Fly

Joy in the Congo

A cool musical story for your weekend.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend. See you on Tuesday.

Class of 2012: A Special Shout Out

It's that time of year where commencement ceremonies and graduation celebrations are aplenty. I know that a lot of Fly readers are college students, some of whom are graduating this year, so I wanted to say congratulations!!

But I also wanted to send a special congratulations to the first generation college graduates of immigrant parents (and to your parents as well). This one is for you.

On Saturday I attended a graduation party for the daughter (let's call her Flavia) of some very close family friends. Like my mom, Flavia's parents are Brazilian, and they have been friends with my mother since coming to this country. I have known them all my life, so we consider them family.

As any celebration, there was a moment for speeches. Flavia and her parents stood by the DJ booth to say they're thank yous; and of course Flavia's parents were expressing their pride and joy of their soon to be doctor daughter.

I could not stop the tears from welling up and rolling down my cheeks.

I was so happy and very proud of Flavia, her accomplishment is tremendous. But a big sum of my tears were for her parents.

I'm going to generalize here but I don't care — immigrants work hard.

They leave everything they know: family, friends, language, culture, food, and environment for a country that may offer them a chance to fully actualize their hopes and dreams. Without a guarantee of anything, not even the guarantee of being able to go back home, they leave willingly for the opportunity to pursue the American Dream.

Barely knowing the language or anyone to help, many, like my mother and Flavia's parents, come here and work really hard. They do work that no one wants to do while often dealing with disrespectful people who are not very welcoming to the immigrant population.

Over time, they realize that achieving the American Dream is a little more complicated than what they had imagined. So they set aside their dreams and function in pure survival mode to support themselves here in addition to frequently sending financial support back home. (Sometimes to family members who are insensitive and who don't understand the struggle one is facing in the U.S.)

Dealing with the basic challenges that come in life, many are dealing with them on their own without the support of family or friends. Imagine how it was before Skype or Facebook.

Then children come.

Although some of these immigrants didn't get their chance to explore the path to education or the career of their dreams, they do everything they can to make sure their children will be able to. Their new hope is that their children won't suffer or experience the difficulties (like discrimination, loneliness, and sometimes poverty) they faced in coming to this country.

As they sacrificed the life they knew to follow their own dreams, they now work hard and sacrifice again for the children who become their dreams.

As I watched the emotion bubbling up in Flavia's parents I knew where it was all coming from. These parents had finally achieved their dream — through their daughter.

I know how hard they worked. I know what they had been through. Having been in Flavia's shoes some years back I know what it means to have that piece of paper; I know that WE worked hard for this moment.

So, again, this is a special shout out to all the graduates who are an extension of their parents' dreams. Know that what you have accomplished is a special gift to yourself but also a beautiful reward to the people who have sacrificed so much to get you there. Congratulations to you and your parents, especially the parents who left everything they knew to help you become who you are. Cheers.

Disclaimer: Please note that some of these statemens are generalizations. I hope we all understand that this does not reflect the entire immigrant experience, which is indeed diverse and varied as we are individuals.

Eating in Spain

Sharing a few eats from my visit to Spain:

One of my goals during my Spain visit was to eat a lot. I acheived my goal successfully. Good meals were in abundance (I can't remember having one lousy meal).

The weather was so amazing we were usually eating outside, which was perfect for people  watching, and eating in groups made it more fun to order several tapas per person and share.

My favorite tapas were melon wrapped in ham and artichoke hearts with ham. There was a lot of ham everywhere. I'm not really sure how a vegan or vegeterian would survive in this country of fabulous meats. Speaking of meat can we talk about the oxtail?

I grew up eating oxtail, it's one of my mother's best dishes, but this oxtail dinner I had in Madrid was spectacular. Up there with mom's? For sure.

You can't visit Spain without having paella. We had it quite often, actually. This was a lobster paella that had me smiling the rest of the evening.

One evening in Madrid after dinner, we ventured over to Chocolatería San Ginés — one of the oldest chocolate and churros cafes in the city. You order the fried dough with hot chocolate, which is thick melted dark chocolate (not the powdered stuff), and you dip and eat. So delicious.

After 10 days of all that wonderful food (and lots of meat) I was in need of something light. At our final stop in Spain, Barcelona, I found Juicy Jones. The colorful restaurant caters to vegan palates with a menu of mixed juices, salads and sandwiches. While sipping on my pineapple, kiwi, and something-else-juice and munching on the huge salad I ordered, I was admiring the fun and colorful murals throughout the space. Juicy Jones is such a cute spot.

What about you, have you been to Spain and enjoyed a particular meal? Do share.

Thoughts on the Lack of Diversity in the Media

Since the new series Girls hit the HBO line-up there have been a lot of questions and discussions (among black-folk) about the lack of diversity on the network and in the media in general. I mean, it 's always been an ongoing conversation, but seems to bubble over every time a missed opportunity to feature people of color comes along.

I have to admit I resisted at first. Here was another show featuring the same people and story. Initially, it left me frustrated and made me question if the network deserves my eyes and time if they can't manage to produce content that showcases people who look like me. Then I was sucked in. I watched the first two episodes and totally enjoyed the authentic dialogue, the witty writing, and the dry humor. I like the show.

Quite honestly, I can't entirely fault the network or the creator of the show, Lena Dunham, for not including a person of color in the group of girlfriends. Let's be real, if she did write in a black character as part of the cast would it feel real? No, we'd be calling her a token character.

The reality is, Lena is speaking from her perspective and the perspective of her friends and peers, which may not include people of color. If she was forced to incorporate black characters where they wouldn't ordinarily be she would totally lose the authenticity of the show which is the very element that makes the show good.

Yet, this doesn't change the fact that the lack of diversity in the media still persists. It's a problem because we are seeing stories told from the same perspective over and over again. Bringing in new perspectives is the way to address this issue, yet, if we don't have people of color providing their point-of-view then the problem can't be solved.

Which leads me to my theory: I don't think we (black people) are really ready to talk about diversity in the media until we are ready to have a serious conversation about encouraging our young people to pursue careers in the arts.

Trust me I'm not letting anyone off the hook, nor am I trying to oversimplify the powers and systems that have been employed to promote certain images. Yet, I strongly believe that if we want to see changes then we need to make the changes. Not from a soapbox behind our cubicles or work-desks, not from a letter to the editors and producers, not a Facebook status update, or a Twitter rant, or even a blog post. In order to control our image and contribute to what images are created we need to be physically there making decisions.

Physical presence changes the creative and thought process of everyone in the boardroom. Diversity behind the scenes creates diversity in the media.

We can't expect a room of non-black people to create images and stories about our experiences when they don't know enough, or anything for that matter, about our stories and experiences. They know their experiences, they know what works, and they know what's safe. Without black people (or people of color) in there to interject, comment, challenge or suggest then nothing will change.

Bottom line, there aren't enough of us in the boardroom; on the design team choosing diverse images for a layout; in the production studio pitching ideas for diverse stories; behind the camera saying this shot is a little offensive; on the casting team choosing black models and actors; or in the writing meeting telling stories of how we really experience this or that.

How do we get there? Encourage people of color to consider careers in writing, photography, fashion, art, design, and film/video. Whether it's an art school education or taking a few classes at a community college these are the careers that need to be pursued if we want to see diversity on screen or in magazine pages.

Culturally, pursuing a career in the arts is often looked down upon; especially in minority populations where you might be the first to graduate from college or your entire family is working hard and making sacrifices to get you through university. School is expensive and requires a lot of support. It is a huge investment that is expected to have a pretty good return. Parents and family members expect that when you leave school you will be able to support yourself and a family of your own. Sadly, a career path in the arts is not seen as such.

However, the recent economic downturn has shown us that no career really guarantees you a life of prosperity or promises the American Dream. The people who prosper and thrive are those who pursue their passions, innovate, and speak from unique perspectives. Careers in the arts promote this kind of thinking. Therefore, we need to encourage all young people, especially young people of color, to follow a path that allows them to do the above. (Please note art school is not the only option. There are many ways to get to that space where decisions are made, the most important thing is to get there.)

If we want to see black-owned production companies, galleries, and exhibitions highlighting people of color or the work from people of color; or books, movies, and shows about our stories then we need to make them. Not only make them but be present to make decisions about them; we need to be there to see projects through and to support talent who are trying to share their perspectives.

Here is a summary on how to make it happen:

1. Be a part of the creative process. Be in a position to make suggestions and pitch ideas. In order for it to work there needs to be several of us in the room at once.

2. Be the big boss at the top making big decisions. We have a few folks up there, but the fact that we can probably count them all on two hands means there aren't enough.

Also, getting to the top means you have to start at the bottom. You gotta be okay with being a PA or an intern for a few years until you work your way up.

3. Consider art school. There are not enough of us in art programs and I strongly believe the lack of diversity leaves all students at a disadvantage. Without different points-of-view class dialogues become one-sided, and quite honestly, very boring. We can't really solve problems or learn anything if we can't have constructive conversations with people from different backgrounds in our college classrooms.

4. Start your own. Working for a big brand is a great way to learn and grow but maybe your path is having your own production studio, publishing company, or casting agency.

5. Be supportive or mentor. If you know a person of color interested in the arts encourage them to go for it. Type up a small list of information to get them started or introduce them to someone who can help. Or, just be an example. A little goes a long way.

What do you think? What do you feel needs to change to see diversity in the media?

Music for Your Weekend: Choc Quib Town

Check out this Grammy award winning, Colombian hip-hop group, Choc Quib Town. Over bold beats with Latin influences they cover challenging topics about social and political issues, while also highlighting the pride of African-Colombianos.

Their lead singer, Gloria "Goyo" Martinez, is fab.

Dandy Day: A Celebration of Dandyism

I am so excited about Dandy Day happening this Saturday. It's an event hosted by the Reginald F. Lewis Museum and Planet Maud Vintage in celebration of the Dandy Lion exhibition currently on view. The festivities of the day will include vintage shopping, lectures and a Q&A session with the Dandy Lion curator herself, Ms. Shantrelle P. Lewis. There will also be dope music spun by DJ Jahsonic. Should be a lot of fun! I will definitely be there. Will you?

Dandy Day: A Celebration of Dandyism
Apr 28, 2012 :: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm (Saturday) 
Reginald F. Lewis Museum-African American History & Culture
830 E Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD

Throwback Music for Your Weekend

Remember Musiq's (Soulchild at the time) "Just Friends (Snuny)" off the Aijuswanaseing album? I was living in Philly when this song was released and it always made me happy when the single played on the radio.

Lately, Philly has been on my mind and I've been rocking hard to this album — which is perfect to listen to while riding around with the windows down in this great weather.

At the Plaza de España in Spain

Fly went post-less for a few days because I was away in Spain, and sadly didn't even have time to post a message saying I would be away.

I had a wonderful time and cannot wait to share the many photos and stories about my trip. Here's one photo from my visit to the magical Plaza de España in Seville.

Music for Your Weekend: Nabiha

Check out the funky rock infused sound from Nabiha. I'm diggin' these singles "Never Played the Base" and "Deep Sleep." Enjoy.

Black Identity + Black History Always

As we leave Black History Month and enter Black History Every Month I am thinking about what it means to be black. Lately, it seems to be a question on the tongues of many.

In the last six months about a half-dozen books have been released discussing or touching on black identity. Also in that time I've attended a handful of panel discussions, listened to a few presentations, attended numerous exhibitions and have read several articles exploring exactly what it means to be black. It appears that we have come to a place, again, where it is necessary to examine, possibly redefine and reclaim our identity.

This makes me wonder, are we in the midst of a Neo-Harlem Renaissance? Only, instead of being limited to an uptown neighborhood in New York City during the early 20th century, this new exploration in the form of literature, music, and visual arts now reaches far and wide and faster because of the democratic access to technology. And instead of fighting the brutal representations imposed on us by the institution of slavery, which during that time we had just emerged from, we are currently taking advantage of self-authorship to create what we want to see.

Most of this does stem from those horrible stereotypes created centuries ago, but it's also about owning the responsibility and the opportunity to showcase diversity within the black community. Today it's about "my perspective" and "my opinion" of who I am versus adopting an existing social status to fit in (like the Harlem Renaissance), or gaining basic rights or convincing black folks to love themselves as they are (like during the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements).

From all this I have gathered two thoughts:
One, these different perspectives clearly show how diverse and rich we are as a people, that although we may be connected by skin tones and history the way we use or don't use that information defines us as individuals. Yet, and this brings me to my second thought; the one thing that seems consistent throughout those many conversations, exhibitions, and articles is that this very history (our story of struggle and triumph) is the single thing that allows us, the newer generation, to be the authors of our own story and share it in the various ways that we do.

The best encounter over these last few months with the question about black identity is a discussion I had with my father. Considering all the most recent chatter has been from my peers I wanted to hear the perspective of someone who's actually been through the fire. He was a child of the south who migrated with his family up north, a young man in the 60's, and a Marine in the Vietnam War — I was certain he had a lot to say.

We discussed generational differences in how black identity has been defined and how he learned about his own identity as a black man. He then shared his thoughts about our identity crisis over the years just in the names that reference who we are: nigger, nigga, black, Black, negro, Negro, colored, Afro-American, African-American. He's been called them all — and he talked through them sharing his experiences with each term. But to really sum up the conversation, my father said you can't put black people into a single picture frame; and that being black means respecting and honoring a history that binds us all.

That made me think about a conversation I had a few years ago in grad school. I was sharing with six classmates and my professor about my experiences as the only black student in the graduate program. It was a really great discussion. Prior to that dialogue I had never spoken to non-black people about some of the things I encountered or felt as a black person. I shared a lot of things including how important it was for me to do my best to be a positive representative of black folk.

"But you should just be you that's enough. You can't carry that burden," my colleagues said. I agreed but here's how I processed that conversation since then.

Yes I should live for me without the burden of representing an entire race — but I don't see it as representing a race — as in my peers, or the folks I encounter on a daily basis but my ancestors. Nor do I consider it a burden.

You see, I can not take for granted anything that has been made available to me. When I think about my sharecropper grandmother who barely had a grade school education, and my Brazilian grandmother who had never been to school and had been cleaning houses since she was a young girl, I can not do anything just for myself.

When I think about all the sacrifices made by many so that my path could be a little easier I have to remember and represent. That history and struggle, triumph and glory is the reason why I can go where I want to go and say what I want to say today (for the most part).

That history is why my father could serve this country proudly as a Marine and provide for his family, and why my mother was able to come to this country and start her own business. That fight is why President Obama is in fact President Obama and how it is even possible that the National Museum of African American History and Culture is now being built just steps away from where black people were once enslaved.

So no it's not a burden, it's an honor, and I will wear that badge of honor everyday.

With all that said, what is black identity to me? It is not only acknowledging the history that has been carved into my soul but also about being a projection of the dreams that my predecessors could not have ever imagined for themselves. It's living in the space where I have the opportunity to define Andrea Pippins while representing the hard work and sacrifice of the amazing people who came before me.

So cheers to living Black History Month every month and always.

Frida at Artisphere

An exhibition showcasing a collection of personal photographs taken by the renown artist, Frida Kahlo, opens today at Artisphere (an urban arts center) in Arlington, VA. I can't wait to check it out, along with the programs surrounding the exhibition.

Feliz Carnaval!

Vintage Carnaval photos from National Geographic Magazine circa 1978

It's that time of year in Brazil when the country is bursting at the seams with feathers, confetti, dancing and hypnotic music. Yes it is Carnaval and around this time I am always wishing I was there celebrating with family. Instead, I watch from afar catching the coverage on Globo in awe at all the gloriously elaborate costumes, the music, and all the energy vibrating on screen. I love it and so look forward to participating one day soon.

Have you ever been to carnival in Brazil? Or another country? Tell me about your experience.

Music for Your Weekend: Ntjam Rosie

I've been jammin' to the jazzy-eclectic sounds of Ntjam Rosie's album Elle, and I'm really loving the cover art for her two singles "Morning Glow" and "In Need."

Music for Your Weekend: Black Gold

Hold your head as high as you can
High enough to see who you are, little man
Life sometimes is cold and cruel
Baby no one else will tell you so remember that you
are Black Gold, Black Gold

Just in case you haven't seen it yet check out the music video for Esperanza Spalding's "Black Gold" (featuring Algebra Blessett) — the first single off her newest album, Radio Music Society due out March 20th.

I LOVE the dialogue in the beginning of the video.

Music for Your Weekend: Roses Gabor

The Wonderful World Of Roses Gabor Vol. 1 is a dope mix of sounds from Roses Gabor. Download the free mixtape here.