is brilliant, but I know that other people feel differently. I'll leave it at that for now, hopefully people have something to say and I will readily respond with comments!

p.s. I'm feelin the new colors. Props to whoever picked them.

Murder in Black and White

2008-10-06T21:01:00.002-04:00

TV One is airing a mini series about unsolved murder cases of blacks during the Civil Rights Era. Al Sharpton is the host and the series was done in collaboration with the FBI in hopes of solving some of these murders. The first episode was last night at 10pm. The next episode will air tonight followed by the third and fourth on Wednesday and Thursday all at 10pm. If anyone gets the channel it should be interesting.

you should hate globalization too

2008-10-05T21:38:00.000-04:00

Alice Walker on the Toxic Culture of Globalization

Event Planning Part 3

2008-10-03T15:31:00.004-04:00

You can see the earlier posts here and here.

Venue: El Museo wants to host the event. The fee is $100.

Visual Art: I have notes out to the staff at Performing Arts HS about students producing work for the event. Sophia is tracking down a few leads on UB artists, and Amber is looking into participation from her old school.

Other Art: Harpreet mentioned getting dancers involved, and a DJ or other musical component was mentioned previously,as well. These aren't my areas of expertise, unless you're looking to recreate Manchester, England circa 1984. But it's time to get these balls rolling, so I hope someone steps up here.

Sponsors: We also need to start getting sponsorships from clubs and departments on campus. Which groups do we need? Which groups could give a little bit of money? Who knows who to talk to? Speak up if it's you!

Comedy Central has gone overboard

2008-10-02T12:34:00.002-04:00

Am I crazy, or is anybody else bothered by this new "Chocolate News" program that Comedy Central is putting up? Dave Chappelle was right about these guys; the only thing they want black entertainers for is to create minstrel programs for our generation. I hope our generation's really as smart as we're supposed to be and don't get immersed in this bull. Any respect I had for David Allan Grier (he was in Jumanji, for crying out loud, JUMANJI!!!!!!!) has gone down the toilet like a chili burrito on a weak stomach. Yet, I'm only surprised such a show wasn't brought on air sooner after Chappelle left CC. Plus, money's hard to get these days with the up-and-coming Second Depression on its way (do you really think this "bailout" is going to help you or anyone else who lacks a title of CEO out in any way?), so somebody was bound step up for the once-almighty dollar (even in West Africa, our purchasing power has taken a nosedive deeper than our Olympic swimming team). Which is my logic exactly. If there is someone out there who is not enlightened and reading this, isn't it about time we discontinue being consumer whores? If you aren't broke now, you're going to be soon. So stop spending your time and money on useless things. Watching TV give ratings to both the show and the commercial, effectively bringing money into both. Maybe then my TV can have a name better than "idiot box".

I'm done.

Catherine Opie

2008-09-30T21:34:00.004-04:00

I actually haven't had a chance to read this article yet, but I saw this in Friday's New York Times and think that the picture alone is worth posting.
Link to Article: A Retrospective of Many Artists, All of Them One Woman

2008-09-30T15:33:00.001-04:00

I Love This Blog!

Black comedians

2008-09-30T12:35:00.004-04:00

I know someone in class is doing a project on black comedy in some relation - even if this isn't useful to whomever has that topic, it's a pretty apt analysis of race/gender comedy. I've attached the link to the article below, enjoy!

Save it for your therapist, Chris at Racialicious

FallFest

2008-09-28T23:32:00.003-04:00

Curious as to everyone's thoughts on FallFest. I really appreaciated what KRS did, but really was hoping to hear "You Must Learn", and also Nas' "I Know I Can". Also, I couldn't believe how many people left early. Oh well...in the end, we knew who the real hip hop heads were in the building. I noticed a lot of people seemed to be offended at how "political" the show got; it's a hip hop show what do you expect? And why am I the only dude clappin when KRS said we need to stop disrespecting women?

Sex

2008-09-26T15:43:00.002-04:00

This is a fairly interesting article on the presentation of black women's sexuality in black fiction:
I Know Why Zane Sell

Link to the graduate students' blog

2008-09-25T09:35:00.002-04:00

Hey guys,

I posted the link to the grad students' blog, so make sure to check it out. It's over on the right hand side of the page in the affiliates section. If you have another blog/website you want to add over there definitely do so.

Blackface Montage from Spike Lee's Bamboozled

2008-09-23T21:14:00.004-04:00

From the end of the movie. Offers some excellent examples of blackface in visual media, including excerpts from cartoons, movies, TV shows, and stage performances.
Wonderfully edited, and equal parts angering, disturbing, and oddly mesmerizing. You really get a sense of the performance aspect of blackface- and the nasty, mocking, parodical quality of the white mindset regarding blacks in a time not so long ago. For me, strangely enough, the cartoons are harder to watch than the actual people. I think it's due to the fact that I've always associated cartoons with humor- Bugs Bunny et.al.- and I don't find anything funny about the ones in the montage.

Would love to hear reactions from other students in the class.

Paris, Tokyo (Remix)

2008-09-23T12:50:00.003-04:00

I know I post a lot of hip hop, but when Lupe and Q-Tip appear on a track together it's definitely worth listening to.
Paris, Tokyo Remix

End of Year Presentation

2008-09-21T11:41:00.002-04:00

I think that everyones ideas on presenting our work are really good but I think that if we are going to be presenting at a museum than we need to have a little more than small excerpts from our paper on posters. I think in addition to that we should have music and pictures all around us that touch on each of the discussions we had. For example, we could have a picture of someone in blackface and then tell people what the signifigance is, or talk about works like dessa rose, just to show everyone there what we learned as well as our individual paper topics. Give me a heads up on the blog or in class if you think this is a good idea.

Modern Blackface

2008-09-20T13:50:00.003-04:00

Professor Young made a great point last Thursday about the modern version of Blackface Minstrelsy. When I was younger, I use to remember watching very old tom&jerry cartoons and saw portrayals of Black women as being heavy set, with a dark face and red lips. I used to think that was the weirdest portrayals of Black people but it never crossed to me as anything controversial. Now, I have searched more modern portrayals of Blackface and realized the cartoons I watched as an adolescent, portrayed the very idea of blackface. For example, Jynx from Pokemon and Mr. Popo from Dragon Ball-Z are great examples of blackface.

Blackface and the Black Bloc

2008-09-19T22:05:00.005-04:00

During class on Thursday when we were talking about the history of white folks "blacking up" before protesting or rioting, I started thinking about how this history relates to the modern black bloc. For those who may not know, a black bloc is a protest tactic often used by anarchists and involves "masking up" and wearing identical clothing to facilitate property destruction and lawlessness. It first came to public attention in this country at the anti-WTO protests in Seattle in 1999.

I've been in a black bloc before, and there seem to be similarities between this tactic and the donning of blackface or other disguises in the past. The need assume a different identity before taking part in transgressive behavior, the safety provided by blending into a monolithic body, the "masking" of the face, even the color choices.

One of the important critiques of the black bloc has been that it's an almost entirely white tactic, and I think that's a fair critique. Many of the participants lead fairly privileged lives, and are able to return to them afterward because of they have masked up. In the same sense that the colonists could take off their Indian garb after the Boston Tea Party, or 19th-century white rioters could take off their burnt cork, modern bloc-ers can remove their masks -- their radical identities -- and put them on the shelf until they are needed again.

Event Planning Part 2

2008-09-19T21:51:00.004-04:00

I thought I'd start a new post about the event, since the old one will soon fall off the front page. You can check the old post here.

So, after failing to get ahold of the folks at El Museo for the last week, I broke down and went there. The woman working seemed very enthusiastic about us holding our event there, although she asked me to draw up a proposal for her to take to her boss, to make it all nice and official. Our dates seemed fine, except that the gallery would be closed to the public during that week, so there wouldn't be anything on display. Food and drink are fine, and we can have the space for free, though they wouldn't complain if we threw $50 their way. She was also very into the idea that we encourage UB students to create and display pieces on our topic.

So it seems like we're gonna have to come up with the art ourselves, apart from Sophia's peer review poster idea. Keeli mentioned getting UB folks to produce something -- can she chime in on how we'd get that done, and how likely it seems?

I was also thinking about trying to link up with the art programs in the Buffalo schools -- or maybe the Sankofa charter school -- to see about getting students to produce something. I can make the contacts with the Buffalo schools, but does anyone have a contact at Sankofa? Does Kush B. still teach there?

Love LockDown Update

2008-09-16T22:16:00.002-04:00

In response to the criticism he recieved for the first studio version of "Love LockDown" Kanye has remastered and recorded new vocals. Since I posted the first version I think its only right that I post the new one.

Kanye West- Love Lockdown remastered

P.S. If you've never checked out Kanye's Blog its got some really cool stuff.

Spectrum

2008-09-16T10:55:00.002-04:00

I wish the Spectrum had published yesterday's opinion article online or I would post the link. I have no clue as to it's impact around the campus but it's certainly causing quite the stir in the Mocktrial/Democrat/Republican office.

If anyone can pull a copy of the spectrum from yesterday (9/15/08), you may be interested in reading the opinion section written by the sports editor. (It's on the same page as the article about selling one's virginity to pay for graduate school)

I'll let you decide for yourself after reading it, but the guy is a moron.

Dessa Rose on the Stage

2008-09-15T14:18:00.007-04:00

Dessa Rose was recently adapted for the stage. I thought you might be interested in some of the promotional and performance pics. The 2nd one features Nemi interviewing Dessa. What do you think?

FALL FEST!!!!!!

2008-09-14T22:37:00.004-04:00

MAKE SURE YOU ARE THERE FOR ONE OF THE CRAZIEST HIP HOP SHOWS IN BUFFALO HISTORY!!!!

STARRING NASTY NAS AND LUDACRIS.....AND I JUST GOT WORD THAT KRS-ONE, SLICK RICK, BIZ MARKIE, AND BIG DADDY KANE WILL BE PERFORMING!!!!!

SEE THE OFFICIAL FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE AND INVITE ALL YOUR FRIENDS SO WE CAN GET THE WORD OUT!

FALL FEST ON FACEBOOK

DETAILS:
Saturday September 27 @ Alumni Arena
Doors open at 5pm show starts at 6pm
FREEEEEE FOR UB STUDENTS
$35 for non-students. Tickets are not on sale yet but will be sold at alumni box office and on tickets.com

The Corries & Michigan St. Baptist Church Lecture Series

2008-09-14T21:59:00.002-04:00

Portraits of Peacemakers in Israel and Palestine:
An Evening with Cindy & Craig Corrie, Parents of Rachel Corrie
Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 8 p.m.—10 p.m.
University at Buffalo North Campus, 112 Norton (Woldman Theater).

Sponsored by The Western New York Peace Center, The Muslim Public Affairs Council of Western New York, the Muslim Students Association at UB, Jean Dickson, Professor Bruce Jackson (Capen Chair of American Culture at UB), and Joanna Tinker,

Rachel Corrie (1979-2003) was an American from Olympia, Washington, who joined the International Solidarity Movement. On March 16, 2003, while she was trying to protect a home in Gaza, Palestine, from demolition, an Israeli soldier crushed her to death under his bulldozer. She has become a symbol of nonviolent resistance to the Israeli occupation.

Her eloquent emails and journal entries have circulated widely, and may be read in the new book-length collection, Let Me Stand Alone. They also formed the basis for the hit play, My Name is Rachel Corrie, which has been performed worldwide, including in Buffalo, despite powerful efforts to shut it down. Buffalo Subversive Theater Company will stage a selection from the play at the beginning of the evening.

Admission is free. All contributions will go to the Rachel Corrie Foundation (see below). Copies of Let Me Stand Alone and My Name Is Rachel Corrie will be on sale.

Also, a date correction for the next lecture in the Rev. Dr. J. Edward Nash lectures at Michigan Street Baptist Church:

This months lecture will touch on The Historic Michigan Avenue Baptist Church and the Civil Rights Movement. It is recommended that you all visit your local library or talking leaves Books in order to review a copy of the text Why We Cant Wait by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This months lecturer, Bishop William Henderson, will be presenting this piece on Saturday, September 27th from 2:45p until 5:00pm. (This date has been changed from its original date and time on September 20th). This time will include the lecture, discussion and refreshments; please come equipped with questions and comments.

Misc...

2008-09-12T15:30:00.003-04:00

A few things of interest...

1) WE NEED A NEW TITLE! Once we get a few suggestions (feel free to leave them as comments in this post) I'll set up a poll.

2) I figured out how to link blogs. If you look over on the right hand side of the page under affiliates I put a link to my own blog. Anyone else who wants to add a link should just click on the little screwdriver icon underneath that section and a window will pop up telling you how to do so.

3) We can add a picture and other decoration to the site if people want to do that. I tried adding the picture Dr. Young sent in the email this summer. Let me know what you think.

4) If anyone wants to change the site's url feel free to do so. This was literally the first thing that popped into my mind after history493@blogspot.com, which I thought was kind of lame, so if you think we need a new name just let me know. All the content will transfer over automatically so that would not be an issue.

Styron's Choice

2008-09-12T15:07:00.003-04:00

An interesting article from this week's NY Times Book Review that discusses William Styron's The Confessions of Nat Turner and how it helped lead to later books like Dessa Rose and Beloved.

Click here for article.

The Official Semester-Ending Event Post

2008-09-11T21:13:00.003-04:00

Catchy title, huh?

In general, there are several steps to planning an event. Some need to get done asap, and some can wait until we get closer to the event. First, the stuff we need to figure out asap:

Format/Theme: what is this event? An art show, a party, a hybrid, something else? We've talked a little about this, but the better we have it defined, the easier everything else becomes.
Date: Young suggested a night after classes end, but before exams. Maybe Fri 12/5 or Sat 12/6 -- what do you think?
Venue: I'm contacting El Museo, and Sophia is contacting El Buen Amigo. Both have ongoing art shows that may fit our theme. Others have mentioned campus venues, which may be simpler to pull off but aren't as interesting (imo). Does anyone want to look into those details?

Then, the crucial stuff that we have a bit more time on:

Fundraising/Budget: Eric is already looking into hitting up "crusty old white guys with money." Anyone else have ideas?
Co-sponsors: can help with promotion and money (maybe). Yay or nay?
Program: the guts of the event itself. Are we going to have music, show student art, give presentations, ride unicycles, etc? Whatever we decide, we need to start lining up musicians, artists or whatever soon.

Then, the stuff that can wait a while:

Promotion/Publicity (1 month out)
Food/Drinks/Logistics (1 week out)
Media (3 days out)

Online decision making is always tough. I'd suggest we use the blog to bounce ideas around, but try to make decisions in person. Maybe folks who are interested in helping plan the event can commit to sticking around for 10 minutes after class?

The Official Dessa Rose Post.

2008-09-11T19:38:00.005-04:00

Since Dessa Rose is still fresh on my mind I thought I'd kick off the discussion of "The Negress."

-->The biggest thing that stood out to me when reading this section of the book was the way Williams shifts the speaker role. For most of the first two sections, events are presented from the viewpoint of Nehemiah, Rufel, and an outside narrator. Then in the last section voice shifts to Dessa who narrates in the first person.

Dessa's asumption of the speaker role provides the reader with an entirely different way of viewing the novel's events. Whereas Rufel and Nehemiah often misinterepreted things, Dessa presents a more accurate representation of her life. If one thinks about how this connects to art, then it could be a comment on the power of African Americans asserting control over their own art.

With African American art, one gets an entirely different understanding if he or she looks at the criticism of an outsider, who does not fully understand the art form, versus receiving an explanation from the actual artists or someone more familiar with the art. Like the photos we discussed last week, art can be used to enforce power structures and "support myths" (sorry I can't remember Collins's exact wording). In Dessa Rose there is a parallel between the photos of the slaves and the book Nehemiah wrote. Similarly, there are commonalities found in the way the women reworked the photos and the shift to Dessa as speaker. In each there is a reassertion of control over art.

--> A second thing I noticed was the way Harker transformed Dessa's scars into a thing of beauty. Dessa's scars could have easily become an embarrassment and mark of imperfection, but Harker prevents that. We talked in class about how the body can become a text, and in this sense it can also became art too. The way Dessa's scars are now respected symbolizes how art can be created and given new meaning from seemingly barren places.

Emma Goldman Would Go . . .

2008-09-10T17:58:00.003-04:00

An easy introduction to some of the best activist groups in Buffalo:

Looking to improve on the Buffalo's current options for dancing to real music, leaders of the local progressive nonprofit community have come together to found The Movement.

Come out on October 3rd to experience the first Movement party at Langston Hughes, near Main and High Streets. If you've been looking for a spot to enjoy danceable underground hip-hop and soulful beats, you're not alone.

The Movement seeks to raise Buffalo's movement consciousness while providing a space to DANCE! Veteran DJ's Cutler and LoPro will provide the backbone, and special guests will play backup.

Nonprofit sponsors include Buffalo First, Buffalo Reuse, PUSH Buffalo, MAP, the Coalition for Economic Justice and Ujima Theater. Proceeds will benefit the PPG--a network of social change groups in Buffalo--as well as the Massachusetts Avenue Project.

$5 at the door.

When: Friday, October 3rd, 8PM
Where: Langston Hughes Institute, 25 High Street
For Info: Contact PUSH Buffalo at 418-0829 or info@pushbuffalo.org

Events

2008-09-10T14:32:00.002-04:00

September 23, 8-10pm
Cindy and Craig Corrie, the parents of Rachel Corrie are joining us to give a public lecture:
Portraits of Peacemakers in Israel & Palestine: An Evening with Cindy & Craig Corrie, Parents of Rachel Corrie. They will speak about their daughters death, their experiences in the Middle East and recent trip to Jerusalem. It will be held on UB North Campus, Norton Room 112.

------------------------

Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition
National Lecture Series to Commence at Historic Michigan Street Baptist Church
New York Council for the Humanities Sponsored Speaker Kicks off Lectures in August Buffalo, New York. The Loraine Project, a subsidiary of the Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition, is honored to introduce The Nash Lectures, an introspective new reading and conversation series that will feature professors, doctors, authors, scientists, historians and entrepreneurs from locally and around the country. The Nash Lectures, and its efforts to preserve the past through cultivating the future, is in adherence with the efforts and goals of Buffalo Public Schools and the region on issues of literacy and education. In our Fall 2008 series we will bring together two lecturers sponsored by the New York Council for the Humanities; a Global Information System (GIS) specialist from New Orleans University and local historian Bishop William H. Henderson, caretaker of the historic Michigan Street Baptist Church. The Lectures seek to provide the community with a rounded outlook on the past, present and future of African American heritage and culture. Here's a glimpse of our entire Fall lecture schedule:

The Michigan Street Baptist Church and the Civil Rights Movement
Bishop William Henderson, President
The Niagara Freedom Station Coalition
Saturday, September 20th 2008
3:00pm

Paying for Freedom: New Orleans Post Katrina
Ms. Michelle M. Thompson, Professor
University of New Orleans
Saturday, October 18th 2008
3:00pm

James Baldwin: Where the Fire Next Time is today
Thomas March, Poet, Critic & Teacher
The Brearley School in New York City
Saturday, November 22nd 2008
3:00pm

As a literary component the Loraine Project has put together a book list that follows the lectures from month to month. Coinciding with the topics of each lecture the recommended reads will commence with A Death in the Delta: The Story of Emmitt Till by Stephen J. Whitfield or Death of Innocence: the story of the hate crime that changed America by Mamie Till-Mobley & Christopher Benson in the month of August, Why We Can't Wait by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in September, Come Hell or High Water by Rev. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson in October and conclude in November with The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin. The books for the series will be available at the beginning of each month at both Talking Leaves Books locations (951 Elmwood Ave. and 3158 Main St.) as well as at your local Buffalo Public Library branch.
Each event, free of charge and open to the public, is set to take place at 511 Michigan Avenue, at the historic site of the Michigan Street Baptist Church. The lectures will focus on pressing issues that arise in the African American community and, in essence, will maintain the historic nature of the church. Those in attendance will be given the opportunity to partake in the classic forum atmosphere which existed when the likes of Booker T. Washington and Fredrick Douglas held lectures for the Citizens of Buffalo.

In Celebration of History

2008-09-09T21:45:00.003-04:00

Hi Gang
I have something brewing.........Dr David Gerber, who is leaving as chair of the History Department should definitely be honored as well as our significant other. http://www.history.buffalo.edu/ Follow this website

Also, the Erie County Historical Society which SUNY at Buffalo collaborates withwould be a good place to get thing established or the Art Gallery .
All we have to do is contact Patty Starr over at the Center for Tomorrow and have her put an "evening" together for us. this is what she does and the Center does........catering, appointments, decorations collaborations get honor plaques gift certificates etc.......all we have to do is get into agreement
We have to keep it on the low for the "surprise" if we would do it that way

Dr Gerber and Dr Young should be informed that we are taking the History at SUNY at Buffalo Department to Google Maps!

Adios, Hasta Luego!

dr rijiin

Dessa Rose & Assata Shakur

2008-09-09T18:13:00.002-04:00

The first time I read Dessa Rose I was struck by the similarities between Dessa and Assata Shakur. I did not know much about Assata at the time, but since then I have read a lot more about her and as I reread Dessa Rose those feelings returned.

Here are some of the similarities I picked up on:

1) Dessa's participation in the uprising on the coffel reminded me of Assata's alleged role in the shooting of NJ State Troopers.

2) The respect and love shared between Dessa, Nathan, and Cully led the later two to risk their lives when they returned to free Dessa from prison. Similarly, the other members of the Black Liberation Army showed extreme devotion when they broke Assata out of prison.

3) The way white society fears Dessa and Assata. Dessa is reffered to as a "Devil-Woman." Accounts of Assata's trials appeared regularly in American newspapers.

4) In 1995, years after Assata had escaped to Cuba Congress issued an official proclamation calling for her to be extradited; she remains to this day on the FBI's most wanted list. Adam Nehemiah becomes obsessed with Dessa. A reward is issued for her capture and he devotes an enormous amount of energy to trying to find her.

5) Both were "helped" by a white woman. Assata by the German nurse in the hospital after the shooting; Dessa by Rufel.

6) Both were pregnant with a child while in custody. Assata is grossly mistreated while pregnant with her child. Dessa too is barely given any assistance and is actually being kept alive so that her child can be put into slavery.

Anybody else see any others? I just felt like sharing, so if you think I'm reaching a little bit that's fine too.

If you haven't ever listened to it, Common's "A Song For Assata" is great. It introduced me to Assata's story.

more emory douglas

2008-09-09T12:19:00.002-04:00

emory douglas

2008-09-09T12:14:00.002-04:00

Apparently Emory Douglas was the sole contributor to the Black Panther party's artistic posters. Dr. Young gave me some advice on how to view some of his artwork. If you like any of it, let me know and Ill give you the information.

dr. rijiin

2008-09-07T21:36:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone

I don't know if you checked out the Artist over at CFA, however I was told that he will make an appearance on the 15th at 6:30 and the details will be posted.........pretty eclectic stuff here. I am thinking of asking him about Jeffrey Dahlmer.....
I perceive that Mr. Harris clearly has some ideas of machismo as I examined his very avant-garde collection.

Local events

2008-09-07T16:54:00.003-04:00

SANKOFA: African Cultural Night at the International Institute of Buffalo
Sponsored by: Just Buffalo, International Institute of Buffalo
Friday, September 12, 2008 @ 6:00 PM
International Institute of Buffalo

Just Buffalo and the International Institute of Buffalo present an evening of African culture, past, present and future in celebration of African literary icon Chinua Achebe's visit to Buffalo at part of the Babel series.

Bring out the whole family for an evening of African food and music, featuring: African Drumming and Dance by the Jama Jama Ensemble; traditional African Storytelling by Sharon Holley; and a contemporary African-American spoken word performance from poet James Cooper.

Venue Information
International Institute of Buffalo
864 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo
Phone: 716.883.19900

BABEL: Chinua Achebe
Sponsored by: Just Buffalo
Thursday, September 25, 2008 @ 8:00 PM
Asbury Hall at Babeville

Venue Information
Asbury Hall at Babeville
341 Delaware Ave. @ Tupper.

2008-09-07T14:52:00.002-04:00

Hello Everyone, I just wanted to let you know that there is currently a showing of Lyle Ashton Harris's work showing in the CFA Main Gallery. The show titled Blow Up will be running through October 18, for more information about the show and the artist you can visit http://ubartgalleries.buffalo.edu/pages/home/index.shtml or http://www.lyleashtonharris.com/. I also wanted to let everyone know that on Mondays at 6:30 there is a free speakers series every week were the visual studies department brings in a practicing artist to lecture and field questions, if you are interested a schedule of the speakers and more information about what they do can be found here: http://visualstudies.buffalo.edu/ubVSnews/?p=81 . Best- Keeli

Hip Hop SA Meeting This Tuesday

2008-09-06T15:56:00.003-04:00

Join Hip Hop SA for our second general meeting as we discuss Lil Wayne's current position in hip hop. Is he "the greatest rapper alive" as he claims to be? Was the Carter III a classic album? How did he manage to sell so many copies of it?
5pm Tuesday September 9
210 Student Union

Art of Hip Hop

2008-09-05T15:19:00.002-04:00

I just got invited to this on facebook so I thought I'd post it up here since no one else has yet. Visit the Facebook Event Page for more information.

Free Nas

2008-09-04T22:04:00.003-04:00

Nas-Untitled

I keep talking about this album in class so I thought I'd post it so that everyone can listen if they want. Since we are paying Nas to come to fall fest, I don't think he'd mind us listening to his album for free : ). Besides, I bought two copies when it came out.

Standout tracks in my opinion: Queens Get The Money, Hero, Sly Fox, Testify, N.I.G.G.E.R. (The Slave And The Master), Fried Chicken, Ya'll My Niggas, Black President.

Other Thoughts: The third verse on "America" is absolutely sick as is Nas's world play on "Sly Fox."

Favorite Line: "Spit it, I'm Huey P in Louis V at the eulogy throwing molitovs for Emmit" off of "Queens Get The Money." My friend knocked Nas for rapping off beat on this song, but I think he does it on purpose, it forces you to pay really close attention to the lyrics, which I think might be some of Nas's best. Check the subliminal shots thrown at 50 Cent.

Ciara

2008-09-04T21:44:00.004-04:00

I saw this yesterday and kept thinking about it during our discussion in class. Is Ciara trying to sell herself with sex appeal, exploring a new form of expression/celebrating her body, or doing something else here?

2008-09-04T17:56:00.002-04:00

Defining Blackness

2008-09-01T00:45:00.004-04:00

In class on Thursday we touched on the way that people often struggle to define what should be considered "black." We heard a couple competing definitions of what constitutes black art -- either it should draw on African traditions, or on Southern rural traditions -- and discussed whether a black person making art in a traditionally white mode should be considered a "black artist."

This constrained understanding of what constitutes black authenticity expresses itself in other areas, as well. One of the most obvious is in the tendency to view black history as a set of binaries -- are you for Washington or Du Bois? Du Bois or Garvey? Malcolm or Martin? etc. It's almost as if the black community is thought to be so monolithic that there isn't room for people with opposing views to both be authentically black.

In my experience, the same thing isn't true for whites. A white artist can work in a traditionally black mode without ever losing his whiteness and the privilege that comes with it -- Eminem isn't getting pulled over for "driving while black," right?

In this situation, whites have freedom of action while blacks face the threat of losing their racial identity if they step outside the prescribed boundaries of blackness. Isn't this oppressive? And isn't it a bit scary that we so easily fall into this way of thinking?

New Lupe Fiasco

2008-08-31T15:04:00.001-04:00

Lupe Fiasco Ft Gemini- I Know Why

Hip Hop SA Meeting This Tuesday

2008-08-31T13:46:00.000-04:00

UB's Hip Hop Student Association will be hosting it's first general meeting this week.
September 2, 2008 @ 5pm
210 Student Union
We will be discussing hip hop's role in the upcoming presidential election.
Hip Hop SA on Facebook

Relavant Songs/Videos
Nas- Black President
Young Jeezy Ft Nas- My President is Black
Ludacris- Politics As Usual
Jay-Z Performs "Minority Report" and Endorses Barack Obama

2008-08-30T14:01:00.002-04:00

how do you add pictures from websites?

Green Party

2008-08-29T00:16:00.008-04:00

I have two things to say and Carl Latuff drew them better.

Also, Barack Obama e-mailed me after his BS speech tonight. Think before you vote, people. The Green Party is running an all women of color ticket this November - that deserves notice.

Welcome

2008-08-28T22:59:00.003-04:00

Hey Guys,

Hope there are no problems registering. Start posting whenever you feel like it.

I'll get things started with some Obama inspired art in honor of his speech tonight.

Click here for full gallery and more info

Maybe it's just the community I live in, but I seem to be seeing a lot more Obama inspired art than I did for past presidential campaigns. Tons of T-shirts, other clothing, posters...etc... Do you think people are just trying to make a buck off the Obama hype or is something more going on here? Does this really qualify as art or is it simply political advertising?

African American Art Diaspora 493 @ SUNY Buffalo

Hip Hop Across the Globe

Criticism With Love

Common's Universal Mind Control

Gaza

Some Stuff on Kanye's Blog

A Few Left Over Thoughts

Now This is Just DOPE

Common and Microsoft

Papers

Thanks everyone

Migrations Poster

KRS-One Speaks On Making A, “Balanced,” Hip Hop Network

EVENT for Next Friday, December 5th

Jamie Foxx as James Bond?

Track Art, etc...

Josephine Baker

Down by Kehinde Wiley

For all the hip hop heads...

STAR after-school program artwork

Peer Review

Post on Viacom from Stuff Black People Hate

BEEJOIR - LV CHILD SCULPTURE

Playing to Eat

Kara Walker

The show

HHSA Meeting

The Future

Chris Rock and Amiri Baracka

Why Blaxploitation?

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

We as a people wil get there . . .

HHSA Meeting Tommorow

that stuff

African American Art Diaspora 493 @ SUNY Buffalo: Event Planning Part 5

*Gun Shot, Gun Shot, Gun Shot*

Something for the Youth

Nas and Du Bois (Edited For Clarity)

Event Planning Part 5

I apologize

Event Planning Part 4

Blackface in Hip Hop

Anthropolgy vs History

Leonard Pitts Jr.: A message to Chris Rock on the N-word

Upcoming Hip Hop SA Events

The whites only sign in Niagara Falls

Economic study finds that Buffalo has the highest rate of unemployed black males in the country

Immortal Technique on Aljaziera

Columbus Day

"....The Birth of a Child on the 8th of October...."

kanye's new video

Love Lockdown Video

Murder in Black and White

you should hate globalization too

Event Planning Part 3

Comedy Central has gone overboard

Catherine Opie

Black comedians

FallFest

Sex

Link to the graduate students' blog

Blackface Montage from Spike Lee's Bamboozled

Paris, Tokyo (Remix)

End of Year Presentation

Modern Blackface

Blackface and the Black Bloc

Event Planning Part 2

Love LockDown Update

Spectrum

Dessa Rose on the Stage

FALL FEST!!!!!!

The Corries & Michigan St. Baptist Church Lecture Series

Misc...

Styron's Choice

The Official Semester-Ending Event Post

The Official Dessa Rose Post.

Emma Goldman Would Go . . .

Events

In Celebration of History

Dessa Rose & Assata Shakur

Gun Shot, Gun Shot, Gun Shot