Wednesday, February 24, 2016

revisioning!



Visibility/Voice:  a RUNNING START

RTTG:  with voice and visibility

n
1.
running start - a racing start in which the contestants are already in full motion when they pass the starting linerunning start - a racing start in which the contestants are already in full motion when theypass the starting line
racing start - the start of a race

2.
running start - a quick and auspicious beginning
start - the beginning of anything; "it was off to a good start"

Jesse,

They run to the guns with a MAGIC BULLET---a beautiful hand-blown or carved or stainglass bullet!

Monday, February 15, 2016

"Are you racist?" video by Marlon James

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/video/2016/jan/13/marlon-james-are-you-racist-video

Tarrant Co. Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks

http://nobco.org/inc/commissioner-roy-charles-brooks/

https://twitter.com/roycbrooks

Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks
P.O. Box 16868
Fort Worth, Texas  76162
Roy Charles Brooks, NOBCO Chairman stands at the forefront of one of the fastest growing urban counties in the United States.  Located in the north central part of Texas, Tarrant County serves a population of approximately 1.8 million citizens.  Known for his strong leadership, ability to forge collaborations and influential voice not just in Tarrant County, but in the State and the Country, Roy fights for the rights of those he serves.
For over 30 years, Roy has represented his community, as a community volunteer, a city elected official, and now as County Commissioner.  He embraces the core values of integrity, innovation and growth.
Roy is committed to the health and welfare of the people.  Since entering office in 2004, he is continuously addressing the healthcare issues in his community.   He has worked diligently to provide Tarrant County constituents with numerous opportunities to sign up for healthcare through the Affordable Care Act. In the last six years, he has taken on issues such as:  Healthcare for the Homeless, Infant Mortality, Obesity, Access of Care, Health Disparities, and Aids Education.  Roy is aggressively involved in the State and Federal levels of government to assist in developing programs that create and shape healthcare policy in this Nation’s counties.   Commissioner Brooks spearheaded many programs in Tarrant County including:  The Tarrant County Ex-Offender Re-Entry Program (TCRI), representing a community-inspired effort to address concerns regarding the successful re-entry and reintegration of ex-inmates returning to Tarrant County, Texas.  Nurse Family Partnership - an evidence-based nurse home visitation program for first-time mothers and their children, and a Blue Ribbon Task Force on Health Care for the Homeless - promoting well-being and improved quality of life among homeless persons in Tarrant County by assuring access to high-quality, comprehensive health care and support services to facilitate transition out of homelessness.

Monday, February 8, 2016

Fathers Incorporated

http://www.fathersincorporated.com/about-me.html

"With more than 24 years of community development experience, Braswell is the Executive Director of Fathers incorporated (FI) www.fathersincorporated.com, a not-for-profit organization that serves as a leader in the promotion of Responsible Fatherhood and Mentoring.


http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2016/02/father_pens_book_to_explain_protest_to_kids_in_the_time_of_black_lives_matter.2.html

Book title:  Daddy, There's a Noise Outside

Returning to his own book, Braswell said, “[And] while this book is critically important for black parents to have, it is just as important for all parents, no matter what your race, religion, creed or color is. It is critically important for all parents to have conversations with children about what’s happening in the world today so that they have a better understanding about what’s taking place [and] that, hopefully and prayerfully, they are better-equipped to come up with better solutions.”

Trinity High School (Euless, TX) - football team does the Maori ritual Haka dance


Introduced to the team by Tongan students (Pacific Islanders) in 2005 or so.

Illaiasi Ofa, producer of "Voice of Tonga" tv program.

"reassurance that we are part of this community...that they accept us as we are."  - Ofa


http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/pumping-up-with-a-war-dance/
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/pumping-up-with-a-war-dance/


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_High_School_%28Euless,_Texas%29


Moses Vakalahi -  staff at Trinity HS
left a message on 2/15/2016

more info:  Many ex-players come back every June to give a free football camp for young Trojans (The Ikuna Camp directed by former Trinity HS All-American, Moses Vakalahi). ~ He is currently an assistant football coach.


HOW THE HAKA FOUND TRINITY
By Coach Jason Dibble

In the spring of 2005 in the A325 computer lab, three Trinity football players surfed the web looking for stock tips, but they somehow wound up on a web site of a world famous New Zealand rugby team. At first, the boys were scolded for not checking out a stock market web site. Then one of them said, “Coach, check this out; you guys ought to do this. It would be awesome!”

The instructor agreed, and the idea was presented to some of the boys who danced with the Polynesian Club. The Tongan community was consulted, and the idea was brought to the head football coach. During the off-season, an instructional video was made. The team was taught the words, moves and the meaning of the original Haka which means “to ignite the breath.” 

On a rainy day before spring football, the Trojans met in the weight room to do the Haka for the first time as a team. From the very beginning, it was special.  Having never practiced as a group, the team became one moving in unison. 

The Trojans practiced all spring and into the fall of 2005.  The Haka was introduced to Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD at Pennington Field before the first game against DeSoto.  The first team to do the Haka went on to win the 5A Division I State Championship.

Trinity practices the Haka to “ignite the breath”, energize the body and inspire the spirit. It is a collective frenzy, a united front, and a feeling of unity-a feeling of one!


Saturday, February 6, 2016

NYT front page editorial - Dec 4, 2015

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/05/opinion/end-the-gun-epidemic-in-america.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

End the Gun Epidemic in America

​It is a moral outrage and national disgrace that civilians can legally purchase weapons designed to kill people with brutal speed and efficiency.

https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit/first_saturdays/


February 6, 2016


Radical Black History


MUSIC

5:00 p.m.
Dasan Ahanu and Tai Allen present The Originals, a live mix-tape that honors the progressive music and poetry of legends Gil Scott-Heron and Oscar Brown, Jr.

EXPLORE WITH AN EXPERT

6:00 p.m.
Use our new ASK app to chat with experts in real time, get your questions answered, and explore the Museum in a completely personalized way. Must have an iPhone to participate.

INTERACTIVE SPACE

6:00–9:00 p.m.
Explore the past, present, and future of black radicalism with the Museum of Impact through interactive activities. At 8 p.m. the #VeryBlack Project and #TeamMelanin host a celebration that honors our predecessors and inspires us to fight for the futures we want.

PERFORMANCE

6:00 p.m.
The New Black Fest presents HANDS UP: 7 Testaments, a series of monologues by emerging black playwrights exploring their experiences with racial profiling and policing. Followed by a Q&A with the performers and playwrights.

WORKSHOP

6:00 p.m.
Participate in a workshop led by organizer, abolitionist, and freedom fighter Joshua Allen exploring the important intersection between organizing around Black Lives Matter and gender justice.

https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit/first_saturdays/