Items by Beve

The Afropolitan Network:::

  • RIP Miriam Makeba

    Posted: November 12, 2008, 10:27 pm by Beve

  • Our New Afropolitan President

    Posted: November 6, 2008, 12:31 am by Beve

    They Call Me Mr. President



  • The Green Collor Economy

    Posted: October 22, 2008, 9:21 pm by Beve

    I just read about a New York Bestseller book, The Green Collar Economy. I'm gonna check it out. Also, the author Van Jones has a blog called Green for All which is pretty cool.   

  • The Race

    Posted: October 19, 2008, 10:17 pm by Beve

    [AP/Alex Brandon]

    Something has really been bothering me about the US Presidential Election. We all know the questions asked from the beginning about Sen. Obama have been centered around experiance and his race. Now that the experience question has almost vanished and been substituted with the patriot question, thanks to Sarah Palin, race is still on the table and the "great unknown".


    As a black person watching the coverage since December when he was 20 points behind, I feel a bit slighted when the media makes comments like "race is an issue" or "the race problem". This directly links his blackness as being a problem or an issue that he created. Well, I know what you're thinking...duh! Of course its an issue, America's never had a black president! But I think there is more here. 
    First, it puts the "burden of proof" on Obama. Its like, "yeah you're black and you have to prove otherwise". Thats the general attitude. That is, instead of the heat being turned towards the voters who aren't voting or are unsure of him not because of his polices or party but because of his race, it is being forced at Obama.  But how unfair is that? What is he supposed to do? Un-black himself? It also says to the rest of us black people that you will always have to prove that you won't threaten us with your blackness.  I guess its easier to talk to one guy instead of a nation of racists. But this strikes me as just backwards. Almost like those with such prejudices are being given a free pass by the media because they are "Middle America".  Its like totally fine that there are people out there who won't vote for him because of the color of his skin. I haven't seen to many pieces questioning WHY that is ok.  Well I guess there is no law against being racist.
    Which brings me to my next point. Why can't the media just come out and say that white voters in the Midwest are worth more than the rest of us? I mean they keep alluding to it with phrases like "the all important white working class vote" or "hockey mom" how many black hockey mom's are there? For that matter, how many non-white hockey mom's are there? A part of me knows that this is because white people are the majority in this great country, but constantly making their votes worth more is a disservice to democracy in my opinion. Here are some other code words:
    America = The white partsUn-American = possible terrorists Pro-America = RepublicanAnti-America = Democrats/LiberalsValues = What we believe to be right for everyoneMuslim = TerroristSmall Town = MidwestFreedom = RestrictionsWorking Class = White working class (since most black people and latinos are working class anyway)Black voters = Obama voters
    Troops = People we care about and use as political leverage only when they are on the battlefield but not when they return homeDrill, Baby, Drill = I want to be able to waste and consume without restrictionsSaddam Hussein = Osama Bin Laden
    Lastly, when it comes to women voters, this is also code for white women voters. As it is assumed that ALL black women voters are for Obama. This is why race usually trumps gender. But returning to my original point, I wish Republicans weren't allowed to get away with this as much as they do, i.e. Michele Bachmann. I think this year the media has done a better job at holding them accountable than usual, but not nearly enough. 

  • Rwanda

    Posted: October 9, 2008, 7:10 am by Beve

     

    Some cool news from Rwanda last week that hasn't been reported much. The small African nation now officially has the largest female majority parliament---in the world! The Speaker of the House is also a woman, Ms Mukantabana Rose and all were sworn in by President Kagame.


    So, Rwanda is also the first African country to meet the 50% quota requirement for women. Cool.

  • Rock and Blogroll ~ Book Worm Edition!

    Posted: October 1, 2008, 10:13 am by Beve

    So the head of the Nobel Prize in Literature, Horace Engdahl made the comment that no great writers come from America anymore because they're all pretty much from Europe. Specifically:

    "Europe still is the center of the literary world."

    Hmm, well that's great. Except that it ignores the rich history of writers from...ohhh...every other corner of the globe! So I thought I'd do a little post about my fave African writers. Including my mentor and former professor (ok don't mean to name drop, but what the heck!)

    Ngugi Wa Thiong'o [Kenya]

    One of my favorite writers. He's an amazing writer who was a "founding father" as it were, and helped African writers gain international prestige. He's key contributions span decades and include: Weep Not Child (1964)
    Petals of Blood (1978), Decolonizing the Mind (1986), the latter being my favorite.

    Tsitsi Dangarembga  [Zimbabwe]

    Her coming of age novel "Nervous Conditions" is so powerful and a true Afropolitan tale, complete with alienation, homecoming, struggle for acceptance, cultural pride/shame, you name it. I would encourage everyone to pick it up. She is also a filmmaker and made Everyone’s Child (1996)

      Chinua Achebe [Nigeria]

    I find it cool that many High Schools in America require Things Fall Apart (1958) as required reading a long with "the classics". Considered the father of the African novel in English. Also wrote, No Longer at Ease, (1960), Arrow of God, (1964), Anthills of the Savannah, (1988)

    Wole Soyinka [Nigeria]

    Poet, intellectual, playwright, Nobel Laureate (haha! take that Engdahl!) Love his poems including Mandela’s Earth and Other Poems (1988)

    Ousmane Sembene [Senegal]

    Writer, filmmaker, intellectual (who passed away in June 2007). He's seen as the father of African cinema. Check out his flicks, Black Girl (1966), Xala (1974). But his novels are, The Black Docker (1952), Gods Bits of Wood (1962). Good stuff.

    There's quite a few that I'm leaving out. Especially women *gasp* Anyone have any of their favorite authors to add? I will do a diaspora post separately.

  • Pundits

    Posted: September 30, 2008, 1:35 am by Beve

    First check out this great mini-documentary on Ory Okolloh. If you don't know who she is she's Kenyan Pundit, and was a crucial voice during the Kenyan Elections Crisis, he blog being one of the go to sites for updates and news during the great time of uncertainty.

    Second, check out my other blog that I've cranked up into high gear. Its called Afropundit and its a blog for people of color to come and post/vent/wax philosophical about politics/culture etc. So far we're focused on the US Elections. If you're interested in doing a guest post, let me know. Got four people on board so far.

  • Danny Glover and Louverture Film

    Posted: September 26, 2008, 5:41 pm by Beve

    [DROITS RÉSERVÉS - COPYRIGHT Michel CORBOZ]

    So apparently Danny Glover (who is enjoying a post-Die Hard career as an international activist) was making a film on Toussaint Louverture, who was basically a liberator of Haiti and is viewed as one of the great black historical figures. However, the whole project was derailed after he was unable to secure financing from any Hollywood executives.

    I'm pretty bummed about this, b/c I love his life story and think it would make an excellent biopic. Why is it hollywood can fund biopics about African American Gangasters, sports figures and musicians but not politicians, activists, leaders? I guess Malcolm X is as far as they went.

    Given the success of films like The Pursuit of Happinyness which was a positive story of a black man *gasp* why not fund a film about someone who changed the course of history, i.e. the abolishment of slavery in the Americas?

    from his wiki page:

    "Toussaint Louverture played a key role in what was the first successful attempt by a slave population in the Americas to throw off the yoke of Western colonialism. He defeated armies of three imperial powers: Spain, France, and Great Britain. The success of the Haitian Revolution had enduring effects on shaking the institution of slavery throughout the New World. "

    Go figure. If I was a millionaire Danny, I'd fund the film (the budget is $30 mil)

    By the way, look at who was cast to play in the film! :

    Wesley Snipes, Angela Bassett, Don Cheadle, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Roger Guenveur Smith, Mos Def, Isaach De Bankolé, and Richard Bohringer

    For those of you who understand French, here's a mini doc on youtube on Louverture:

  • Kibera Slum on Google Earth

    Posted: September 24, 2008, 12:22 pm by Beve

    This image via White African. Check out the google earth photo of Kibera Slum in Nairobi, Kenya which is the second largest slum in Africa (the largest being Soweto in South Africa). The area can be seen at the top part of the image. Its home to over a million people.

  • Voter Suppression Wiki

    Posted: September 23, 2008, 5:00 pm by Beve
    For those of you planning to vote in the US Election (which should be every citizen of the age of 18!) do check out the Voter Suppression Wiki, if you have any problems registering, or casting a ballot.

  • Just a Band

    Posted: September 22, 2008, 5:22 pm by Beve

    Check out Kenya's own house/funk sensation "Just a Band". They are so cool! Check out the animated video and the philosophy behind the group via their blog and wikipedia entry. Thanks Julia and Dave for the heads up! 






  • Latent Prejudices

    Posted: September 20, 2008, 7:09 pm by Beve

    So there's a new poll of 2000 people that was conducted over a year about racial attitudes towards Black people. Here's an excerpt from the article:

    "Given a choice of several positive and negative adjectives that might describe blacks, 20 percent of all whites said the word "violent" strongly applied. Among other words, 22 percent agreed with "boastful," 29 percent "complaining," 13 percent "lazy" and 11 percent "irresponsible." When asked about positive adjectives, whites were more likely to stay on the fence than give a strongly positive assessment."

    This is pretty sad. I don't know who to blame more for these views, which I know are widely held around the world. My first instinct was BET, (Black Entertainment Television). But maybe they are too easy a target? How about rappers? Or systematic oppresion via bad schools, unsafe neighborhoods, high unemployment, high incarceration rates? What about so called "black movies" like Friday, Boyz in the Hood, Soul Plane, American Gangster? Actually, when I saw American Gangster, I was almost embarrassed for Denzel because he's done such family oriented movies and is a very good role model for black men in his private life; you can tell he loves his wife and kids.  I'm not really passing judgment, but rather, trying to find answers. But most white people in Iowa or Nebraska won't watch BET or see American Gangster.

    So what is it? Why are black people STILL viewed so negatively when we have a black man running for the highest office in the land? Maybe its the 6 O'clock news that always has some burglary or violent crime report and the picture of a person of color. I read yesterday that 97% of blacks will never commit a violent crime and 70% of all drug users and dealers are white but 80% of the convictions are people of color.

    Lastly, "nearly four in 10 white independents agreed that blacks would be better off if they 'try harder'." 

    What do you think about this Afropolitans out there, cause this affects you. Initially, many white people will still view you through the prism of prejudice  no matter how smart, well dressed, employed, smiley, friendly, or meek you are until you win them over.

    This might be a good time to ask, do you think there is also a difference between the way African immigrants and African Americans are treated by whites? Its been my experience that white people veiw African immigrants (or 1st, 2nd, generation) as "less threatening". 

    Thoughts?

    Further reading: How Racims Works for Me

  • On Rotation

    Posted: September 16, 2008, 4:00 pm by Beve




  • Afropolitan News

    Posted: September 16, 2008, 3:30 am by Beve

  • The Souls of Black Girls

    Posted: September 15, 2008, 7:20 am by Beve

    Here's an excerpt of an interview by Clutch Magazine on The Souls of Black Girls a new documentary film by Daphne Valerius on the double consciousness of black girls growing up. A clever take on W.E.B. DuBois groundbreaking expose into the "duality of people of color" here's a sneak at the interview:

    Q: What made you name your film, The Souls of Black Girls?

    The title “The Souls of Black Girls” derives from the seminal book by W.E.B Dubois “The Souls of Black Folks” where he discusses the double-consciousness condition where there is a duality of being a Negro and an American in the United States. I was inspired and intrigued by this concept when I was first introduced to it and I was inspired to name my piece, The Souls of Black Girls because I attempt to expand upon the duality of people of color but I wanted to include gender within that very same concept presented by Dubois. So I’ve chosen to expand on the idea that as Black women we have a “triple consciousness” condition where we have to be a Negro, a woman and an American and within that identity we also struggle to define our own standard of beauty.

  • Rock and Blogroll! Fashionistas and Girl Power

    Posted: September 13, 2008, 6:30 pm by Beve

    I've missed surfing the net for cool Afro-p blog but yesterday I had my fill! Here some pretty neat blogs on fashion and trends. I love the design and the commentary:

     













    Plus, haven't updated my links in a minute, so here are a couple online magazines that I'm adding to the blogroll:




























    Honorable mention

    • Check out Black Girls Rock an outreach program for at rick young girls. I like the aim of combating negative images of black women in the media. You rock!


    My dears, welcome to The Network ;-)

  • Exit Polls in Kenya

    Posted: September 12, 2008, 4:24 pm by Beve

    Here's a great summary by James Long on Kenya Imagine about the 2007 Kenyan Elections and the data gathered from exit polls. It seems Kenyans aren't as tribalistic as the media would have you believe. Check it out.

  • Afropolitan News

    Posted: September 10, 2008, 11:45 am by Beve

    In Italy, At Least, Black is Beautiful | The Root

    Kerosene As 'Gold' in Abuja | All Africa
    The Beautiful 'Black List' | The Root
    Little Ethiopia: A Thriving Community in D.C.| Mshale
    Patrick Robinson Hopes to Put Gap Back on the Map | NYTimes

  • Green activists 'are keeping Africa poor'

    Posted: September 9, 2008, 10:50 pm by Beve

    Western do-gooders are impoverishing Africa by promoting traditional farming at the expense of modern scientific agriculture, according to Britain's former chief scientist.

    read more | digg story

  • Palvika Rathod

    Posted: September 7, 2008, 6:22 pm by Beve

    My buddy on facebook! She also wowed at the Fashion for Peace show. I was amazed at her elegant yet bohemian/stylish design. I would definetly wear all her clothes. This was my favorite designer for the night:

     

     

    The Lady herself, Palvika Rathod

  • Moo Cow

    Posted: September 7, 2008, 5:06 am by Beve

    Continuing my showcase of the fabulous Fashion for Peace event in Nairobi, Kenya this past May, I want to post about Moo Cow.  This duo was one of my favorite designers of the night, with their aviation inspired collection. Check out some pics I took of their designs during the show:

    I Call this one the "Rihanna" outfit

    This is Kenya's own international supermodel Ajuma. She has a spread in either Essence or Ebony this year can't remember which one. 

     

     

    The designers Carol Wahome and Wambui Njogu

  • Back to the Election...

    Posted: August 29, 2008, 11:02 pm by Beve

    I feel like life in America opened up a bit today. Today, for the first time ever, I think we who live in America, especially as minorities can now say that anyone can at least RUN to be president of the United States.

    No matter who wins, history will be made on either side, and that's pretty cool in and of itself. I think Palin and Obama prove several things:

    1. Race and Gender can no longer be a limiting factor in deciding a runningmate or nominating a presidential candidate
    2. America IS ready for a woman and black president, so please stop asking
    3. As a Black Woman, I am encouraged that I will be represented a bit on both sides at least superficially, although I am much more interested about policy, hence my vote for Obama
    4. You don't have to be in Washington or in politics long to hope to be president
    5. You don't have to be really old either

    So, today you really can tell that little minority kid or little girl that they too can be POTUS (President of the United States)


  • Cool Runnings

    Posted: August 21, 2008, 7:48 pm by Beve


    I had not been watching the Olympics at all this year, just not really jazzed by any particular event or competition. Then, I opened my firefox browser one day, and saw that some kid had just broken a world record in the 100m dash.  Big deal, I thought, records fall all the time, and after Phelps 8 medals I thought the last thing I want to watch is more herofication. But after seeing the news on every major newspaper, I decided to watch the race. What a treat! Usain Bolt astounded everyone.  Then did it again a couple days later and won the 200m race. To quote Tom Fordyce of the BBC Olympic's blog "19.30 seconds? Jaws dropped. Gobs were smacked, flabbers were gasted."

    As if that wasn't enough, the women had to out do the men, with Veronica Campbell-Brown winning Gold in 200m

    Melaine Walker winning Gold in 400m Hurdles, (with braces on her teeth and a Mohawk, very cool!)

    Shelly-Ann Fraser winning Gold in 100m

    (and Jamaica going 1-2-3 with Silver and Bronze in that race).


    All I can say is it looks like the era of British and American domination of Track and Field is nearing its sunset. 


    Check out the celebration going on in Jamaica

  • I'm Baaaaaack!

    Posted: August 16, 2008, 6:47 pm by Beve

    Hello faithful readers!

    I just got back in the States after a 4 month stint in the Cradle of Mankind. I had a great time and was inspired by so much that it will take some time to get all the lovely Kenya posts going. I'll start by more photos of the Fashion for Peace event I attended waaay back in May, including the above photo of the venue inside the beautiful Nairobi National Park, and below of media section. Now that I have faster internet (it took excruciatingly long to upload even one photo in Kenya because of bandwidth read this post by White African for more on connectivity in Kenya).

  • Yaay!

    Posted: June 12, 2008, 1:39 am by Beve

    Ok, I'm back for real.

    -Wireless internet modem = Check
    -Laptop = Check
    - Tons of photos to upload = Check
    -Commentary on trip = Check

    So, first I'd like to give an update on what I'm doing here in Kenya. I'm working for Black Mamba Productions, a new production company here in Kenya.  We have about four projects in development, one of which is a documentary on the post elections crisis that ensued around the country.  I'm really excited about it and I'm also the director. But something I've learned is that its hard to fundraise in Kenya if you're a new company. So, to fund our projects we'll be holding a worldwide fundraiser aimed at raising $50k. 

    If you'd like to help organize contact me. Also, if you'd like to donate, you can do so by clicking on the "Chip In" widget to the left of the page.  We'd appreciate any contributions. So far we've raised $530 which isn't bad at all, but I believe we can raise what we need to.

    All the projects have an afropolitan theme to them. I wouldn't be involved if they didn't. We aim to show a contemporary and cosmopolitan (afropolitan) Africa, while remaining fresh, and cutting edge. Also, we'll be using the latest technology, such as HDV to shoot our productions. Stay tuned for more updates.

  • Hi!!!!

    Posted: June 5, 2008, 1:11 pm by Beve

    Just sending a quick post up into the blogosphere =) I'm having a fantastic time in Kenya. I'm really being inspired and enjoying my observations. Here are a few pics of an event I attended called Fashion for Peace. It was so great, and in aid of an NGO against violence.  It takes forever to upload pics, but I will do it next time I'm on. Oh yeah and...

    Congrats to the Democratic Nominee Barack Obama!  

  • Traveling..

    Posted: April 10, 2008, 8:40 am by Beve

    I'll be en route to Kenya the next few days. I hope to post as much as I can while there, but it looks like updates might be a bit sporadic. One this for sure is I'll take lots of pictures! See you on the flip side

    ~Beve

  • links for 2008-04-09

    Posted: April 9, 2008, 2:36 pm by Beve

  • Botswana President Steps Down

    Posted: April 5, 2008, 10:26 pm by Beve

    Zimbawe's Mugabe should take a page out of this president's handbook

    read more | digg story

  • In Honor of King

    Posted: April 4, 2008, 10:34 pm by Beve

    Today is the 40th Anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr's assassination.  I like to remember him as a fierce opponent on poverty and war, the Vietnam War in particular.  Here's the famous anti-war speech:




  • Blogger Fly Girl

    Posted: April 3, 2008, 3:11 am by Beve

    Check out Flygirl who blogs here.  I love her posts and eye for design. Some of her own creations:

  • New Issue of Mimi Magazine

    Posted: April 1, 2008, 12:30 am by Beve

    Music Special features singer Adama Check it out

  • New Issue Mimi Magazine

    Posted: April 1, 2008, 12:25 am by Beve
    Music Special features singer Adama Check it out

  • Music Monday

    Posted: March 31, 2008, 3:00 pm by Beve

    Review By Onerebelgun
    Not by favoritism but Kenna Zemedkun is by far the most underrated artist of our generation, not conforming to any musical standards he wields the musical blade of Excalibur in the realms where he is comfortable with the help of Chad Hugo.  If your a musical explorer you will surely love this musical adventure as he mixes hiphop, rock, pop and r and b into one amazing sonic yet futuristic sound that will reach other generations light years from now.  Make sure they see my face or face for short gives you reason to love Kenna's musical attributes but also disappointing for Kenna die hard fans who aptly play his first album New sacred cow which is phenomenal and beyond anyones musical experience in terms of production and honesty on words. Face is an endless journey from Daylight to wide awake so open your hearts and ears, play it, let it blare and distort your speakers, it will be worth it I promise.

  • Zimbabwe's Inflation

    Posted: March 27, 2008, 9:28 pm by Beve

    This is nuts. The picture says it all: this guy is a billionaire and starving. Zimbabwe has the highest inflation in the world, thanks to iron-fisted Mugabe and his fool-hardy economic "policies".










    (photo by Howard Burditt/Reuters)

  • Angola to host landmine pageant

    Posted: March 27, 2008, 8:59 am by Beve

    The beleaguered nation of Angola is still littered with millions of landmines, and tens of thousands of people have been injured by them. Now, the country is hosting a most unusual beauty pageant.

    read more | digg story

  • Kanye, Lupe, Pharrell ~ Great Amatuer Video!

    Posted: March 25, 2008, 12:25 am by Beve

    Fan made Video created by  youtube girl:

  • The Big Story on the Back Streets

    Posted: March 25, 2008, 11:30 pm by Beve

    NAIROBI -- The three-person crew of Slum TV set out under the hot noon sun, slinging a video camera and microphone through the crooked labyrinth of iron-sided shacks, graffitied beer joints, rickety-stick markets and open sewers that is their home, Mathare.

    read more | digg story

  • Lebron King Kong

    Posted: March 25, 2008, 8:16 pm by Beve

    When I first saw the new cover of Vogue with Lebron James and Gisele Bunndchen, it took me about 1.5 seconds to think it was offensive, then I realized that I thought it was offensive and tried to figure out why. Then when I couldn't put my finger on it (other than theres a big scary looking black man, mouth agape, grabbing a fragile looking bloned white woman reinforcing centuries-old fears of black men) I tried to convince myself that it really wasn't offensive. 

    Then I saw this on the satire page on Huffington Post:




















    And I felt it was offensive again.

    Questions:

    1) Why is his mouth open like he is about to swallow her? That alone would have changed the tone of the pic

    2) Why is she in appearing to be just landing on the ground, perhaps she has just been tossed from over his shoulder. 

    3) Its just bad composition.

    update:  *sigh* here's another one -

  • The Gold Slaves of Mozambique

    Posted: March 24, 2008, 9:19 pm by Beve

    Thousands of fortune hunters are digging for gold in the mountains of Mozambique. Scores have come across the border from bitterly poor Zimbabwe. But for most, the dream of fabulous treasure ends up in endless toil, disease and death.

    read more | digg story

  • links for 2008-03-24

    Posted: March 24, 2008, 1:20 pm by Beve

  • Thanks! ~The Management

    Posted: March 23, 2008, 1:50 am by Beve

    Just want to take a brief moment to say....THANKS! I've had a nice up tick in readership and subscribers. I appreciate you taking a little time out and visiting my little plot on the World Wide Web.

    to infinity and beyond

    ~Beve

  • Afrolution

    Posted: March 20, 2008, 6:20 pm by Beve

    Great, great site called Afrolution. Putting African Hip Hop on the map! Its starting an online tv channel exclusively dedicated to hip hop, all day every day! I like. Check it out:

  • links for 2008-03-20

    Posted: March 20, 2008, 1:20 pm by Beve

  • African Hip Hop Conference Recap

    Posted: March 19, 2008, 6:09 pm by Beve

    Harvard University hosted the first African Hip Hop Conference this past weekend, and it looks like it was great..

    Here's a list of the panelists

    And what was discussed

  • links for 2008-03-19

    Posted: March 19, 2008, 1:26 pm by Beve

  • links for 2008-03-18

    Posted: March 18, 2008, 1:21 pm by Beve

  • Worth the Watch

    Posted: March 18, 2008, 11:30 am by Beve
    Tags:   

    Land Rights for Decedents of Slaves in Brazil

  • African-Norwegian Kids Dance

    Posted: March 17, 2008, 12:21 pm by Beve


    "Chiku Ali, a storyteller from Tanzania living in Bergen, is impressed by what has been accomplished during the week called African days in Stavanger."

    more here

  • links for 2008-03-14

    Posted: March 14, 2008, 1:21 pm by Beve

  • Fabulous! Afro-Chinese Fashion

    Posted: March 14, 2008, 12:03 pm by Beve

    I love this! Hatian/Guyanese/French Sheilla Constance Sidney lives in Shanghai and is embracing the world of Afro-Chic with a new Asian twist. I like.






















  • Ozwald Boateng

    Posted: March 13, 2008, 8:17 pm by Beve

    Ghanaian Brit, Ozwald Boateng is one of the first black male star designers to trully make ti big. He makes really sharp men's wear. He also had an entertaining reality show on The Sundance Channel called House of Boateng. Check out a proflie on Jamati Online

  • links for 2008-03-10

    Posted: March 10, 2008, 1:21 pm by Beve

  • Haiti

    Posted: March 7, 2008, 11:38 am by Beve

    Its stories like these that make me seriously seriously question our collective humanity. Like my other post, the poorest in Haiti eat dirt, while there is tons of food sitting en route, rotting and being devoured by beetles and cockroaches.  They should rush the airport and take the food. I mean what else is there to do? Haiti is a tiny island. It does not have the same logistical nightmare as trying to feed America, Russia or China, its an island.  Yet, the government is still red taped?

    "Jean-Paul Michaud, a Canadian, said he sailed to the capital of Port-au-Prince late last year carrying 60 pounds of donated clothing and medicine — and that port authorities demanded $10,000 in "customs fees" — code for a bribe to make the fees disappear.

    "I'd have rather thrown the aid in the water," said Michaud. The Canadian Embassy intervened and the fee was later waived."


    *sigh*

  • Nneka

    Posted: March 6, 2008, 2:35 pm by Beve

    Check out singer Nneka. On her myspace, she describes her location as "WARRI/NIGERIA, Germany". Cool. I especially like the song "Lost Souls Live"

  • links for 2008-03-06

    Posted: March 6, 2008, 1:23 pm by Beve

  • Sellout

    Posted: March 5, 2008, 11:31 am by Beve

    I watched this fascinating conversation on Bloggingheads between Harvard Law Professor Randall Kennedy and John McWhorter of the Manhattan Institute.  They go back and forth about various backlash they've had on stuff they've written such as Kennedy's controversial "Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word" which I really want to read now and McWhorter's piece on The Root about what constitutes "Black Culture"

    I find all this fascinating because it fits squarely in the realm of the Afropolitan. What makes a black person go from being African to Afropolitan or African American to Afropolitan. I had an interesting email discussion with a friend about this who rejects the term Afropolitan. She sees it as another label that is more divisive than transformative.  I must say, I saw her point, but  I disagreed in that I don't see it as a label but more so an identity that develops.

    I think there are black people who try  and transcend what it conventionally means to be black; but then there are others who just kind of ended up doing it because they were pushed out of one group and pulled in another or as the Afropolitan article says are "mutt" and gives the example of an "American accent, European affect, African ethos."thus creating a new cultural identity.

    What does this have to do with selling out? Well is this the African community's version of a sellout? Someone who got to live/study abroad, picked up a European language or two, married/dates white people? Its just fascinating to me and I think its healthy for us as a community to be having these discussions.   

  • One of the Most Talented Musicians Ever

    Posted: March 5, 2008, 10:13 am by Beve

  • links for 2008-03-04

    Posted: March 4, 2008, 1:29 pm by Beve

  • M.anifest

    Posted: March 4, 2008, 7:49 am by Beve

    Manifest Check out emcee M.anifest from [ghana].





















    Manifestations

  • Stoned Cherrie and Fred Eboka

    Posted: March 3, 2008, 7:47 pm by Beve

    I like these two designers. Once again, exquiste work being done in Afro-Chic design. There's South African Nkhensani's Stoned Cherrie brand. Here's a piece on it by Mimi Magazine























    And Nigerian Fred Eboka's line:

  • Music Monday

    Posted: March 3, 2008, 1:22 pm by Beve

    Cd_composer New edition to the Afropolitan Network: Music Monday. I've got my buddy Ado to help on this front, he is a bona fide music lover and expert on Afropolitan Music, in my opinion. Every Monday we will have some cool albums/musicians to check out.  So to kickstart this important part of black culture we're having a Music Week. Don't sleep!

  • Wakilisha Mag

    Posted: March 2, 2008, 6:17 pm by Beve

    Wakilisha Sleek mag called Wakilisha online. I like. Check out this awesome article on African Haute Couture

  • Black Britain

    Posted: March 1, 2008, 6:16 pm by Beve

    Black_britain Just ran across this on NPR. Paul Gilroy, who I think was the African American Studies Professor at Yale when I was there, has a new book out called Black Britain: A Photographic History. You can listen to his interview on NPR here.   Blackbritainbook

  • Let's Rock and Blogroll: Elections Edition

    Posted: March 1, 2008, 7:31 am by Beve

    Ok, as many at home and abroad may already know its an election year in the US and even though the mainstream media (MSM) is operating under the rules of osmosis, I thought I'd present some of my favorite Political blogs for checking (and rechecking every 3 mins!) political news in the States and abroad:

    • Huffington Post - Created by Arianna Huffington, its probably one of the most powerful political blogs on the net.
    • Talking Points Memo by Josh Marshal - Excellent commentary on the days campaign events
    • Comment is Free - Good in general, for international current affairs, but they also have a US Elections 2008 section thats pretty sweet
    • My Direct Democracy - This is a new discovery for me through the current campaign season, I like their focus on State politics as well.
    • AlterNet - Pretty liberal news site/online community that always teaches me something new.
    • Raw Story - Like its name, is headlines that matter, no frills.
    • Ezra Klein - 23 year old Ezra Klein at The American Prospect has amassed quite a bit of knowledge in his brain and eloquently shares it.

    Lastly,

    Award for Best International Comments Section goes to:

    • The Times - The tried and true Times newspaper's online edition has such an interesting mix of international commenters on its articles as evidenced here.

  • Africa's Organic Farms

    Posted: February 29, 2008, 11:20 pm by Beve

    Here's a very interesting article in the International Herald Tribune about debate over organic farming as an "idealized food system".  This farming system, however, is still used in Africa, but not because it is trendy or healthier, but because there is no other option.  The author makes a good point about the West's disdain of genetically modified foods as detrimental to African farmers who might find crops that can withstand pests and drought, useful.  However, I think the best option is to build on the current advantage of farming organic products in Africa, by investing in farming technology as well as educating farmers on ways to enhance crop yield.  There are several studies, like this one by Organic Exchange, that seem to suggest that  farmers can actually make more money with organic products as well as help business in the long term by using environmentally sustainable methods that don't deplete soil. According to the article:

    "Take a trip to Africa. The small farmers who populate the continent's impoverished countryside are living out something close to this post-materialist fantasy."

    read more | digg story

  • Guinean Model/Activist Found Dead

    Posted: February 29, 2008, 9:28 pm by Beve

    Katoucha_niane This is a sad story. Katoucha Niane, who modeled with Yves Saint Laurent, was found floating in the Seine River in Paris. It seems to have been an accident. Born in Conakry, Guinea, she was also known for bringing international attention to FGM (Female Genital Mutulation), herself a victim of the horrible practice at the age of 9. Here is more on her sad passing and her life lived.

  • Blackness: A quick and dirty primer

    Posted: February 28, 2008, 11:58 pm by Beve

    John McWhorter takes on the sticky issue of whether some people are blacker than others.

    read more | digg story

  • Still "Whites Only" Places in South Africa??

    Posted: February 28, 2008, 12:52 pm by Beve

    I saw this in the Times UK today and was stunned. 14 years after the official end of apartheid and there is a school, University of the Free State, that is just now integrating?? Just checked my calendar, and yup its still 2008. Amazing. What's even more shocking is that the is a disturbing video out showing white students forcing black workers to drink "contaminated" soap and eat dirty meat that is causing an uproar. 

    I have a question though, why would the janitors listen to the kids?? There must be an unbelievable sense of powerlessness on one side and privilege on the other for this equation to go down. Some of the workers were elderly. Sad. Here is a direct quote from a white student protesting the integration:

    "Once upon a time the boere (Afrikaners) lived peacefully here on Reitz Island, until one day when the lessa dvantaged discovered the word ‘integration’ in the dictionary,” a resident of the men’s hostel says."

    Unbelievable. Again, this happened a few days ago, not in 1942.   

  • The Black Comedy Experiment Festival

    Posted: February 27, 2008, 12:39 am by Beve

    This is cool. Some of my favorite comedians (who happen to be black), have put together a collective called The Black Comedy Experiment. They will be showcasing their talent in New York during the 3 Day Festival from Feb 28th - March 1st. Those of you in Brooklyn, New York should go and check them out. If any of the other performers are as funny as Jordan Carlos (who was considered to play Obama on Saturday Night Live) and Baron Vaughn, you'll be in stitches. Wish I could make it...

    Blackcomedyexper




    The same people are also involved in an ongoing discussion of the state of black comedy on
    The Black Comedy Project

    Blackcomedyproject

  • Blogging for Human Rights

    Posted: February 27, 2008, 5:34 pm by Beve

    Hrw_buttonJust added the ubiquitous "I blog for human rights " e-sticker. So, I thought to back up that claim, I'd start advocating some of the issues on the Amnesty International blog. They explicitly encourage bloggers to help them campaign.   

    So this brings me to the case of 23 year old Karim Amer. Around the same age as me, blogger, African and voices dissent against the government (which I do on and off line).  Seems pretty normal, right, his crime? "Criticizing religious authorities, President Husni Mubarak and Islam." (amnesty international)

    Yikes. Specifically, these accusations turned into these charges:

    1. "spreading information disruptive of public order and damaging to the country's reputation"
    2. "incitement to hate Islam"
    3. "defaming the President of the Republic".

    Karim Amer is the first Egyptian blogger to be tried for pretty much speaking out via his blog. His sentence is 4 years and he just finished a year on Friday. This is scary stuff and it lets me know that we in the "free world" so to speak, take a lot of our freedoms for granted. If Amnesty is doing a letter writing campaign on his behalf. There's more about his story and his treatment in prison here.

  • The Siiiiiiiimpsooooons

    Posted: February 26, 2008, 5:17 pm by Beve

    Simpsons By way of Afrigadget I found this really cool carving community in Western Kenya (where I'm originally from by the way) that make Simpsons figurines. Also a BBC article on it.

    Here's the official site

  • links for 2008-02-26

    Posted: February 26, 2008, 1:27 pm by Beve

  • Worth Watching Pambazuka News

    Posted: February 25, 2008, 3:35 pm by Beve

    Pambazuka, a Swahili word which means "dawn" or "get light" is also a cool news site that has podcasts and videocasts

    "Pambazuka News is produced by a pan-African community of some 300 citizens and organisations - academics, policy makers, social activists, women's organisations, civil society organisations, writers, artists, poets, bloggers, and commentators who together produce insightful, sharp and thoughtful analyses and make it one of the largest and most innovative and influential web forums for social justice in Africa."

  • Obey the Giant

    Posted: February 24, 2008, 7:05 pm by Beve

    Here is the site of the guy who made those ubiquitous (my new favorite word) Obama graphic icons that you see all over Facebook. Barackhopeposter












    Its called Obey the Giant (thanks to Jamhuri Wear blog for that) and I love the tag "Manufacturing Dissent Since 1989". Classic. Here's some stunning pieces from the renowned artist behind the work Shepard Fairey:

    House_1

  • Make-up Design in East Africa

    Posted: February 23, 2008, 10:36 pm by Beve

    Interesting piece in...the Daily Mail? This was passed on to me and I love the colors and flowers and poses!  Designs of the Surma and Mursi ethnic groups in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya in  East Africa's Omo Valley.

    Surma_mursi_people
    Surmamusi Surmamusi2

  • Obama and the Black State of the Union

    Posted: February 23, 2008, 3:12 pm by Beve