The Little WAC Loves Writers

The Little WAC Remembers: Lee Thompson Young

The Huffington Post has reported today that actor Lee Thompson Young has been found dead. Early reports say it seems to be an apparent suicide.

No other details are available at this time.

Thompson Young first came to fame as the star of the brilliant Disney Channel series The Famous Jett Jackson.

As a devout Sci Fi head I loved Jett Jackson and the idea of SILVERSTONE the show with in the show Jett Jackson. The night Jett Jackson The Movie Premiered on The Disney Channel I remember getting a chicken cheese steak and other snacks and enjoying the movie.

I believe Mr. Thompson Young was a ground breaking actor and was always excited to see him in a film or TV Series.

The Huffington Post reports that the people from his current TV series Rizzoli and Isles contacted his landlord when Thompson did not report for a shoot. It was Thompson's landlord that was said to have found his body.

 

Raymond Tyler

 

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Editorial: Fruitvale Station Is The Film I Wish More People Were Buzzing About....IT' MY MUST SEE FILM

Raymond Tyler, really wants you to know WHO, Oscar was.

While all the buzz in the black community now seems to be on the latest Oprah/Lee Daniels film, The Butler,
I would like to re direct and re ask my friends to buy a ticket to Fruitvale Station.

The new film Fruitvale Station tales the true story of Oscar Grant.
Mr. Grant was a loving father and a son.
In light of all the lip service that has gone on around the murder of Trayvon Martin, BUYING A TICKET TO and MAINTAINING THE CONVERSATION about FRUITVALE STATION and OSCAR GRANT seems like a step to a brighter future.

If I were perfect? I would not be writing this piece.
The truth is any and every film maker should make films about whatever subject they choose.

When you do make a film or write an editorial however, you open the door for criticism and even flawed people as myself may intellectually challenge your work.

I personally do not care for the way Lee Daniels has portrayed black men in any of his previous work, so I will not offer him a dime of my money. I will see The Butler when it comes on cable (if then.)

I have nothing against Mr. Daniels other than I believe his work reveals at best a deep rooted fear of strong black men with integrity and at worse a belief that black men are monsters. I am basing my judgement based on his work that I have seen to date.  

YES I KNOW. There is room for everyone's film.
However, MY film of THE SUMMER OF 2013 is new film maker Ryan Coogler's FRUITVALE STATION.

Though FRUITVALE STATION has won several film awards already including SUNDANCE.

I don't expect Fruitvale Station to be acknowledged by Academy Award People.

The film is too important to people of color which means it will not be honored by the Academy Award people, however WE can honor this film and Oscar Grant's memory.

And if you really want to help Forrest Whitaker who portrays The Bulter in Lee Daniels film?
Buy a ticket to Fruitvale Station because Mr Whitaker is actually the lead producer of Ryan Coogler's first film Fruitval Station.

Editorial: Calling Today's Black Artists to Take Positive Pages From History.

Editorial Note: The following is part essay, part poem, part editorial. Get whatever you can from it.

Words By Raymond Tyler

ART...is IMPORTANT.

If it is your goal to make no difference?

Then Please....

go into 

CONSTRUCTION.

I hope that every other painting

 I PRODUCE...
ENCOURAGES MY SISTERS TO TAKE OUT HER HAIR RELAXER AND ENJOY HER
AFRO
BUZZ CUT

OR
BALD HEAD.

I am not calling for images

that are

 un real

un rough

or squeaky clean.

I want to see 

BROOKLYN

looking
ROUGH

But In a way that makes

Brooklyn Better than Before You Added Your Art.

I am 

TIRED

of images

of movies

of poems

of hip hop

That makes me

TIRED

of being
BLACK

I want more stories

more pictures

that make me want to tell

my stories

show my pictures

so that someone will

want to 

tell their stories

show their pictures

I AM CALLING
PAUL ROBESON

Calling Singers with more to say in the interview

than 

COP MY CD THIS TUESDAY

What If Every

Artists Work Leads to 

FREEDOM

OR 

SLAVERY?

Then where is your art taking us?

Have You Chosen

Freedom

Have YOU Chosen

Slavery

Has The CHOICE
been made 

FOR YOU

Have You Let The Dollars

DECIDE

Calling 

HAZEL SCOTT

and 

Black Women That Can Smile For The Camera

Black Women That Can Put On A Show

With Out

The Fake Drama for more 

 Twitter Followers

With out The Sex Tape

to Get Interviews

Calling

The HAZEL SCOTTS

Off Broadway

and At Open Mics

And Blogging for The Thousands

Because The Millions Only Want You When You

Stereo Type

Yourself

NEGATIVELY

YOU ARE NEEDED ON STAGE

IMMEDIATELY

ART...

MATTERS...
You Could Set In Motion a Movement

that starts people to starting

BEFORE
THE SHOTS ARE FIRED

OR
You Could Set Us So Far Back 

THAT KIDS ARE SHOT
JUST FOR DRESSING LIKE YOU

ART HAS CHANGED THE WAY WE EDUCATE
OUR SELVES
MY
SELF
CREATED DIFFERENT WORLDS

I Know That Many Artists

Will Let

The Dollar Make Their Choice

 Let The Lime Light and Media Take Out

Make Their Choice
And I can not
DEMAND
that you CHOOSE
FREEDOM

Freedom

can be scary

can be lonely

can be unfair

can be un appreciated

But if You Have The Back Bone

to Bring Back
The Back Bone

I am calling YOU to the stage...

You are LONG OVER DUE FOR YOUR CLOSE UP

and some of us are READY...

EDITORIAL: Today's Popular Artists Of Color Are Setting The Culture Back To The Minstrel Show

Is This How We Will Remember The Most Popular Artists Of The 21st Century?

Until about a month ago, I considered Jay Z and Russell Simmons two very well thought out standard bearers of culture that is important to me.

Then I heard about Jay-Z's "diss record" Nickels and Dimes.

Out of all the evil going on in the world (not to mention the stop and frisk police procedure in his native New York) Jay Z chooses to vent on Harry Belafonte.

At the time of his life when he had Jay Z's acclaim, Mr. Belafonte was risking his career, his life and writing checks to promote human rights and civil rights.

To the best of my knowledge Mr. Belafonte didn't wait for hot button issues, didn't make his fame by trying to take down other artists or "dating the hottest chick" in the game. Mr. Belafonte also never hid behind "I'm just an artist" or any of the other excuses that today's artists and athletes bark when they have put out something that sets Black People back decades.

I am realistic and I understand that today is not the same day as Mr. Belafonte's. However no matter the situation. What has Jay Z done for anyone not named Carter that would give him the right to attempt to reduce Mr. Belafonte to a Lil Wayne status? At 44 isn't Jay Z old enough to understand that rappers not named Eminem would not be allowed to fly first class or use the front entrance to venues they played in if not for Harry Belafonte?

Jay Z did what no other person was able to do with his diss record , which is make me not a Jay Z supporter.

It may be Jay Z's opinion that Mr. Belafonte is a "boy" and needs to respect "youngans."

It is my opinion that Belafonte's generation of artists have left a body of work in and out of the studio that is still helping people of color despite Jay's attempts to tear it all down and set us all back.

Now I had resigned myself not to really publicly discuss The Jay-Z/Belafonte thing. However, when it happened I did say on facebook that it would start a chain reaction.

Sure enough. Russell Simmon's is involved with a video that depicts 

Harriet Tubman making a sex tape.

Again this is not a young rapper on the street trying to get some fame.

Russell Simmons is 55 years old and has the resources to educate a whole generation on how to become neighborhood moguls and icons. I understand the easiest thing to do is instruct someone else on what to do with their time and money. I sit in the chair as people tell me how to live as well.

However, at some point. You have to have people around you that can tell you to pump the breaks. Sometimes you have to hold up on doing everything and anything for another dollar.

I understand that before the end of the month, I may make a misstep. 

So I am writing this in love for Jay and Russell.

We actually live in a world where young ladies feel that making a sex tape is a quick way to fame and fortune with out needing any talent. I could understand asking the question..."What If Harriet Tubman wanted to be a porn star?" (I actually think that would have been a great poem.) However, when asked about the video Mr. Simmons defense was that it was funny.

If the popular artists of color today in their prime are any kind of leaders at all? Where are they leading us? There are plenty of great artists under the radar, however where are the popular artists of color that are leading us to freedom?

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5 Spots...Words By Raymond Tyler

I know after my previous article there may be poets that will call for my head, just for asking if Open Mics are soon to be played out.

However before I share what my thoughts are on what's next.

Here are 5 Microphone Series worth checking out as soon as possible.

The Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement

Website http://pypm215.org/

WHY- Because the series starts with workshops before the young people get on stage.

WHY:Because these are young people  appreciate the weight and impact of their voice. They have studies the voices that have come before.

WHY: Because one day I will be gone and these kids will be the elders and I am proud they will be keeping poetry alive.

QUID PRO QUO with Elijah Pringle

When: The First Wednesday at 7pm

Where: Fergie's Pub in Center City Philly

Why: Because QPQ, engages the writers in discussion about process, value and consequences of words spoken.

 

Why: Because the poets take to the stage and share each others work. It's interesting to hear how other poets engage in reading their colleagues words out lout.

 

Why: Because The Stage is secondary to the craft at QPQ.

 Poetry In The Party with Sandra Turner Barnes

When: Monday's at Hopkin's House In Collingswood, NJ.

 

Why: Because whether you are there for the first time or the one hundred and first time,  The Poetry In The Park Family embrace as part of their family.

 

Why: Because PITP may have thee most diverse gathering of writers/artists in the Jersey/Philly area.

 

 JUS WORDS with Shyste and Poetry In Motion

When: Thursday's

Where: Dowling's Palace

Why: Because Jus Words is the second longest running poetry venue in Philly and the oldest weekly venue. Host, Shyste is dedicated to spoken word as a craft and being one of the best people you will ever hear on a microphone. Shyste takes his time on the microphone as serious and as personal as an MC does when he has to battle or freestyle.

Why: Because even if you don't like spoken word...Jus Words is one venue that still matters from both an artistic and business perspective.

Why: Because at Jus Words you may see a one time poet reading their only time, or you may see The Last Poets. Every one in poetry respects Jus Words.

The Harvest with 215 Spoken Soul

Why: The Harvest went from being the future of spoken word to being the present major player  in spoken word in maybe one night!

Why: The Harvest has become a commercial success with out losing any of the flavor of great small venues. The electricity of great writers connecting with listeners is still 100% real.

Why: Because the Spoken Soul 215 Family have realized their visions of uniting the many different minds that make up the poetry community.

 

Each of these venues are unique and offer both poets and listeners experiences that will excite your mind and encourage you to pick up your pen as well.

 

There are a few other great venues that offer unique experinces such as The Malenie Cafe in Ventnor and Poetry from Above a monthly venue in Atlantic City based at The Dante Hall. Both venues are friends of the artists that support them.

Poetry From Above often draws talented writers that are making a living from the profession.

 

Also in Philly Panoramic Poetry at The October Art Gallery continues to hold the title as one of the longest running venues on the east coast and the series Coffee After Dark is making a positive buzz as a new venue that offers quality spoken word.

Editors Note: We are working on our Choice Of Philadelphia Poetry Venue article as well. Be sure to tell us about your venue.

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Have Open Mics Become The New 8 Ball Jackets?

If you are old enough to remember when MTV actually showed music videos, you may remember a time in the early 80's when even hard rock videos had break dancing and pop lock dancers. 

                    Still later came the popular 8 Ball Jacket. Every one it seemed had to have one.

(I am never throwing away my Yo MTV Raps 8 Ball Style Jacket.)

Have "open mic's" for spoken word become today's equivalent  of The 8 Ball Jacket or Break Dancing?

Don't get me wrong I love great spoken word and enjoy solid and creative open mic venues. Also full disclosure forces me to admit I have shut down at least one open mic series I was a part of because I saw it going no where fast.

That being said.
 

Do too many bars, lounges, community halls think the best way and the cheapest way to get patrons on an off night is to plug in an amp and offer the stage to any and every one?

If you enjoy the open mic scene?

What keeps you coming back?

Who has the best open mics right now?

Has the talent pool at open mics gotten shallow?

Editors Note: Raymond Tyler will be talking about this topic with many poets and writers and following up in the days to come.

Please share your thoughts. 

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 Great After Party For The Boardwalk Dance Party and

 Whispers Concert.

 The Little Wellness Arts Center scheduled to open a new home

for the arts in South Jersey in October 2013.
Please support our fund raising efforts.

Membership Drive

 

Membership Has It Privileges

Words By Raymond Tyler

The Little Wellness Arts Center is proud to announce that your favorite virtual art center will be moving into a brick and mortar building in October of 2013.

We sincerely thank every one that has supported us at various venues in South Jersey and Philly.

We now need your help to move into the new digs and to maintain them.

We have so many great and exciting new events, programs, seminars, workshops, in the planning stages.

So here and now we officially announce our first membership drive.

Check here at Little WAC.com for all kinds of great member gifts.

With even a basic membership you will also receive discounts on events, items in our galleries and we are planning our Black Party to....well you don't want to miss that.

Please send your donation to our current paypal account at 
RaymondCTyler@gmail.com.

Basic memberships start at $25. 
Sign up now and your member card will be valid through December 31st of 2014. Also the investment for basic membership will increase to $30 after October 1st.

For more membership options including Live Time and Business Memberships, please visit our special event bright page for our membership drive.
http://wacmembershipdrive.eventbrite.com/ 

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Reel Black Looks at The Media looking at Trayvon and Oscar Grant

How does a community move beyond outrage?

Join GriotWorks, Reelblack and Scribe Video Center for a panel discussion featuring storytellers and artists who use various forms of media to explore complex, layered stories about Black men. These artists deconstruct stereotypes by constructing images and ideas that challenge the status quo.

We’ll discuss the film Fruitvale Station and the director, Ryan Coogler’s approach to storytelling, the impact of the Trayvon Martin/Zimmerman verdict and the progressive projects our panelists are producing to counter negative imaging in the media.

Saturday August 17, 2013 4-6pm
Scribe Video Center
4212 Chestnut Street, 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104
$5, includes refreshments

Reserve your spot: https://fruitvaletalk.eventbrite.com/

Panelists Include:

Akintola Hanif, the founder of HYCIDE magazine which explores the roles we create for ourselves and those created for us, challenging the status quo while bearing witness to the feared, neglected and misunderstood. His work is heavily rooted in cross-cultural photojournalism; fine art photography; media coverage and documentation of quality of life, education and class issues. http://hycide.com/

Greg “Just Greg” Corbin, an international poet, teacher, writer, motivational speaker, mentor and Philadelphia community leader for over 10 years. He is a recipient of the 2012 Black Male Engagement Leadership Award, the 2011 Focus on Prevention Award from Drexel University, is featured in Philadelphia’s citywide “UnLitter Us” campaign, and serves on the Philadelphia Poet Laureate Governing Committee. A Philadelphia native, Corbin is a dedicated community leader in Philadelphia and beyond, working to ensure the holistic growth of young people everyday.
http://pypm215.org/

Muthi Reed, founder of phillyhomegrown.net, was born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Philadelphia, PA during the 1980s & 90s, inspiring a lifelong interest in the architecture and stories of industrial ruin. Educated primarily as a sociologist Reed has worked largely as a community-based media maker as well as visual artist. Her current work focuses on recycle, reclaim and reuse aesthetics in art & culture, investigating how both material matter and people’s embodiment of space inscribes narrative and performance codes.
http://phillyhomegrown.net/

Stacey Muhammad, an award winning independent filmmaker and music video director who has written, directed and produced a series of award winning short films of both the narrative and documentary genres. As co-founder of Intelligent Seedz with activist / artist, Wise Intelligent, Stacey is committed to teaching youth the art of filmmaking and equipping them with the necessary tools to tell their stories. Her latest project, For Colored Boys, REDEMPTION, an original dramatic series, starring Julito McCullum (The Wire) and Rob Morgan (Pariah) with Tim Reid (WKRP / Sister, Sister) and Jacinto Taras Riddick (Law and Order) is currently on the festival circuit and will be released online this summer.
http://www.staceymuhammad.com/web-series.html

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