“I've been black 24-7 -- all day, every day, seven days a week, 12 months a year. So there's been a lot of contention for me around a single month. But boy, without this month (laughter)? At least it serves as a kind of reminder, but it shouldn't have to be a reminder. This history is American history, it is world history, and in a minute, it's gonna be intergalactic history…” ***ANNOUNCEMENT: CORRECTIONS FOR CALENDAR: March 8 "Speaking Fierce" event is at the FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 2501 Harrison St, Oakland, NOT the Humanist Hall. Also, the FACES and KPFA events are FEB 17, not FEB 14.*** Happy February and Black History Month! Browsing through the SF Chronicle a few days ago, felt blessed to glean some wisdom from this elder, Daphne Muse. I found myself reflecting on all that we have to learn from the Civil Rights movement; and the shared histories of African Americans and Filipino Americans…Our struggles for freedom and dignity. The division within our communities, and the solidarity. I thought about the Black “Buffalo Soldiers” who were sent to fight on behalf of the USA against Filipinos during the Filipino-American War, and many of whom “defected” to fight on the Filipino side against the US imperial forces. (Scroll down for some info/background.) I think about the Afro-Filipino musician, Joe Bataan, whose songs, “Afro-Filipino” and “Gypsy Woman” have become indelible on the American musical landscape… Check out www.joebataan.net And I think of all of the Black women, both living and passed, who inspire me as a writer and an educator: Audre Lorde, June Jordan, bell hooks, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison. Let’s take a moment to consider what Daphne Muse points to so rightfully: why do we need a Black History Month? A Filipino History Month? Would we otherwise forget all of the bloodshed, the accomplishments, the ongoing struggles? But since it’s there as a “reminder”…let’s shout it out. Let’s take a moment to learn. And let’s make history turn on its head. This Spring is going to be abundant! So be sure to visit the new CALENDAR. Some highlights: the launch of the SPRING SERIES of MAKING SOUL including a WOMEN OF COLOR workshop on March 11. Sign up today for the 1-day intensives or the full 8-week series: check out "words/work" and "workshops" for full details. Also, there are a couple of new photos up from the Oct 1st "Pagbabalik" show! Keep letting your "truth bloom through concrete." Aimee |