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Black Bird Press News & Review: Marvin X Classic--How to Recover from the Addiction to White Supremacy


DON'T MAKE MY SON LOOK LIKE THIS

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 MAYOR RAS BARAKA, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY


DON'T MAKE MY CHILD LOOK LIKE THIS
BUT IF HE MUST
LOOK LIKE THIS
CHOSEN SON OF NEWARK
TRAINED FOR THE MISSION
NO FEAR MISSION
FATHER NO FEAR
MOTHER NO FEAR
BROTHERS NO FEAR
SISTER SHANI NO FEAR
STAND TALL RAS
WE SAW YOU FROM CHILDHOOD
WE SAW YOU RUN WITHOUT FATHER
ARROGANT
BUT CAME TO YOUR SENSES
BROTHER AMIRI JR. PLOTTED
QUIET SOUL AB JR.
STRATEGIST 
SOUL DEEP DOWN IN PEOPLE
SING SHANI TO BROTEHRS
SING
LOVE SONGS TO MARVIN X
SING SHANI
HE ONLY MAN I LIKE
MARVIN X
COOK ME BREAKFAST MARVIN
NEVER SAW  MAN COOK BEFORE
FATHER NO COOK
BROTHERS NO COOK
COOK
MARVIN
COOK
YES
I WILL GO WITH YOU TO WEST COAST
LOVE YOU MARVIN
LOVE MY GIRLS TOO
LOVE MA GIRLS
AIN'T NO THANG
YOU SAID I'M PRINCESS
YES PRINCESS BARAKA
LOVE YOU MARVIN X
LOVE IS LOVE IS LOVE
AIN'T NO THING
DIE FOR MA GIRL
WHY DAT NIGGUH WANNA KILL MA SISTA
WHY
CAN'T HAVE THE PUSSY KILL
WANT THE PUSSY KILL
NO RESPECT FOR THE PUSSY KILL
SICK MALE BULLISH SICK KILL
END THIS SHIT END
LOVE IS LOVE
SOME LOVE AIN'T LOVE
SOME LOVE IS HATE
DON'T LOVE ME DON'T  LOVE SELF
WHAT LIE  MAKE YOU KILL
KILL ME LOVE ME BUT YOU SICK
LET ME KNOW LOVE
I'M TRYIN TO KNOW LOVE
LET ME KNOW LOVE IN MY LIFE PLEASE
SHOW ME YOUR LOVE IF YOU LOVE
GO LEARN TO LOVE SOMEWHERE DUDE
NOT IN MY HOUSE
DON'T KILL MY SISTER
DON'T KILL ME
DON'T KILL MY LOVER
SOMEBODY NEED TO LOVE ME
LET ME LOVE SOMEBODY DUDE
YOU DON'T LOVE ME
HATE ME
ABUSE ME
FAKE LOVE
ALLAH LOVE
KILLER LOVE
FIVE PER CENT LOVE
JESUS LOVE
KILLER LOVE
CONTROL LOVE
BEAT ASS LOVE
NO LOVE
SEE ME LATER LOVE
DOWN THE RIVER LOVE
CREEK RISING LOVE
RIVER RISING LOVE
SING LOVE TO RIVER
SING TO CREEK LOVE RISING LOVE.
-MARVIN X
4/1/16



Marvin X Exiled in Mexico, Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra in Cuba

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 Brother Dr. Cornel West and Black Arts Movement co-founder Marvin X, poet, playwright, essayist organizer, planner: Oakland Black Arts Movement Business District. Dr. West is down with Marvin X to make the Black Arts Movement District a reality, not only in Oakland but coast to coast.


I am in my joy
do not press me with negativity
release me in the name of love
please understand me
I am in love with love
murder is not my heart
love is the song I sing
let love flow in the creek
do not awake me with grief of the day
morning sun loving me
my lover is with me
sweet country girl
valley of my love
cotton grapes love
with me as we struggle
we did not know freedom of life was this
Mexico City Belize
black and beautiful free
arms flying wide in the joy of life beyond America esclavo
no esclavo in Mexico
Negro yo soy gringo tambien
Por favor, yo no soy Gringo
Yo soy Negro
yo soy rico
no esclavo
Por favor, yo soy Negro
no es rico yo soy escalvo
Negro es esclavo es vedad
por que Negro no es rico
Negro es gringo 

I am in the river beyond the day
the fishermen come with the daily catch
ah, the catch is good for lunch
ah, for dinner we eat fresh fish
ah, we go into the jungle into the night
what is that bird we heard in the night
we heard the bird
we walked into jungle night
we heard the sound of love birds
we walked
we talked of love
at the clearing we rested
drank water from the river
fresh water
on the other side of island was Cat fish
we eat not cat fish
they garbage men 
eat them not
ah, my lover comes to me in the river
we bathe in the river
we dry on the beach
sand flies attack us
love her blood
do mess with me
net don't matter
sand flies come through net
love her blood
sweet black blood
leave my lover alone
ah, how did we get here
so black so free
young and free
never again this ritual
never again a child born
freedom child
special child
Nefertiti
beautiful one has come
Nefer
rules dirty
south
rule Nefer
Big H rule
oh, who u ho
be qeeen Nefer
who don't know
Rule Nefer
man/woman no matter
rule. 

let me suck lips kiss all of you
we free never again free
never again love
make love
in the river
we are one
in the river
she is the best of me and I am her
in the best of life
in the jungle
no money
pregnant she is Nefertiti
we are free
free
in the jungle
free
pregnant
baby love in flight
love
flight
love
I am yours my dear
I am yours my teacher
I am yours my student.
Take me Chapultepec Park
love me on Sundays as Mexico loves in the park
love me hug me embrace me kiss me in the park
family love lovers love love to love to be love beyond love
I am love
Cerca de Metro
we live and love
Cerca de Metro
Cerca Paseo de la Reforma
Cerca Chapultepec Park
Oh Mexico
teach me love
teach me your kiss
teach me to embrace
teach me Mexico
I am yours
--Marvin X
4/1/16
Mi hermano, US Poet Laureate Juan Herrera


Marvin X proposes a concert in Cuba of the 
Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra
ASAP 201

Marvin X message to Donald Trump, Man to Man, "Shut the fuck up about women!"

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Even before and certainly after a man deposits his seed in the womb of a woman, he has no rights over the control of her womb and the fruit thereof. Male politicians need to stay out of all issues relating to the body of women. Yes, stick to men's business! You'll be doing great if you can handle men's issues, which is doubtful--alas, you may need the help of women on these issues.

 "Men don't know their asses from a hole in the ground. They must ask their woman, Baby, where's my asshole!" (from the monologue, One Day in the Life, a docudrama by Marvin X)

"Look, when I jump my pussy jumps, therefore my pussy belongs to me!" --Rashidah Mwongozi Sabreen in The Mythology of Pussy and Dick by Marvin X.



Donald, I have my own agenda but if I can help a human being, I will do so, so this is my message to you: Make no more statements about women, focus on American issues, international issues and men issues. Leave all statements regarding women to experts on your dream team. You claim you are a winner but you are acting like a loser and you will lose if you alienate women. I know you love women and I love women but your mouth can defy your ass so please shut up on women issues. Men love you because you speak like a man with his nuts out the sand, so don't alienate the women who are with you 100%, such as your wife, children and grandchildren. Again, I am not with you but I am not against you. --Marvin X


Maestro Marvin X, accompanied by the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra, featuring David Murray and Earle Davis, all three associated with the Sun Ra Arkestra. This performance was at the Malcolm X Jazz/Art Festival, Oakland, 2014. Marvin X is reading Amiri Baraka's poem DOPE. photo Adam Turner


Dear Donald,

I write to you as the father of three daughters, six sisters, a mother, three mothers of my children and several women who impacted my life on the most deepest level and I am forever grateful to all the females in my life.

Most importantly, people who observe me in my private life, say I am most humble when in conversation with my daughters. Indeed, my daughters have taught me humility as per relations with the feminine gender. One reason is because as the father of two sons, one transitioned and one totally alienated, I had to fall back on my daughters for spiritual and emotional support. But much to my surprise, my daughters sent me into shock when I saw their elegance in representing aspects of my personality. It was then that I had to deconstruct my addiction to the patriarchal mythology. I saw my daughters represented every dream I had for my sons. This rocked my patriarchal world to the deepest level, and yet I was  proud of my daughters for representing me and thus continuing the tradition every parent desires of his children, especially when the claim no connection with the family tradition. In truth, the DNA is so strong we continue the family tradition no matter what, yes, often in total ignorance we are carrying on every dream of the ancestors.

I note that you have two sons who are involved in your world and this is great. I don't know if you have daughters, but if you do, I'm sure you are not keeping them below the glass curtain. As parents, we want the best for our sons and daughters and we never know which of them will assume the authority of our desires because DNA is like that.

We can see in our deepest dreams our children take up the baton and carry on even though we have never had a conversation on the matter and they assume what they are doing is on their dime rather than ours.

Most often this is amazing to us when we see they are indeed in the tradition but don't realize it.
I desire only the best for my daughters. I do not want the glass ceiling to stop them from their life goals and, I must admit, they continue to excel, except one daughter  who is yet excelling but has totally given up on America and its white supremacy mythology. "Dad, Ghana may not have electricity 24/7 but Ghana doesn't have white supremacy 24/7. When I go to a four star hotel, nobody follows me around in Accra. When I go to an expensive store in Accra, nobody follows me around. And I have no desire to raise my daughter in a white supremacy toxic environment. I urge you to join me in Ghana.

Donald,
I am not for you or against you--do your thing. But man to man, I suggest you say nothing else about women issues. As I watch you perform on the political stage, I wonder how many times can you shoot yourself in the foot. As I am known as a foot shooter myself, I suggest you back yo ass up a little for your sake and the American people you want to save from perdition.


I am a revolutionary Black nationalist so I have no problem with you as a white nationalist. Do your thang. As per your building a wall at the border, America has the right to seal her borders. Mexicans have many issues as you have pointed out. I love Mexico and Mexicans because this nation gave me refuge during my exile as a resister to the war in Vietnam in 1970. Not only did Mexico give me refuge, but I was there with brothers and sisters from throughout Latin America, e.g., Cuba, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Columbia and elsewhere. We all are in gratitude for Mexico giving us refuge from US Imperialism. And yet this does not absolve Mexico for the slaughter of students at the University a few months before I arrived in 1970. This does not absolve Mexico for the disappearance of parents who came to the University looking for their children.

But what about US students who were slaughtered at Kent State and the Orangeburg massacure in South Carolina. Or the brutal, violent and longest student strike in American academic history at San Francisco State University to establish Black Studies and Ethnic Studies.

Straight Outta Oakland: the Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour

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Now that the Oakland City Council has approved the Black Arts Movement Business District, the time has come for the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra to hit the road and complete the 27 City Tour envisioned by ancestor Amiri Baraka.  The Black Arts Movement is the most radical artistic and literary movement in American history, sister of the Black Power Movement. Our mission is to spread radical consciousness throughout the land. We thank the citizens of Oakland for establishing the first Black Arts Movement Business District in America.

 
 BAM co-founder Marvin X and Lynette McElhaney, President of the
Oakland City Council

We especially thank Oakland City Council President, Lynette McElhaney, for pushing through the legislation establishing the Black Arts Movement Business District. Also, thanks to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and Laney College President Elnora Webb for celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Black Arts Movement at Laney College.




We would like the BAM 27 City Tour to end in Cuba with a grand concert featuring the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra, Francisco Mora's Afro Horn, Sun Ra Arkestra and David Murray. We need sponsors, promoters, booking agents to make this happen. If you or your city has a venue for the 27 City US tour, please contact Marvin X: 510-200-4164.

Sincerely,

Marvin X,
Producer
BAM 27 City Tour
jmarvinx@yahoo.com



Icons of the Black Arts Movement
invited to join the 
BAM 27 City Tour


Askia Toure

Black Arts Movement Icon Sonia Sanchez Returns to Lexington

Sonia Sanchez


Marvin X and Danny Glover
 nikki giovanni photo: Nikki Giovanni Smiles 20090511-nikki.jpg
Nikki Giovanni


https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/KxzCX9hWVlUTw0ixX.a6kw--/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO2g9MzAwO3E9OTU7dz00MzY-/http://blackstonian.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/last_poets.jpgl
The Last Poets 


Felipe Luciano, Last Poets


Haki Madhubuti
Amina Baraka

Mrs. Amina Baraka


Marshall Allen, Sun Ra Arkestra

 Danny Ray Thompson, Flute, Sun Ra Arkestra in album people
Danny Thompson, Sun Ra Arkestra


... the creative work of drummer, composer Francisco Mora Catlett

Francisco Mora Catlett, Afro Horn


David Murray
The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra
 


TOWARD THE BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT 27 CITY TOUR

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Marvin X reads "Dope" by Amiri Baraka

Celebrate Black Classical Music, aka Jazz, April 4, 2016, arts.gov

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Article 24

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Listen Live WUNC
All Things Considered
North American African writer who fought capitalism Word Warrior: Richard Durham

Word Warrior: Richard Durham

Sep 24, 2015
When producer Sonja Williams began researching for the radio series, Black Radio: Telling It Like It Was, she found very little African-American radio drama from the 1940s. What little she found reinforced negative stereotypes.

A colleague eventually suggested she look into Destination Freedom, a series of weekly broadcasts created by journalist and activist Richard Durham that featured African-American leaders and heroes of the day.

Williams became enthralled with Durham’s life and work and eventually wrote a biography of Durham, "Word Warrior: Richard Durham, Radio and Freedom" (University of Illinois Press/2015).
Host Frank Stasio talks with Williams about Durham’s life and career.

She reads at Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh on Sunday, September 27, The Regulator in Durham on Monday, September 28 and at the Forum for Scholars and Publics at Duke University on Tuesday, September 29.

Straight Outta Oakland: the Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour

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Straight Outta Oakland
The Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfoPuGyfJp8/U4ZPg14COKI/AAAAAAAAKhA/GSvS9mBVdes/s1600/o-MAYA-ANGELOU-900.jpg

Now that the Oakland City Council has approved the Black Arts Movement Business District, the time has come for the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra to hit the road and complete the 27 City Tour envisioned by ancestor Amiri Baraka.  AB told BAM artists to tour the 27 cities with large populations of North American Africans and spread radical cultural consciousness. He said we should at least establish a fifty seat theatre in each city based on the BAM concept of the artistic freedom fighter. Long live the spirit of AB!

 

The Black Arts Movement was/is the most radical artistic and literary movement in American history, sister of the Black Power Movement. Our mission is to spread radical cultural consciousness throughout the land. We thank the citizens of Oakland for establishing the first Black Arts Movement Business District in America.
Black Fire: An Anthology of Afro American Writing

 
 BAM co-founder Marvin X and Lynette McElhaney, President of the
 Oakland City Council

We especially thank Oakland City Council President, Lynette McElhaney, for pushing through legislation establishing the Black Arts Movement Business District. Also, thanks to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and Laney College President Elnora T. Webb for celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Black Arts Movement at Laney College.




We would like the BAM 27 City Tour to end in Cuba with a grand concert featuring the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra, Francisco Mora's Afro Horn, Sun Ra Arkestra and David Murray. We need sponsors, promoters, booking agents to make this happen. If you or your city has a venue for the 27 City US tour, please contact Marvin X: 510-200-4164.

Sincerely,

Marvin X,
Producer
BAM 27 City Tour
jmarvinx@yahoo.com



Icons of the Black Arts Movement
invited to join the 
BAM 27 City Tour


Askia Toure

Black Arts Movement Icon Sonia Sanchez Returns to Lexington

Sonia Sanchez


Marvin X and Danny Glover
 nikki giovanni photo: Nikki Giovanni Smiles 20090511-nikki.jpg
Nikki Giovanni


https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/KxzCX9hWVlUTw0ixX.a6kw--/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO2g9MzAwO3E9OTU7dz00MzY-/http://blackstonian.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/last_poets.jpgl
The Last Poets 


Felipe Luciano, Last Poets


Haki Madhubuti
Amina Baraka

Mrs. Amina Baraka


Marshall Allen, Sun Ra Arkestra

 Danny Ray Thompson, Flute, Sun Ra Arkestra in album people
Danny Thompson, Sun Ra Arkestra


... the creative work of drummer, composer Francisco Mora Catlett

Francisco Mora Catlett, Afro Horn


David Murray

The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra

The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra 
University of California, Merced
BAM 50th Celebration, 2014
 
Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra
Malcolm X Jazz/Arts Festival
Oakland, CA.
2014

Featured artists of the Bay Area 
BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra

Tureada Mikell, Michelle LaChaux, Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, Tarika Lewis

Tacuma King Leading Children in Flight in Performance
Tacuma King

Kujichagulia

Paradise Jah Love

f
Choreographer Linda Johnson, Val Serrant, Raynetta Rayzetta

<b>Destiny</b> <b>Muhammad</b> playing harp in the Grove. Photo by Jay Yamada.
Destiny Muhammad 

... Tarika Lewis, violin, Earl Davis, trumpet, <b>Tacuma</b> <b>King</b>, percussion
Earle Davis

Zena Allen, 2013
Zena Allen 

 
Aries Jordan


Marvin X


TOWARD THE BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT 27 CITY TOUR

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Dr. Cornel West and Marvin X
Cornel supports and will participate in the
Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour

Update: Straight Outta Oakland, BAM 27 City Tour, invited to perform at Oakland's Flight Deck Theatre

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photo collage Adam Turner

Straight Outta Oakland, the Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour, has been invited to perform at Oakland's Flight Deck Theatre on Broadway, downtown Oakland. Executive Director Anna Shneiderman emailed BAM Tour producer Marvin X: Hi Marvin. I'd love to see this concert happen at The Flight Deck.  Please let me know if you think that makes sense and if so, what time of year you're thinking about.
Bests,
Anna

Anna Shneiderman
Executive Director
Ragged Wing Ensemble & The Flight Deck
510-858-7383
www.raggedwing.org
www.theflightdeck.org

CUBA first stop on 27 City Tour?

Members of the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra  informed producer Marvin X they would like to initiate the tour in Cuba rather than end in Cuba as Marvin had planned. BAM artists from coast to coast have suggested Cuba first, so we shall see. Since the BAM icons are elders, their schedules and health will determine how many will be able to do the 27 city tour. Poet Sonia Sanchez, 80 years old, told the producer, "Marvin, the very idea of a 27 city tour makes me tired."
Black Arts Movement Icon Sonia Sanchez Returns to Lexington
 BAM poet Sonia Sanchez

Straight Outta Oakland, BAM 27 City Tour is estimated to cost about 3 million dollars @ $100,000.00 per city, plus the Cuba Concert. We are seeking donations to make this tour a reality. What is the purpose? Ancestor Amiri Baraka would say, "It's about beauty and truth! It's about advancing the cultural revolution. It's about a United Front of all progressive people." For information or booking, email jmarvinx@yahoo.com. 510-200-4164.

Amiri Baraka Dead: Controversial Author And Activist Dies At 79Amiri Baraka, BAM Chief architect (RIP)

Straight Outta Oakland
The Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfoPuGyfJp8/U4ZPg14COKI/AAAAAAAAKhA/GSvS9mBVdes/s1600/o-MAYA-ANGELOU-900.jpg
Amiri Baraka and Maya Angelou doing the BAM BAM (RIP)

Graphic design by Adam Turner

Now that the Oakland City Council has approved the Black Arts Movement Business District, the time has come for the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra to hit the road and complete the 27 City Tour envisioned by ancestor Amiri Baraka.  AB told BAM artists to tour the 27 cities with large populations of North American Africans and spread radical cultural consciousness. He said we should at least establish a fifty seat theatre in each city based on the BAM concept of the artistic freedom fighter. Long live the spirit of AB!

 
Amiri Baraka (RIP) and Marvin X enjoyed a 47 year friendship as movers and shakers of the Black Arts Movement

The Black Arts Movement was/is the most radical artistic and literary movement in American history, sister of the Black Power Movement. Our mission is to spread radical cultural consciousness throughout the land. We thank the citizens of Oakland for establishing the first Black Arts Movement Business District in America.
Black Fire: An Anthology of Afro American Writing

 
 BAM co-founder Marvin X and Lynette McElhaney, President of the
 Oakland City Council
photo Adam Turner

 Marvin X speaking at Oakland City Hall's Black History Celebration, Feb. 24, 2016
flyer-obhmr-potp-2016-700-full size

We especially thank Oakland City Council President, Lynette McElhaney, for pushing through legislation establishing the Black Arts Movement Business District. Also, thanks to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and Laney College President Elnora T. Webb for celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Black Arts Movement at Laney College. Mayor Schaaf said she will use her power as Mayor to support the BAM 27 City Tour by contacting mayors in other American cities. We urge her to do so ASAP.
 
Left to Right: Mrs. Gay Plair Cobb, Marvin X, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, Laney College President, Dr. Elnora T. Webb, Dr. Nathan Hare, Paul Cobb, Publisher of the Oakland Post News Group

We would like the BAM 27 City Tour to end in Cuba with a grand concert featuring the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra, Francisco Mora's Afro Horn, Sun Ra Arkestra and David Murray. We need sponsors, promoters, booking agents to make this happen. If you or your city has a venue for the 27 City US tour, please contact Marvin X: 510-200-4164 ASAP.

Sincerely,

Marvin X,
Producer
BAM 27 City Tour
jmarvinx@yahoo.com



Icons of the Black Arts Movement
invited to join the 
BAM 27 City Tour


Askia Toure

Black Arts Movement Icon Sonia Sanchez Returns to Lexington

Sonia Sanchez


Marvin X and Danny Glover
 nikki giovanni photo: Nikki Giovanni Smiles 20090511-nikki.jpg
Nikki Giovanni


https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/KxzCX9hWVlUTw0ixX.a6kw--/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO2g9MzAwO3E9OTU7dz00MzY-/http://blackstonian.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/last_poets.jpgl
The Last Poets 


Felipe Luciano, Last Poets


Haki Madhubuti
Amina Baraka

Mrs. Amina Baraka


Marshall Allen, Sun Ra Arkestra

 Danny Ray Thompson, Flute, Sun Ra Arkestra in album people
Danny Thompson, Sun Ra Arkestra


... the creative work of drummer, composer Francisco Mora Catlett

Francisco Mora Catlett, Afro Horn


David Murray

FYI, David Murray, Berkeley native,  now living in Paris, France,  invites the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra to a European tour ASAP! Thank you, David!

The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra

The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra 
University of California, Merced
BAM 50th Celebration, 2014
 

Marvin X, David Murray, Earle Davis
Marvin X reading DOPE by Amiri Baraka (RIP)
Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra
Malcolm X Jazz/Arts Festival
Oakland, CA.
2014

Featured artists of the Bay Area 
BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra

Tureada Mikell, Michelle LaChaux, Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, Tarika Lewis

Tacuma King Leading Children in Flight in Performance
Tacuma King

Kujichagulia

Paradise Jah Love

f
Choreographer Linda Johnson, Val Serrant, Raynetta Rayzetta

<b>Destiny</b> <b>Muhammad</b> playing harp in the Grove. Photo by Jay Yamada.
Destiny Muhammad 

... Tarika Lewis, violin, Earl Davis, trumpet, <b>Tacuma</b> <b>King</b>, percussion
Earle Davis

Zena Allen, 2013
Zena Allen 

 
Aries Jordan


Marvin X


TOWARD THE BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT 27 CITY TOUR

l
 
 
Sun Ra


Marshall Allen, 91 years old, now leader of the Sun Ra Arkestra (He said, "Marvin I'm not 91, I'm 19." Marvin X says, "And he plays like he's 19!" Danny Thompson and Marvin X at University of Chicago, Sun Ra Conference, 2015. They performed and discussed the teachings of BAM Master Sun Ra and their relationship with him as fellow artists. All three are dedicated to the teachings of Sun Ra. FYI, all of us BAM artists were/are students of Sun Ra, students and/or associates of Sun Ra, the POPE of BAM, AB the High Priest. David Murray and Francisco Mora Catlett performed and were infected with the Ra doctrine. RA RA RA!

marvin x and sun ra his mentor and associate at x s black educational ... 
The Gemini twins: Marvin X and Sun Ra. These "Latter Day Egyptian Revisionists" (Sun Ra term) worked together coast to coast. Marvin X worked with the Arkestra in New York, Philly and the Bay Area. Both men taught in the Black Studies Department at University of California, Berkeley, 1971-72. The above pic is outside Marvin's Black Educational Theatre, San Francisco, 1972. Sun Ra arranged the music for Marvin's play Take Care of Business, aka Flowers for the Trashman. They produced a five hour concert (without intermission) at San Francisco's Harding Theatre on Divisadero. The production had a cast of fifty, including Marvin's actors, Sun Ra's Arkestra and the dancers of choreographers Ellendar Barnes and Raymond Sawyer, living legends of Bay Area BAM dance. See SF Sun Reporter archives for review.

Juan Felipe Herrera, currently, US Poet Laureate, performed with the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra at the University of California, Merced, 50th Anniversary Conference, produced by Kim McMillon and Marvin X.

h
Poet Ginny Lim, member of The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra 

Left to Right: Zena Allen, Kora player, poet Marvin X, Tarika Lewis, violinist
Linda Johnson, choreographer/dancer









Dr. Cornel West and Marvin X
Cornel supports and will participate in the
Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
 

LOVE LIFE, Oakland's new City Motto

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‘Love Life’ Approved As Oakland’s New City Motto

OAKLAND (KCBS) – The Oakland City Council voted 5 to 3 Tuesday to adopt a new city motto that they hope will better reflect what the city stands for.

The new motto, “Love Life,” is the idea of Oakland resident Donald Lacy. He established the LoveLife Foundation after his daughter was shot and killed outside Oakland’s McClymond’s High School in 1997.

• ALSO READ: Oakland Approves 90-Day Moratorium On Rent Hikes, Evictions
At Tuesday night’s meeting, he told KCBS the motto is not just about honoring his daughter.
“I’m hoping that it will mean that people will think that Oakland cares about life, that we care about the violence happening in our city,” Lacy said.

The two word mantra will now be added to the “Welcome to Oakland” signs that greet visitors entering the city.

It’s estimated that it will cost around $21,000 to install the new signs.

Malonga Mural fight settled?

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In wake of mural fight, Oakland developer agrees to hundreds of thousands of dollars in concessions

Updated

Detail of a mural at 14th and Alice streets that would be covered up by a new 126-unit tower at 250 14th St.
The developer of an approved 126-unit residential tower in downtown Oakland has agreed to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional community concessions in one of the biggest financial victories for community activists, who criticized the project's impact on parking and blocking views of a mural.
After negotiations mediated by City Council president Lynette Gibson McElhaney, Bay Development has agreed to pay $100,000 to replace an adjacent mural, subsidized with $40,000 in public funds, that will be blocked by the construction of the project, at 250 14th St.
Bay Development will also pay $160,000 for renovations at the neighboring Malonga Center for the Arts and $15,000 in parking mitigation funding for Malonga staff and residents. The project's art fee, equal to 1 percent of the project's commercial space value and 0.5 percent of its residential value and estimated at around $225,000, will also go to the Malonga Center for the Arts if the city is able to modify its ordinance. All new projects are subject to the fee but can currently only build art on-site or pay into a general fund.

"We thank Council President McElhaney for bringing everyone together. As a result, we were able to formalize the commitments we already talked about previously – supporting the replacement mural and the Malonga," said Maria Poncel, principal of Bay Development.

Market-rate projects proposed in Oakland in recent years have rarely attracted such demands, although project labor agreements to use union builders are more common. The controversial UrbanCore proposal to build a tower on public land near Lake Merritt agreed to pay $8 million for affordable housing, but opponents weren't satisfied, and the city eventually restarted the developer selection process.

The city is seeking to implement new impact fees to fund affordable housing, but approved projects may be able to avoid the fees by starting construction prior to a deadline. It's unclear when the 250 14th St. project will start construction.

Community groups will now withdraw their appeal of the project's approval, which was to be heard by the City Council, and their $1,891 fee will be refunded. The city will also open public parking lots for Malonga events and seek to create a Black Arts Movement and Business District in the area.
 
“We see this as a very important first step in creating a cultural equity framework for Oakland. Bay Development has set a huge precedent here in recognizing the need for community benefits, investing in public art, and supporting a cultural institution like the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts. We hope other developers will follow this example," said Eric Arnold from the Community Rejuvenation Project and the Oakland Creative Neighborhoods Coalition, two of the groups involved in the appeal, in a statement.

"While the lack of affordable housing on this project remains a concern, we hope city officials will take leadership to implement impact fees and an inclusionary housing policy soon so that developers and residents can have consistent standards,” said Arnold.

At least one other project will attract similar scrutiny. Community groups previously told the Business Times that they plan to seek concessions from Wood Partners'248-unit proposal across the street at 226 13th St.
This story has been updated to clarify the structure of the art fee.
Roland Li covers real estate and economic development

Madam Mayor Libby Schaaf, Please give Straight Outta Oakland, the BAM 27 City Tour, a benefit concert at the Paramount Theatre!

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 Marvin X and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf
(FYI, that's spilled coffee on MX's shirt, aka Messy Marv)

Mayor Schaaf said she will use her power as Mayor to support the BAM 27 City Tour by contacting mayors in other American cities. We urge her to do so ASAP. Even better, Madam Mayor please give BAM 27 City Tour a benefit concert at the Paramount Theatre with the Oakland Symphony joining the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra. We think Symphony Conductor Michael Morgan is ready to do the BAM Thang!


 
Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra Producer/Director Marvin X and Oakland Symphony Conductor Michael Morgan agreed to join their talents in a concert. Let it be the Straight Outta Oakland, BAM 27 City Tour, benefit concert. We'll invite some of the BAM icons like Danny Glover,  Sonia Sanchez, Nikki Giovanni, Askia Toure, Last Poets. For sure, the Bay Area Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra will do the BAM Thang!
 
photo collage Adam Turner
The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra 
Malcolm X Jazz/Art Festival,
2014

Straight Outta Oakland
Skyline of Oakland at sunrise (Getty Images)

Straight Outta Oakland, the Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour, has been invited to perform at Oakland's Flight Deck Theatre on Broadway, downtown Oakland. Executive Director Anna Shneiderman emailed BAM Tour producer Marvin X: Hi Marvin. I'd love to see this concert happen at The Flight Deck.  Please let me know if you think that makes sense and if so, what time of year you're thinking about.
Bests,
Anna

Anna Shneiderman
Executive Director
Ragged Wing Ensemble & The Flight Deck
510-858-7383
www.raggedwing.org
www.theflightdeck.org

CUBA first stop on 27 City Tour?

Members of the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra  informed producer Marvin X they would like to initiate the tour in Cuba rather than end in Cuba as Marvin had planned. BAM artists from coast to coast have suggested Cuba first, so we shall see. Since the BAM icons are elders, their schedules and health will determine how many will be able to do the 27 city tour. Poet Sonia Sanchez, 80 years old, told the producer, "Marvin, the very idea of a 27 city tour makes me tired."
Black Arts Movement Icon Sonia Sanchez Returns to Lexington
 BAM poet Sonia Sanchez

Straight Outta Oakland, BAM 27 City Tour is estimated to cost about 3 million dollars @ $100,000.00 per city, plus the Cuba Concert. We are seeking donations to make this tour a reality. What is the purpose? Ancestor Amiri Baraka would say, "It's about beauty and truth! It's about advancing the cultural revolution. It's about a United Front of all progressive people." For information or booking, email jmarvinx@yahoo.com. 510-200-4164.

Amiri Baraka Dead: Controversial Author And Activist Dies At 79Amiri Baraka, BAM Chief architect (RIP)

Straight Outta Oakland
The Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfoPuGyfJp8/U4ZPg14COKI/AAAAAAAAKhA/GSvS9mBVdes/s1600/o-MAYA-ANGELOU-900.jpg
Amiri Baraka and Maya Angelou doing the BAM BAM (RIP)

Graphic design by Adam Turner

Now that the Oakland City Council has approved the Black Arts Movement Business District, the time has come for the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra to hit the road and complete the 27 City Tour envisioned by ancestor Amiri Baraka.  AB told BAM artists to tour the 27 cities with large populations of North American Africans and spread radical cultural consciousness. He said we should at least establish a fifty seat theatre in each city based on the BAM concept of the artistic freedom fighter. Long live the spirit of AB!

 
Amiri Baraka (RIP) and Marvin X enjoyed a 47 year friendship as movers and shakers of the Black Arts Movement

The Black Arts Movement was/is the most radical artistic and literary movement in American history, sister of the Black Power Movement. Our mission is to spread radical cultural consciousness throughout the land. We thank the citizens of Oakland for establishing the first Black Arts Movement Business District in America.

Black Fire: An Anthology of Afro American Writing

The defining work of the Black Arts Movement, Black Fire is at once a rich anthology and an extraordinary source document. Nearly 200 selections, including poetry, essays, short stories, and plays, from over 75 cultural critics, writers, and political leaders, capture the social and cultural turmoil of the 1960s. In his new introduction, Amiri Baraka reflects — nearly four decades later — on both the movement and the book.

 
 BAM co-founder Marvin X and Lynette McElhaney, President of the
 Oakland City Council
photo Adam Turner


 Marvin X speaking at Oakland City Hall's Black History Celebration, Feb. 24, 2016
Marvin X referred to Madam President as African Queen!
flyer-obhmr-potp-2016-700-full size

We especially thank Oakland City Council President, Lynette McElhaney, for pushing through legislation establishing the Black Arts Movement Business District. Also, thanks to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and Laney College President Elnora T. Webb for celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Black Arts Movement at Laney College.

Mayor Schaaf said she will use her power as Mayor to support the BAM 27 City Tour by contacting mayors in other American cities. We urge her to do so ASAP. Even better, Madam Mayor please give BAM 27 City Tour a benefit concert at the Paramount with the Oakland Symphony joining the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra. 

We think Symphony Conductor Michael Morgan is ready to do the BAM Thang! Let Oakland be the model for other cities. We ain't goin' into no town half stepin', we first class, that's the only way we travel. We represent Oaktown fada git down! You gotta git in town and outta town. We Straight Outta Oaktown!

 
Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra Producer/Director Marvin X and Oakland Symphony Conductor Michael Morgan agreed to join their talents in a concert. Let it be the Straight Outta Oakland, BAM 27 City Tour, benefit concert. We'll invite some of the BAM icons like Danny Glover,  Sonia Sanchez, Nikki Giovanni, Askia Toure, Last Poets, et al.


 
Left to Right: Mrs. Gay Plair Cobb, Marvin X, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, Laney College President, Dr. Elnora T. Webb, Dr. Nathan Hare, Paul Cobb, Publisher of the Oakland Post News Group

We would like the BAM 27 City Tour to end in Cuba with a grand concert featuring the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra, Francisco Mora's Afro Horn, Sun Ra Arkestra and David Murray. We need sponsors, promoters, booking agents to make this happen. If you or your city has a venue for the 27 City US tour, please contact Marvin X: 510-200-4164 ASAP.

Sincerely,

Marvin X,
Producer
BAM 27 City Tour
jmarvinx@yahoo.com

Straight Outta Oakland
The Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfoPuGyfJp8/U4ZPg14COKI/AAAAAAAAKhA/GSvS9mBVdes/s1600/o-MAYA-ANGELOU-900.jpg
Amiri Baraka and Maya Angelou doing the BAM BAM (RIP)

Graphic design by Adam Turner

Now that the Oakland City Council has approved the Black Arts Movement Business District, the time has come for the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra to hit the road and complete the 27 City Tour envisioned by ancestor Amiri Baraka.  AB told BAM artists to tour the 27 cities with large populations of North American Africans and spread radical cultural consciousness. He said we should at least establish a fifty seat theatre in each city based on the BAM concept of the artistic freedom fighter. Long live the spirit of AB!

 
Amiri Baraka (RIP) and Marvin X enjoyed a 47 year friendship as movers and shakers of the Black Arts Movement

The Black Arts Movement was/is the most radical artistic and literary movement in American history, sister of the Black Power Movement. Our mission is to spread radical cultural consciousness throughout the land. We thank the citizens of Oakland for establishing the first Black Arts Movement Business District in America.
Black Fire: An Anthology of Afro American Writing

 
 BAM co-founder Marvin X and Lynette McElhaney, President of the
 Oakland City Council
photo Adam Turner

 Marvin X speaking at Oakland City Hall's Black History Celebration, Feb. 24, 2016
He referred to City Council President Lynette McElhaney as African Queen!
flyer-obhmr-potp-2016-700-full size

We especially thank Oakland City Council President, Lynette McElhaney, for pushing through legislation establishing the Black Arts Movement Business District. Also, thanks to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and Laney College President Elnora T. Webb for celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Black Arts Movement at Laney College. Mayor Schaaf said she will use her power as Mayor to support the BAM 27 City Tour by contacting mayors in other American cities. We urge her to do so ASAP. Even better, Madam Mayor can give BAM 27 City Tour a benefit concert at the Paramount with the Oakland Symphony joining the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra. We think Symphony Conductor Michael Morgan is ready to do the BAM Thang!
 
 
Left to Right: Mrs. Gay Plair Cobb, Marvin X, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, Laney College President, Dr. Elnora T. Webb, Dr. Nathan Hare, Paul Cobb, Publisher of the Oakland Post News Group

We would like the BAM 27 City Tour to end in Cuba with a grand concert featuring the BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra, Francisco Mora's Afro Horn, Sun Ra Arkestra and David Murray. We need sponsors, promoters, booking agents to make this happen. If you or your city has a venue for the 27 City US tour, please contact Marvin X: 510-200-4164 ASAP.

Sincerely,

Marvin X,
Producer
BAM 27 City Tour
jmarvinx@yahoo.com



Icons of the Black Arts Movement
invited to join the 
BAM 27 City Tour


Askia Toure

Black Arts Movement Icon Sonia Sanchez Returns to Lexington

Sonia Sanchez


Marvin X and Danny Glover
 nikki giovanni photo: Nikki Giovanni Smiles 20090511-nikki.jpg
Nikki Giovanni


https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/KxzCX9hWVlUTw0ixX.a6kw--/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO2g9MzAwO3E9OTU7dz00MzY-/http://blackstonian.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/last_poets.jpgl
The Last Poets 


Felipe Luciano, Last Poets


Haki Madhubuti
Amina Baraka

Mrs. Amina Baraka


Marshall Allen, Sun Ra Arkestra

 Danny Ray Thompson, Flute, Sun Ra Arkestra in album people
Danny Thompson, Sun Ra Arkestra


... the creative work of drummer, composer Francisco Mora Catlett

Francisco Mora Catlett, Afro Horn


David Murray

FYI, David Murray, Berkeley native,  now living in Paris, France,  invites the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra to a European tour ASAP! Thank you, David! We be dare directly!

The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra

The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra 
University of California, Merced
BAM 50th Celebration, 2014
 

Marvin X, David Murray, Earle Davis
Marvin X reading DOPE by Amiri Baraka (RIP)
Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra
Malcolm X Jazz/Arts Festival
Oakland, CA.
2014

Featured artists of the Bay Area 
BAM Poets Choir and Arkestra

Tureada Mikell, Michelle LaChaux, Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, Tarika Lewis

Tacuma King Leading Children in Flight in Performance
Tacuma King

Kujichagulia

Paradise Jah Love

f
Choreographer Linda Johnson, Val Serrant, Raynetta Rayzetta

<b>Destiny</b> <b>Muhammad</b> playing harp in the Grove. Photo by Jay Yamada.
Destiny Muhammad 

... Tarika Lewis, violin, Earl Davis, trumpet, <b>Tacuma</b> <b>King</b>, percussion
Earle Davis

Zena Allen, 2013
Zena Allen 

 
Aries Jordan


Marvin X


TOWARD THE BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT 27 CITY TOUR


University of Chicago 
presents 
Sun Ra Conference, May 21-22, 2015

l
 
 
Sun Ra


Marshall Allen, 91 years old, now leader of the Sun Ra Arkestra (He said, "Marvin I'm not 91, I'm 19." Marvin X says, "And he plays like he's 19!" Danny Thompson and Marvin X at University of Chicago, Sun Ra Conference, 2015. They performed and discussed the teachings of BAM Master Sun Ra and their relationship with him as fellow artists. All three are dedicated to the teachings of Sun Ra. FYI, all of us BAM artists were/are students of Sun Ra, students and/or associates of Sun Ra, the POPE of BAM, AB the High Priest. David Murray and Francisco Mora Catlett performed and were infected with the Ra doctrine. RA RA RA!

marvin x and sun ra his mentor and associate at x s black educational ... 
The Gemini twins: Marvin X and Sun Ra. These "Latter Day Egyptian Revisionists" (Sun Ra term) worked together coast to coast. Marvin X worked with the Arkestra in New York, Philly and the Bay Area. Both men taught in the Black Studies Department at University of California, Berkeley, 1971-72. The above pic is outside Marvin's Black Educational Theatre, San Francisco, 1972. Sun Ra arranged the music for Marvin's play Take Care of Business, aka Flowers for the Trashman. They produced a five hour concert (without intermission) at San Francisco's Harding Theatre on Divisadero. The production had a cast of fifty, including Marvin's actors, Sun Ra's Arkestra and the dancers of choreographers Ellendar Barnes and Raymond Sawyer, living legends of Bay Area BAM dance. See SF Sun Reporter archives for review. See Youtube for Sun Ra lectures at University of California, Berkeley, 1971-72.

Juan Felipe Herrera, currently, US Poet Laureate, performed with the Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra at the University of California, Merced, 50th Anniversary Conference, produced by Kim McMillon and Marvin X.

h
Poet Ginny Lim, member of The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir and Arkestra 

Left to Right: Zena Allen, Kora player, poet Marvin X, Tarika Lewis, violinist
Linda Johnson, choreographer/dancer


Many of the movement’s leading artists, including Ed Bullins, Nikki Giovanni, Woodie King, Haki Madhubuti, Sonia Sanchez, Askia Touré, Marvin X and Val Gray Ward, remain artistically productive today. Its influence can also be seen in the work of later artists, from the writers Toni Morrison, John Edgar Wideman, and August Wilson to actors Avery Brooks, Danny Glover, and Samuel L. Jackson, to hip-hop artists Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Chuck D. SOS—Calling All Black People includes works of fiction, poetry, and drama in addition to critical writings on issues of politics, aesthetics, and gender. It covers topics ranging from the legacy of Malcolm X and the impact of John Coltrane’s jazz to the tenets of the Black Panther Party and the music of Motown. The editors have provided a substantial introduction outlining the nature, history, and legacy of the Black Arts Movement as well as the principles by which the anthology was assembled.








 
Dr. Cornel West and Marvin X
Cornel supports and will participate in the
Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour

"Marvelous Marvin X!"--Cornel West
 


Black Bird Press News & Review: Photo essay by Afrah: Marvin X ends Chicago tour at South Shore recording studio

SHE, a Vagina Monologue/ For Colored Girls Update?

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This is why I am co-producing a show, along with multi-talented dancer and choreographer Jinah Parker, called SHE. The best way to describe it is Eve Ensler’s THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES meets Ntozake Shange’s FOR COLORED GIRLS. It is dance, it is music, it is about sexual violence, what happened to Sandra Bland after being stopped by a police officer in Texas, and it is storytelling about healing from trauma and pain. It features women who are actual survivors of sexual violence, in their childhoods, as adults, or both. I have never quite experienced anything like this show, which is why I came aboard as a producer, as a male ally.

It will be staged for the first time at NEW YORK LIVE ARTS on Monday evening, April 11th, at 7pm. All details are below and attached but PLEASE BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE:
http://newyorklivearts.org/event/Jinah_Parker_SHE

Memorial for Hugo "Yogi" Lyon Pinell--Marvin X will participate, Saturday, April 23, 2016

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Commemoration of a legend who stood on the battlefield with Comrade George Jackson and never wavered from his commitment to the struggle for justice within the beast's belly during his 51 years of imprisonment and 46 years of solitary confinement.

Comrade Yogi, a Nicaraguan national, who participated in the Pelican Bay and statewide prison hunger strike to expose the brutal, horrific and inhumane conditions of California's Gulags finally made it to general population only to be set up by prison guards and viciously murdered by racist white prisoners during Black August (08/12/2015).

I'm humbled and honored that his daughter, Allegra Casimir-Taylor, has embraced me as her Tio, but disheartened that such a devastating tragedy brought us into each other's lives.

Many from Southern Cali will be traveling to San Francisco to stand in solidarity with Brothas and Sistas in Northern Cali in honoring and uplifting Yogi's legacy.

Thank you to all who made donations last year during Black August Los Angeles' fundraiser on behalf of Yogi to help make this memorial possible.

LONG LIVE THE SPIRIT

OF

COMRADE HUGO "YOGI BEAR" LYONS PINELL


For more information contact Sundiata Tate:510-567-3963

https://z-1-scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t31.0-8/s960x960/1040220_10200546879368495_522099038_o.jpg 
Sundiata Tate, San Quentin Six



Sundiata Tate and Marvin X are childhood friends from Fresno CA.
Tate spent many years in prison with Marvin's brother, Ollie Jackmon.
Marvin X is honored to read at this memorial for Yogi.


Black Bird Press News & Review: Madam Mayor Libby Schaaf, Please give Straight Outta Oakland, the BAM 27 City Tour, a benefit concert at the Paramount Theatre!

Abstract for Straight Outta Oakland, the Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour

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While in Philadelphia participating in the 60th Birthday Celebration for imprisoned journalist Mumia Abu Jamal, Marvin X recruited a Dream Team of artists, activists, educators and promoters for the 27 City Black Arts Movement Tour. The following are a few of the persons who tentatively agreed to join the BAM Tour:

Dr. Cornel West, educator
Dr. Tony Montiero, educator
Dr. Muhammad Ahmed, educator
Fred Hampton, Jr., activist
Preston Muhammad, promoter
Alfie Pollitt, musician, arranger
Elliot Bey, musician
Pam Africa, activist
Maurice Henderson, producer
Abiodun, the Last Poets
Umar Bin Hasan, the Last Poets



The BAM Poet's Choir and Arkestra performed at the Black Arts Movement Conference, University of California, Merced, Feb 28 thru March 2, 2014.


Abstract for the Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
The mission of the Black Arts Movement’s 27 City Tour is to continue the cultural revolution we initiated during the 1960s.  This cultural revolution is still needed because for a variety of reasons the Black Arts Movement was aborted due to the radical nature of our task which was the liberation of our people in harmony with the political movement.  Today, the need to address the political condition is critical, yes, even with the election of a non-white president, though this president has done little to address non-white issues, especially the high unemployment of youth, the high incarceration rate of 2.4 million  and the deportation rate of two million so called illegal immigrants since President Obama took office.

But more than the political and economic situation is the cultural condition, some of the reactionary values in hip hop culture, especially unconscious rap poetry, and even the socalled conscious poetry is, in the words of my daughter, an expression of the pseudo conscious, for words are not followed by the right action. As we know, talk is cheap! Sonia Sanchez would say the contradictions in hip hop were inherited from the Black Arts Movement contradictions. "Brothers talked Black Power but went home to beat their wives and partners. BAM children, i.e., the Hip Hop generation observed our behavior and emulated it."

But most important is the overall lack of mental health wellness in our community nationwide, to say nothing of physical wellness. The high rate of homicide among young North American African men is symptomatic of a lack of manhood training or the infusion of traditional values that inspire and motivate people to be the best they can be, to give honor and respect to their elders and ancestors. 
The 50%  or more drop out rate of students in our schools is partly the result of our dire mental health condition. Alas, it is said not only is there a critical need for a positive curriculum and teachers with an undying love for our children, but the mental health condition of our children requires mental health counselors with radical  values of wellness  based on a holistic approach to solving our myriad psycho-social and economic issues.   

We are dumbfounded to learn the USA  (Bush and Obama) promised the young men in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere (except in the USA) three items if they stop their violence and pledge allegiance to the constitution of their lands: education, jobs and housing. Why not offer education, jobs and housing for the boyz and girls  in the hood? 

The BAM tour will address some of these issues through the medium of art, i.e. poetry, drama, dance, music, graphics. While art therapy has been used in traditional cultures, and was utilized in the Black Arts Movement, there must be a concerted effort to make use of art in the healing of our people. Throughout the years, we have seen the power of art in changing destructive personalities. We recall the production we did of Amiri Baraka’s play Dutchman in Fresno CA. The local pimp loaned us  a wig for the female character Lula. When he viewed the play and saw her stab the young North American African male, Clay, this rocked the pimp’s world and he threw in his pimping towel, joined the Nation of Islam and eventually became an imam and made his haj or pilgrimage to Mecca. Thus we see the power of art to heal broken, self destructive and economically damaged personalities.

Many times we heard Amiri Baraka speak about the need to reach our people in the 27 major cities we inhabit in large numbers—to reach out and touch them with healing Black Art that can restore our mental and physical wellness.  In honor of ancestor Amiri Baraka, we propose to conduct a 27 city tour with concerts and wellness workshops to aid in the recovery of ourselves. Our special focus shall be on young Black men, although we cannot  and will not ignore young black women, nor will we avoid adult and parental responsibility. Thus, this will be an inter-generational experience. Sly Stone told us, "It's a family affair!" And the O'Jays said it is a Family Reunion. When we come together as family and embrace with the words "I appreciate you!" the revolution is victorious!

We estimate the overall budget for this project will be 2.7 million dollars at $100,000 per city, including  artist fees, promotion, advertisement, rental of venues, insurance, security, lodging, food,transportation and documentation. Since many of the Black Arts Movement workers are elders, the timeline would be at least three years to complete this project,  including planning and production.

BAM workers in each community will be recruited to participate and we would like to establish a BAM House or cultural center in each city, no matter if it is a 50 seat theatre as Amiri Baraka suggested.  A staff of educators,  mental and physical health workers must be a part of this project so that we more effectively deal with our wellness in a holistic manner.
Sincerely,
Marvin X, Project Director
The Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
Philadelphia PA
4/23/14
510-200-4164


National Advisory Board Members
Mrs. Amina Baraka
Sonia Sanchez
Askia Toure
Mae Jackson
Rudolph Lewis
Maurice Henderson
Emory Douglas
Troy Johnson
Kalamu Ya Salaam
Eugene Redman
Kim McMillan
Ayodele Nzinga
Geoffery Grier
Nefertiti Jackmon
Muhammida El Muhajir
Jessica Care Moore
Paul Cobb
Conway Jones
John Burris
James Sweeney
Fahizah Alim
Nisa Ra
Aries Jordan
Billy X Jennings
Sam Anderson

Marvin X, Producer/Director, Straight Outta Oakland, Black Arts
Movement 27 City Tour
photo Pendarvis Harshaw

For information and/or booking, contact:
Marvin X
jmarvinx@yahoo.com
510-200-4164

Parable of the Parrot and Parable of the Penguin by Marvin X (aka El Plato Negro)

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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Parable of the Parrot by Marvin X


Parable of the Parrot

for Ngugi Wa Thiong'o and the Pan African Revolution



The king wanted parrots around him. He wants all his ministers to wear parrot masks. He said he had to do the same for the previous king. He only said what the king wanted to hear, nothing more, so he advised his ministers to do the same. In fact, they must encourage the people to become parrots.


Yes, he wanted a nation of parrots. Don't say anything the kings does not want to hear. Everything said should be music to his ears. And don't worry, he will tell you exactly what he wants to hear in his regular meetings and public addresses to the nation. Everyone will be kept informed what parrot song to sing. No one must be allowed to disagree with the king. This would be sacrilegious and punishable by death.


The king must be allowed to carry out the dreams that come to his head. No one else should dream, only the king. In this manner, according to the king, the people can make real progress. There shall always be ups and downs, but have faith in the king and everything will be all right. Now everyone sing the national anthem, the king told the people.


There must be a chorus of parrots, a choir, mass choir singing in perfect unity. Let there be parrots on every corner of the kingdom, in every branch and tree. Let all the boys sing like parrots in the beer halls. Let the preacher lead the congregation in parrot songs. Let the teachers train students to sound like parrots. Let the university professors give good grades to those who best imitate parrot sounds. Let the journalists allow no stories over the airwaves and in print if they do not have the parrot sound.


The king was happy when the entire nation put on their parrot masks. Those who refused suffered greatly until they agreed to join in. The state academics and intellectuals joined loudly in parroting the king's every wish. Thank God the masses do not hear them pontificate or read their books. After all, these intellectual and academic parrots are well paid, tenured and eat much parrot seed.


Their magic song impresses the bourgeoisie who have a vested interest in keeping the song of the parrot alive. Deep down in the hood, in the bush, the parrot song is seldom heard, only the sound of the hawk gliding through the air in stone silence looking for a parrot to eat.

Sunday, April 25, 2010



Parable of the Penguin

The news broadcaster announced several motorists thought they spotted a penguin waddling along the freeway. Since the freeway was inland, the announcer wondered how was it possible for the little creature to find its way to the freeway. He said the highway patrol was coming to the scene and would try its best to safely rescue the little bird, but when the patrolman arrived at the scene, the creature was elusive, but he was certain they could capture the bird as it waddled along.

A short time later the newsman interrupted the program with a correction. They had made a mistake about the penguin. It wasn't a penguin as originally reported. The waddling creature was actually a diminutive teenager with his pants sagging.

He was arrested for being under the influence of drugs and taken to the mental hospital for observation. He was also given a citation for indecent exposure.
--Marvin X
4/25/10


--Marvin X 4/5/10 
from the Wisdom of Plato Negro, Parables/Fables, Marvin X, Black Bird Press, Berkeley, 2012, 
$19. 95. Black Bird Press, 1222 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94702.

Marvin X reviews Django in Black Hollywood Unchained, edited by Ishmael Reed, Third World Press

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Wednesday, February 13, 2013




Django, finally, the black hero who kills white people! What a change from my childhood attendance at the movie house watching the white man kill Indians and we sometimes cheered at the death of Native Americans while infused with their blood. Whether infused with the white man’s blood or not (and surely most North American Africans are, maybe only Gullah and/or Geeche Negroes can claim they are not) it was a pleasure seeing them die at the hands of Django. Yes, this Spaghetti
Western, this neo-Roots, gave North American African film writers something to think about, even if they know it is highly unlikely we shall now expect to see more of this “resistance” genre in Hollywood. We’ve yet to see Danny Glover’s long expected movie on the Haitian revolution, yet to see a film on Nat Turner’s revolt or Denmark Vesey's or Gabriel Prosser's, although Arna Bontemps novel Black Thunder could provide the basis for a Prosser film.
And why has not Spike Lee given us his version of a resistance film rather than condemn this Western fantasy? I was taught in Creative Writing at San Francisco State University by the great novelist John Gardner, if you don’t like something, use your creativity to write something better.
Being that I am in the Nigguh for Life Club, I am always fascinated by the endless and perennial debate over use of the term, whether nigger or nigguh, now made into a billion dollar word by rappers, reactionary record producers and hip hop culture globally.  What fool would not want to use such a profitable term? And nearly all those who claim to abhor the term will, in a moment of passion, make use of it, e.g., I hate you nigguh or I love you nigguh!
I have written about the psycholinguistic crisis of the North American African. As my comrade Amiri Baraka noted, what else do you think they called Africans entrapped in the American slave system, Sir? But imagine an African caught in the American slave system speaking German. Better yet, imagine those Africans caught in the Brazilian slave system who spoke several languages, including Portuguese, Arabic, Hausa, etc., while the slave master could not write his name! For me, the term devil ascribed to the Africans was quite amusing: we saw the depiction of pseudo science when the African skull was noted for areas of passivity. How ironic the Africans were described by the oppressor as devils but all the evil, i.e. kidnapping, rape of men, women and children, torture, terrorism and genocide came from the European “good guys”.
D, jango as a love story was positive. Seeing a North American African fighting to free his woman from the hands of the devil was inspiring since so many of our women these days suffer abandonment, abuse and neglect. So many must don the persona of the male and find their way by any means necessary. Of course it would have been better to show a mass insurrection rather than this individual struggle for freedom. Of course in the world of make believe inhabited by Hollywood, the depiction of a mass uprising would have been way over the top with the possibility of subliminal suggestion. As Dr. Fritz Pointer said when Brother Mixon killed four police in Oakland, D’jango gave us a dose of obscene pride in seeing the whites die, just as we experienced obscene pride when the Los Angeles black policeman, Christopher Doaner, went postal after suffering alleged abuses in the LA police department. I remember being surrounded by LA police when I asked for directions to City Hall.
Long ago, H. Rap Brown (Imam Jamil Alamin) told us violence was as American as cherry pie. D’jango should remind us of  America’s roots (laws) that evolved from the violence of the slave system. All the present talk about guns must begin with the examination of America’s roots.  Most of the present laws were created to prevent the very acts of the type D’jango carried out. Not only did the slave system fear Africans with guns, but Africans on horses, not to mention Africans who could read and write, and of course three or more Africans standing together was a violation of the Black Codes.
But how can the world’s number one gun merchant talk about clamping down on gun proliferation? Don’t believe the hype.  If anything new occurs, the gun merchants will simply increase the export of guns as the call for decrease heightens within America.
Just know America’s fascination with gun violence is predicated on preventing the oppressed from rising up and overthrowing the oppressor. D’jango’s personal mission is an example of what must ultimately occur on the mass level.  As New York City Councilman Charles Barron once said, “Every Black man should slap a white man for his mental health!” Yes, for the mental health of the Black man and the white man! We’ve heard there can be no redemption of sin without the shedding of blood.
We believe in peace, non-violence, but we also believe in self defense, that oppression is worse than slaughter. It would be better that all of us North American Africans are murdered outright rather than endure this slow death on the killing floor.
James Baldwin said the murder of my child will not make your child safe. America is now witnessing her children being slaughtered in the suburbs just as poor ghetto children have been slaughtered for decades, and their ancestors the victims of genocide for centuries. Thank God, director Terrentino has given us a fantasy version of what must occur in the real world. His love story is what revolution is about, i.e., freeing the family! Yes, the American slave system was about the destruction of family, thus the task of the North American African is the reconstruction of family. We shall not progress as a people until we reconnect with our women and children, rescue them from poverty, ignorance and disease; emotional, physical and verbal abuse.  Ultimately, it is not about killing the white man, which we can never find enough weapons to do so, but it is all about us realizing our women and children are our most precious asset and we shall never make progress until we rescue them from the clutches of the devil. For sure, D’jango realized he could never be free until he saved his woman. For North American African men, this is food for deep thought!
--Marvin X
2/13/13

Did you catch the flash of Marvin X in Stanley Nelson's film Black Panthers, Vanguard of the Revolution? His writing/thoughts appear in Ishmael Reed's The Complete Muhammad Ali.

Marvin X, poet, playwright, essayist, producer/director, Straight Outta Oakland, Black Arts
Movement 27 City Tour
photo Pendarvis Harshaw 

Black Hollywood Unchained edited by Ishmael Reed


In Black Hollywood Unchained, Ishmael Reed gathers an impressive group of scholars, critics, intellectuals, and artist to examine and respond to the contemporary portrayals of Blacks in films.  Using the 2012 release of the film Django Unchained as the focal point of much of the discussion, these essays and reviews provide a critical perspective on the challenges facing filmmakers and actors when confronted with issues on race and the historical portrayal of African American characters. Reed also addresses the black community’s perceptiveness as discerning and responsible consumers of film, theatre, art, and music.

Twenty-eight contributors including this book’s editor, Ishmael Reed, offer insightful, informed and provocative points of view on the ever changing, yet unchanged, landscape of Hollywood and film production in America. While the 2012 release of Django Unchained was the film that generated nation-wide conversations and many of the essays in this collection, this book intentionally extends that dialogue about race, history, entertainment and the image of Blacks on the screen to include an examination of the culture of contemporary films and television. Black Hollywood Unchained is critical of the roles of actor, film-maker and viewer as it asks questions that redirect our thinking about the multi-billion dollar industry we call “the movies.”

Contributors

 
J. Douglas Allen-Taylor, Houston A. Baker Jr., Amiri Baraka, Playthell G. Benjamin, Herb Boyd, Cecil Brown, Ruth Elizabeth Burks, Art T. Burton, Stanley Crouch, Justin Desmangles, Lawrence DiStasi, Jack Foley, David Henderson, Geary Hobson, Joyce A. Joyce, Haki R. Madhubuti, C. Liegh McInnis, Tony Medina, Alejandro Murguía, Jill Nelson, Halifu Osumare, Heather D. Russell, Hariette Surovell, Kathryn Waddell Takara, Jerry W. Ward Jr., Marvin X, Al Young  


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