Mutiny Aboard The Amistad

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope you all had time to spend with your families and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday demands for a minute. We are officially in "Holiday Season" mode.  Be sure you don't get caught up in the materialism of Christmas. Yes it's nice to get gifts and give gifts all wrapped up with pretty bows and such, but the gift of time is priceless! How about checking on your elderly neighbors and maybe doing something for them that they need done.  Now that's a gift! How about visiting a nursing home and painting the old lady's nails or fixing up her hair, how about visiting a hospital and reading to a sick kid or Cancer patient, how about volunteering at a local shelter or a neighborhood organization.  Just a few ideas and suggestions.  Yes, I myself have done many of these things.

So what does this Hale Woodruff "Mutiny Aboard The Amistad" painting have to do with the holiday season?  Nothing really, it's just one of my favorite Mural paintings I like to use in my workshops when I am teaching Blk-Art, History & Culture to my students. I was trying to find a photo to post and this hit me. It just reminded me "no matter how tough things get, keep on fighting." These Mende captives were eventually returned to their home in Sierra Leone (West Africa).  Some of you may have seen the Hollywood film version "Amistad" but I recommend the documentary narrated by Alfre Woodard.

The screening of "A Man Named Pearl" on 11/28 was a small audience including 4 artists, which really pleased me. Brian, our Master Gardner, gave a great demo and absolutely loved the film and the soundtrack.  I am still working on the rights to our film for the Black History Month, Black Cinema Film Series and will post that title as soon as I have permission.  Again, no film for Dec/Jan due to the holidays.  Blk-Art, History & Culture is also working on a "free" week long after school workshop for the Washington Park Library. I will post the details when this is finalized. I also want to mention that The (SDC) Social Development Commission's "Black Knowledge Bowl" will take place on March 15, 2013 at Man Power. You can register your team and get more information on the competition starting January 15 online, at www.cr-sdc.org The Black Knowledge Bowl is a day long event where area high schools and youth organizations come together to test their knowledge on black history! Blk-Art, History & Culture has been asked to be a part of the event again this year, we are still working on the details and will give an update in the next post.

It was a year on November 21 that I lost my 16 year old Chow Chow/German Shepard, Ebony.  I really, really miss her. It doesn't seem like a year and my heart still aches.  My new little dog friend "Tucker" who I call "Mr. McNaughty" gives me lots of puppy love, which helps. Being back in the gym also helps. Being consistent with the workouts, including hitting the weights is paying off. I feel a lot better after only 2 months. At forty something, let me tell ya, you can not take a break from eating healthy and exercising. It will catch up with you! Trust me, I know.

Very happy that we've had a mild winter so far, but I understand the "Old Man" is on his way. Don't forget about the homeless as it gets colder. If you have old coats, sweaters, hat's, gloves, ect... donate them, please. Not doing anybody any good lying around the house taking up space, cluttering up the place when they could be keeping somebody warm.  Okay, I am done. Have a Merry Christmas and a beautiful holiday season! Appreciate your blessings and please be kind to one another. Just smile.