West African Dance for EVERYBODY

Last month, Kwame Shaka Opare and I launched a West African dance class entitled “The Dance of Creativity” at the University of Maryland for the busy professional who could benefit from the arts, and get a much needed break from their ‘inbox.’ We didn’t know if this would be a one time thing or become an on-going thing, but were down for the cause.

As I shared information about the class, I received responses like: “I don’t dance,” or “I’ve never taken a West African dance class, and it’s not really my thing.” This didn’t deter me, if anything, it made me more determined to find my fellow dancers and fearless folks who were willing to break out of their comfort zones.

Over the next few days, registration orders trickled in, along with emails from prospective attendees who wondered if the class was really open to ALL levels. Some shared, “I’ve never taken a West African dance class, let alone a dance class in ages…” Others joked, “I’m not the most coordinated or graceful person, is this okay?” I assured each person that they would be welcome, and that Kwame is an AMAZING, patient teacher–low and behold, they followed through with registering, and at the end of class, everyone asked when the next class would be!

So, here we are–the next class will be held on Sunday, April 14 from 2pm -3:30pm at University of Maryland’s Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Early registration by Friday, April 12 is $15 or $20 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will go toward supporting Kwame’s arts integration work with at-risk youth in Baltimore.

If we can awaken and connect with the spirit of dance inside of us, we will fight harder to keep the arts alive and real for future generations.

Throwback mashup of Kwame’s past performances

We hope to see you in class!

Do you believe that arts integration is beneficial in all spaces?

Earlier this week, Ernesto Lara’s integration of hip-hop in the classroom landed him a spot on WJLA-TV’s Harris’ Heroes weekly feature. In early January, his collaborative partner and fellow teacher, Jake Scott, was featured on NPR’s “Morning Edition” for his use of hip-hop in the classroom. Despite hip-hop’s unique ability to transcend gender, age and ethnic backgrounds, critics are keen to link hip-hop to race and the promotion of social ills. Lara does not believe this is a one-size-fits all approach.

Please see this earlier post where a national non-profit integrated hip-hop into their centennial celebration.

Is there a place for positive hip-hop culture in education?

(Source: Bread for the World)

More than 106 million people, or 34.4 percent of the U.S. population, are considered poor or near poor. Alarmingly, the latest figures reveal African-American and African-American child hunger and poverty rates are even greater than the national averages—-sometimes twice as high. On Tuesday, February 26, Bread for the World Institute will release their new analysis, Hunger and Poverty among African-American Children, which explores the latest figures, and programs that have helped poor and hungry people.

The analysis will call out 20 states and 20 major metropolitan areas with the highest African-American child poverty rates in the country–many of which are in the Midwest.

In Iowa, the poverty rate for African-American children was more than triple the overall child poverty rate—-ironic for a state with such a low African-American population. The full analysis will be available on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at www.bread.org.

As I’ve been conducting radio outreach around the upcoming release of this analysis, I’ve been listening to A LOT of Tracy Chapman’s songs, which remain relevant in the fight to end hunger and poverty in the United States today.

Below, is Tracy Chapman’s live version of “Fast Car,” which highlights a family’s plight to live above the poverty line, and the intersecting factors that make this difficult, like long commutes to workplaces on low-wages, addiction, unstable housing arrangements, school dropout rates and more.

Can you think of other songs or artists who address hunger and poverty?

Here is an excerpt from my colleague Janna’s post on Policy Mic, which paints a picture of the state of HIV/AIDS in the African-American community:

“Did you know that while blacks make up only 12% of the American population, they comprise close to 50% of reported HIV and AIDS cases? In 2010, blacks accounted for almost 50% of new AIDS diagnoses. Even more disturbing, while blacks are only 17% of the teenaged population in the United States, black teens account for 70% of new AIDS diagnoses in that age group. Black women in the United States are 15 times more likely than white women to become infected with HIV. AIDS cuts across all demographic groups, but in America today, its impact on racial minorities is grave and unparalleled…”

In honor of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we asked people to share why getting tested for HIV is important to them, and folks joined the discussion on Tumblr, twitter and Facebook.

THANK YOU to everyone who shared photos and quotes to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS!! We must keep the discussion going and continue educating ourselves and each other about HIV/AIDS.

Produced by Wanakhavi Wakhisi of Wana Image, LLC

I get a kick out of watching my 3-yr old do silly things, like pitching New York Times reporter Nicholas Kristof, but, after watching part 1 and part 2 of “Half the Sky” by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, there is nothing more offensive and atrocious than gender-based violence and abuse committed against girls, some as young as 3 and 4-years-old. These are just children…innocent children.

Raising awareness about the issue is the only way to promote change. Learn more and join the movement at: www.halftheskymovement.org/ How will you get involved and raise your voice?

In business, what is your signature mark?

Two Maryland public high school teachers, Ernesto Lara and Jake Scott, teamed up to create a math rap video just in time for the first day of school tomorrow.

Believe it or not, hip-hop is a culture that speaks to many people and has the ability to transcend race, gender, age and ethnic backgrounds. When used in a constructive manner, hip-hop becomes a fresh, powerful tool that engages, inspires and educates diverse audiences.

Here’s another example:

Two years ago, Ernesto Lara was commissioned by Vibrant Design Group to pen a rap commemorating the National Urban League’s Centennial Anniversary highlighting their Empowerment Goals:

What are some unconventional methods you’ve used to reach your target audience?

Please share your thoughts!

I’ve never been much of the office type or 9-5-er…so having the chance to play on the playground with my son allows me to just be, tap into my spirit where nothing is out of bounds, anything goes, and creativity is encouraged. In fact, I’ve come up with some amazing campaigns, e-pitches and subject lines while on the playground with my son. In my opinion, the playground should be substituted for the boardroom.

What inspires your best ideas?

Being authentic in business is a beautiful thing, and when I’m truly being ‘me,’ work hardly feels like work, and I’m smiling constantly. One of the advantages of being a small business owner is that I can give personalized, one-on-one attention to each of my clients, and it’s a real joy when each interaction leaves both parties feeling energized and inspired.

In the past, this wasn’t always the case, as I took on certain clients to meet my monthly revenue marks, but in my heart and gut, knew they weren’t the best fit.

Oprah said it best, “Anybody pretending to be anything other than who you really are will never, ever reach your personal potential.”

Today, this is my personal ‘Mpact Manifesto:’

• Do what makes you happy and ignites your spirit. Realize that just because a potential client works within your area(s) of interest, if the personal chemistry and energy is off, walk away.

• Be true to yourself and what inspires your work and thoughts. If this involves a long run, dancing around, setting up shop in a coffee shop, meditating, pole dancing, scaling a jungle gym etc. honor that because it’s YOUR personal, creative process.

• Realize that at the start of each new project there will be tinges of excitement and fear, but allow a moment to feel these feelings, then, dive right in!

• I am responsible for the energy that I allow into my space, as well as the energy that I give off. I choose to surround myself with positive, like-minded people in all areas of my life.

• Accept that it’s impossible to know everything, but where there’s passion and a willingness to learn, anything can be accomplished.

• Never be afraid to speak up or change your mind. As long as I’m operating from a place of integrity and love, everything will be okay.

How do you remain authentic in business?