Van Jones---Leading the Way Towards Greening Our Planet

Van Jones, environmental activist, has been in the media recently for sheding light on green initiatives. President Obama has set aside monies dedication to different communities around this great country of ours and Mr. Jones would like the African-American community to take advantage of this money. Greening our communities is an intricate part of redeveloping and saving our homes and environments from the harmful effects of waste not deteriorating fast enough for consumers. This creates jobs within our communities and fosters a village of hope and pride. My community needs green sustainable solutions to propel people to recommit to developing a clean environment, not only for ourselves, but our children as well. Mr. Jones organization: Green For All, runs a campaign on the numerous ways that your community can become a green solution. Let's join this incredible campaign and let's get going!

Arthur Ashe Kids Day at Flushing Meadow Park

It's U.S. Open time in New York City and that means the entire city plays tennis or look like they have been on a tennis court for the next two weeks. But, the opening of the Grand Slam event is Arthur Ashe Kids Day helded traditionally on the Saturday (August 30, 2009) at Flushing Meadow Park in Queens, New York marks the start of the tournament. This encompasses numerous activities for children and their parents to participate in such as; the obstacle course, speed zone,"beat the pro" and my personal favorite the concert. This year's concert will feature singer, Jordin Sparks and a slew of tennis pros including Serena Williams. I remember when Arthur Ashe and his wife started this joyous day. Being tutored in tennis by the late and great Mr. Ashe was a momentous occasion in my life and I shall never forget hitting the tennis ball across the net and having a serious volleying session with Mr. Ashe. This is a very special day for me and I hope many of you attend the festivities and the tournament. I'll be there routing for my favorite players.

Woodstock--Celebrating the Blackness

Jimi Hendrix, Richie Havens, Carlos Santana and Sly and the Family Stone performed for the thousands of attendees at Woodstock in upstate New York. But, did you know that unaccounted African-Americans stood out in the rain celebrating hippie liberation, sex, drugs and Rock and Roll with the rest of the brood. We were included in that mix. My older brother was a participant and thoroughly enjoyed the activities. He seem to regal in the fact of new found spiritually and faith which somehow manifested itself into his chosen profession of Reverend/Pastor.

As radio stations around the country continue to play music from the historical concert, to my surprise the Black Musicians are getting alot of airplay. Jimi Hendrix initial vocal then the gutsy guitar rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" at the conclusion of the concert brought the house down and shall forever be remembered. Then the inclusion of Sly and The Family Stone and their song, "I Wanna Take You Higher" with the standard call and response presented a church revival at Woodstock.

The director Ang Lee movie about Woodstock hits the theaters this week. I would love to hear the soundtrack and hopefully there is a fair representation of races in this movie. We'll see!

Kalup Linzy and Shaun Leonardo--Artists

The artists Kalup Linzy (look at an older post of his work at the Studio Museum in Harlem on my blog) and Shaun Leonardo are tearing up the art scene around the world. Shaun has appeared in numerous installation videos of Mr. Linzy for many years. Their collaboration of the song by Hunter and Jenkins which was banned from the radio in the 1930's is cleverly played out by these two incredible artists. The name of the song is called, "Lollypop". Watch the video and comment. I think we seriously need to revive this musical genre for our present day audience.

Maxwell--Black Summers' Night

Maxwell has been away from the music scene for seven years. This CD celebrates the return of the smooth soul singer with a knack for seducing the fairer sex and providing music to commit consensual acts between adults. The new CD is named, "Black Summers' Night". I've been listening to this spectacular CD all day long and can't seem to let it go without commenting on the great singing and arrangement of the songs. In particular, "Bad Habits", "Love You" and "Pretty Wings". These three songs are in constant rotation on my Ipod. To my understanding this is the first of the trilogy of Cd's to be released this year. I can't wait for the follow ups to arrive and be inundated with the musical sounds of Mr. Maxwell. Welcome Back and please try not to stay away so long!

Black Out on Fire Island, Cherry Grove

The Black Out on Fire Island is celebrating its 7Th year on the famed Cherry Grove side of the island from August 7th thru 9th. This event is for African-American gays and lesbians and their friends to see and visit this ferry boat getaway and enjoy the festivities of the beach. In continuing this tradition the host committee has decided to make it a 3 day weekend event. There will be parties, beach contests and numerous vendors hawking their goods. The Pines side of the Fire Island with be hosting a party at Sip-n-Twirl on Saturday from 7-10pm,(featuring DJ Lina giving old school and her interpretation of the heyday of the Sound Factory)- giving people enough time to catch the last ferry leaving the Pines at 11pm. This party will be hosted by the Brothers of Reflections and appropriately themed "Sunset". Let's enjoy this spectacular event together. See you there!

Happy Birthday!!! President Barack Obama

Today is President Barack Obama's birthday. There are so many birthday wishes that i want to bestow upon you, such as the passing of your Health Care Plan, Judge Sotomayor's confirmation this week, the end of the two wars we are in, the recognition and passage of the Gay Marriage Act, the recovery of our out of control economy and lastly but not the very least-to your good health and prosperity.

Naomi Sims--Model Pioneer is Dead at 61

Naomi Sims, appearance as the first Black model to be on the cover of Ladies Home Journal in November 1968 was groundbreaking for models of color. Ms. Sims provided entry into the rarefied world of fashion and it's historical whites only club. But, with her beautiful dark skin and keen features, Ms. Sims broke all molds. Ms. Sims would retire from modeling and become a business entrepreneur, specializes in women of color cosmetics and wigs. Ms. Sims had cancer and left this earth with a shining moment and great appreciation. She will be missed.

Peggy Cooper Cafritz Loses Her Vast African Art Collection in a Fire

Peggy Cooper Cafritz the vast collector of African and African American Art and founder of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington D.C. mansion was burned down along with the most impressive collection of Black Art assemble in the world. Ms. Cafritz relishes the chance to collect up and coming Black Art and show the world that this appreciation was worthy of collecting. Recently, Ms. Cafritz has shown her collection to the readers of O Magazine. Along with a well written article stating her purpose for collecting Black Art and the numerous organizations she's help promote. The article in the Washington Post stated," that Ms. Cafritz would start over and collect what she loves". What a brave and fascinating woman. I can't wait to see what her eye catches along the very long path towards great art collecting.