Join Me TOMORROW at the Block Party celebrating the 25th Anniversary of DO THE RIGHT THING. I'll be taking pictures and signing autographs. It is all going down on the single block where the film was shot 25 years ago on STUYVESANT AVE between LEXINGTON and QUINCY in DO OR DIE BED-STUY from 12 NOON to 6PM. Take the J train to the MYRTLE AVE stop or the A/C train to the UTICA AVE stop and walk on STUYVESANT up to QUINCY and LEXINGTON. We will have DJ OOO Child, DJ Parler, MICK, DJ Spinna and DJ Scratch spinning and Special Surprise Guests.- Spike Lee (via his facebook)
The Philadelphia 76er's and their fan base has always had the same problem.
They want players that reflect Philly's blue collar, sub suburban , Eurocentric view of what a basket ball player should be.
You hear stuff that doesn't mean much on the court like "I want a player that plays the game the right way."
Here's the problem with that logic...any basket ball coach that is being honest will tell you there are two great plays...South Pacific and Put The Ball In The Basket.
By the time we discuss NBA level talent...it's about putting the ball in the basket and not so much about whether you would have a beer with this guy...
Truth is most NBA players don't give a rip about fans...and most that do are not the all stars that will turn your team around.
So the first thing I would do as the GM in Philly is explain to the fan base...you can have a team of book scholars from Princeton or we can go out and get some ballers.
I say all this because I see The Sixers about to repeat a mistake they seem to love which is taking the funniest person they can get in the draft.
Since Joel Ebiid injured his foot after injuring his back. I DO agree this big man is most likely more Sam Bowie than Hakeem Olajuwon. So I am conflicted about taking him at number 3.
What I am not conflicted about is that no one but Philly and their "blue collar" fans thinks
Dante Exum is a worth a number 3 pick.
I have heard all the "he's ready stuff" and it sounds like the snail oil guy trading you your terribly hot property on that busy beach in Miami, for some beautiful ocean front property in North Dakota.
Every time I think about all my Sixer fan friends that bragged that this man
Leo Rautins was going to be the next Larry Bird, I get a huge laugh. Rautins draft and time in Philly was funnier than comic Doug Williams at The Shaq Roast.
Exum is a solid number 10 pick but to take him at 3 when nobody from 4-9 wants him.....that makes as much sense as saying Rautins WAS the next Larry Bird.
For all of you who have followed and supported us over the years, I really appreciate all you’ve done to keep Sweet Blackberry (www.sweetblackberry.org) alive.
For those of you who are not as familiar with the organization, Sweet Blackberry's mission is to bring little-known stories of African American achievement to kids through various forms of media, namely short, animated films.
Past films have been narrated by Alfre Woodard and Queen Latifah. And both films have won the Parents Choice Award, Learning Magazine’s Teacher’s Choice Award, and others. Both films had a nice run on HBO and HBO Family.
Over the next few weeks, I’m really going to need your help.
Let me tell you about the exciting story that we are finally going to be able to share…
It’s the story of dancer, Janet Collins. She was the first Black soloist to perform at the Metropolitan Opera. When she was 15, the Ballet Russes de Monte Carlo asked her to join their company (this was 1932!) but they said she’d have to perform in whiteface. She declined, but went on to break down barriers and inspire artists around the world. Today, few people have even heard of her. I think her story of perseverance is a great story for kids. And the image of a real-life Black ballerina for Black little girls – someone strong and beautiful that looks like them – is so important.
Chris Rock has come on board to narrate!
Award-winning children’s illustrator, R. Gregory Christie, is going to illustrate!
We have some incredible talents pitching in, but in order to make this happen, I need your help. ANY contribution is appreciated. And if you cannot help with funds, please do what you can to spread the word to family and friends, however possible; social media, emails,…telephone! :)
Check out the campaign. You’ll learn more about Janet Collins and about Sweet Blackberry. And you can take a look at the awesome rewards we have lined up (Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Chris Rock, Questlove, The Metropolitan Opera, Misty Copeland, The cast of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and others have all contributed to the cause). Good, fun, unique items and experiences.
I’m very excited about this campaign and finally having the chance to share this story. It’s a story that belongs to all of us, yet risks being lost.
It’s very important that we start strong, so please do what you can right off the bat, to get us moving up and over that hill!
On June 26th, 700 Philadelphians will gather together to celebrate their love for the city and to get a sneak peek at the new Spruce Street Harbor Park pop-up on the Delaware River waterfront at the semi-annual#whyilovephilly party.
WHAT:Philly Love Notes, theDelaware River Waterfront Corp(DRWC), andDrink Phillyare hosting the third #whyilovephilly party, an event that draws tons of Philadelphians (and even some ex-pats) together for a night of Philly-minded celebration. Unlike parties past, this summer’s event will be a chance for attendees to preview a completely new space being built in Philadelphia at the Delaware River Waterfront.
Thepop-up Spruce Street Harbor Park (SSHP)will open to the public onFriday, June 27, buton Thursday, party goers will have a chance to see the space in its full glory. Located at Spruce Street and Columbus Blvd, SSHP consists of landscaped floating barges with a restaurant and bar, nets that suspend visitors over the water in the marina, a 50-hammock lounge, urban beach and boardwalk, light show, mist area, and more.
In addition, party goers can get a taste of some of Philly’s finest musicians withthe record release show ofRon Gallo's solo album, "Ronny,"with sets byThe LawsuitsandUp the Chain.All proceeds from the night will be donated to DRWC, which is the non-profit in charge of programming and development along the Central Delaware Waterfront.
WHEN:Thursday, June 26, 7-11PM
WHERE:The new Spruce Street Harbor Park on Columbus Blvd at Spruce Street
WHY:The purpose of these #whyilovephilly parties is to create the opportunity for Philly-lovers to get together to celebrate the variety of reasons why they have made Philadelphia and the surrounding region their home. So join us and our amazing sponsors for a night out on the river full of friends, food, booze, and music.
PARTY DETAILS
●$10 ticket includes 1 free beer/cocktail and concert. Food and drinks available for purchase.
●#whyilovephilly ice cream:In collaboration with Little Baby’s Ice Cream, we’ve made a special #whyilovephilly flavor. This year’s new flavor, a Philly version of Strawberry Shortcake --Stock’s pound cakefrom Kensington, strawberries sourced fromGreensgrow Farmin Kensington, and mint grown right in Little Baby’s backyard garden -- will be debuted and given out for free at the party
●#whyilovephilly_SSHP Instagram contest:Run in conjunction with Rachel Hara (@rachelhara), this is a chance to see why people love Philly in photo form. Contest winners will receive gift bags provided by our on-site vendors.
●Screenprinting:Our lead sponsor Visit Philadelphia will be at SSHP creating amazing FREE #whyilovephilly screenprinted tote bags in collaboration with Awesome Dudes printing.
●Philly Love Notes:Get a chance to write your own Philly Love Note. Hooley Coloring will have a table set up where people can color, draw and write their own postcard love notes to be mailed out to their person/place of choice.
●#whyilovephilly wall:A take off on Candy Chang’s famous “Before I Die Wall,” this installation built by NextFab will be an ever changing monument to the many reasons why people live and love in this city.
●Photobooths, videographers, photo installations and more:We’ll be documenting this party in every way imaginable. We want people to enjoy, take photos, and let us know what would make their city (and waterfront) even better.
I like many of my dear friends are still in shock of the sudden passing of Miss Ruby Dee.
Unlike my parents, I have NEVER known a world with out Brother Amiri, and Sisters Angelou and Dee...so the need to reconcile is very real in my mind.
As I look on Facebook today I see a lot of pictures of Mrs. Ruby Dee and that's good.
BUT IT AIN'T ENOUGH!
A friend of mine named Damali made a great point....Ruby Dee will be missed....but we are mainly sad because not enough people will stand up to fill her shoes.
This is an open letter to all my remaining facebook friends. Get in where this message fits your shoe size.
Number One....To those of us who use words like "conscious" and "spiritual"....let us not get weary in well doing. I am speaking to myself as well.
No one of us alone could step into the breach and be the next Amiri...much less Amiri, Maya and Ruby....we still have not any of us created anything on par with Ossie Davis's Purlie Victorious....and Mr. Davis has been away from us for 9 years now.
We may never live up to the legacy our elders left...but we must press on. We can find comfort in knowing that many of the elders gone on and those with us still are very proud of our work as artists. We know that we have helped many people who we touch first hand that may not have shaken hands with our great elders.
Let's keep pressing for the mark.
Number Two...this letter is for the one's that believe their posting Ruby Dee is enough.
Sorry.
If you are not willing to do certain things? If you are not willing to write about certain topics? If you can not say no to a dollar?If youhave to take of your clothes off, shake your behind, act like a fool, every time some one throws money at you?Do not bother to post Ruby's image on your facebook or talk about her on Twitter.
People like Ruby Dee said "NO" numerous times to media that would assassinate Black Dignity for a price tag. People as famous as Ruby Dee and not, have created monumental works of art that people said "no body will pay money for that." Ruby Dee had a beauty that rivaled anyone's but you would have never have found her on a reality show acting like she was let out of a cage.
People like Ruby Dee invest their own time and money into projects, not because somebody at a radio station will give them a shout out or say it's hot. They create these works of art that become plays, TV shows, films, and books because they believe in real change.
I am here today and have done what I did because people like Ruby Dee PROVED there is more to life and being black that what's "cool".
I am CLOSER TO FREEDOM because of Amiri Baraka, Ruby Dee and Maya Angelou.....and like it or not everything I write, draw, or post on face book is going to lead people closer to their FREEDOM or THEIR SLAVERY.
Once upon a time before Cartoon Networks and Kid's Only Networks, the best cartoons ever came over the tube on Saturday Mornings.
Once upon a time there were no Netflix, Mp4's, iPhones, Blue Ray players, DVD's or even VHS tapes...so you had to be home and tuned in to see your favorite episodes of Scooby or Bat Man and Robin.
It was being at home, sitting on the floor with my brother Mark often Sunday through Friday watching cartoons like Josie and The Pussycats where I first became acquainted with the great talents of Mr. Casey Kasem ( born Kemal Amin "Casey" Kasem , April 27, 1932.)
I was not aware at the time but Kasem gave voice to so many of the cartoon characters I would love, hate and frankly question their sexuality. Whether doing the voice of Shaggy from Scooby Doo or the side kick Robin on The Super Friends or Alexander of Josie And The Pussy Cats, Casey Kasem gave each voice its own style and sense of emotion. Kasem made Robin The Boy Wonder sound brave, smart and respectful of Batman, while making Alexander sound scared of his own shadow but loyal the group he managed and made Shaggy ...well Shaggy sound like he was smoking weed just before he came on camera.
Later as I would add the role of DJ and announcer to my own resume. I discovered Casey Kasem the DJ and radio personality while I was still in school creating mix tapes for my friends and training to become the radio producer/voice talent that I am now. From the second I heard my first broadcast of America's Top 40 and then the TV version America's Top Ten, my training has included "stealing" from Casey Kasem.
I have even included my "version" of a Casey Kasem Long Distance Dedication in one of my poems...and the largely Black audience I was reading for totally connected.
When you have a voice and personable manner like Mr. Casem...sappy in show gimmicks like Long Distance Dedications become iconic radio/tv classic moments.
Mr. Casem is not doing well at all from latest accounts.
And in all honesty, I should have written this years ago.
The funny thing about icons like Mr. Casey Kasem is that you forget that for all their inspiration in your life the one thing they are not is IMMORTAL.
Casey Kasem will continue to INSPIRE and ENTERTAIN generations of future cartoon voice actors, characters, DJ's and other talented people for many many more decades to come.
However, before any more time passes.....I just want to say ....
Mr. Casey Kasem...you are still the number voice of America for like the one millionth week in a row. Thank you and respect due.
Stacey Flygirrl Wilson and Mike Nyce are bringing great hip hop back to Center City Philly Every Sunday Night with The Jawn. Think Classic Hip Hop at a classic location (Lord knows since that place was The Phoenix I have partied with every one from Ed Lover to Butter Ball to Salt N Pepa To Uncle Luke.)
_____________________________________________________ Here’s more info on The Jawn
The featured line up for June is :
Dj Cash Money with host D.R.E.S. Tha Beatnik with opening Dj’s Mike Nyce and Joey Blanco … And our featured guests are : June 1 - Kid Capri June 8 - Jay Ski June 15 - Aktive June 22 - Baby DST June 29 - Tat Money
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The Legendary DJ Cash Money is teaming up with long time event producer and promoter, Flygirrl, to bring you a whole new experience on Sunday nights. At “The Jawn”, Dj Cash Money will be spinning from hip-hop, soul, classics, funk, house to reggae and rock music while still preserving the artistry of hip hop and the turntable every Sunday night. Dj Cash Money is best known for his pioneering techniques, fierce musicality and lightning speed on the turntables. RESERVE represents understated opulence meets elegance and sophistication. He will be spinning each week along with different featured guest Dj’s which will include some of his his DJ affiliates, Kid Capri, Jay Ski, Baby DST, Tat Money, DJ Spinbad, DJ Gary O, DJ Aktive, Rich Medina to name a few. The event starts Sunday, June 1st and every Sunday after at RESERVE WINE BAR LOUNGE 724 ARCH STREET from 8 PM-2 AM.
DJ Cash Money, Flygirrl and our special guest DJ’s will create a unique experience that is unrivaled in the city. Each week will feature a collaboration of music mixes from the legendary and local DJ’s. The Jawn also featured a second level game lounge, projected rare footage, sports on the flatscreen tv’s, food and drink specials.
The featured line up for June is :
Dj Cash Money with host D.R.E.S. Tha Beatnik with opening Dj’s Mike Nyce and Joey Blanco
Our featured guests are : June 1 - Kid Capri June 8 - Jay Ski June 15 - Aktive June 22 - Baby DST June 29 - Tat Money
Experience the magnetic energy that nightlife in the city of PHILADELPHIA is supposed to be, and lose yourself in a sea of music, drinks, people and fun. Between the plush interior, superior service and highest-grade audio technology, RESERVE WINE BAR LOUNGE provides a beautiful, yet comfortable nightlife experience for our city. The stage is set; you are in the zone and ready for an unforgettable night on the dance floor—don’t settle for anything less than the best nightlife in Philadelphia. See you on Sunday’s at The Jawn.
