Kunta Kinte Celebration Canceled But The Tradition Was Not Completely Broken

Despite reports that the annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival would not take place this year due to budget challenges, a commerative ceremony still garnered support from Annapolitans, local officials, community members, the local drum and bugle corps, Chris Haley, and of course, The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation and Kunta Kinte Celebrations, Inc. The modest ceremony that was held on September 29th at the Annapolis City Dock proved that many individuals refuse to give up on a nationally recognized fusion of African-American history, arts, entertainment and community involvement that crosses racial and ethnic lines.

The late Leonard A. Blackshear founded the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation, but died in 2006. His wife, Patsy, still diligently works with supporters to foster the commitment of what her husband began in honor of a slave who represents countless ancestors, and the late Alex Haley. Under a sunny sky, she provided insight about the statue grouping and Kunta Kinte's difficult voyage.

                                     

Chris Haley (pictured on the left below), who is a descendant of Kunta Kinte, introduced himself during the gathering, with a bit of wit and impromptu humor. The resident of Prince George's County shared serious sentiments with the crowd about what the day meant to him, although he intentionally did not prepare remarks.

 "It is your responsibility, your honor, your gift that you have to move forward. Some where, some time, someone in our past stepped here into the world and made that unprepared step."

Rose petals were distributed to attendees. Adults and children let them fall into the same waters where Kunta Kinte was said to have arrived in Annapolis, Maryland.

 

 After the ceremony ended, an attendee of the gathering informed Chris Haley that he and his family inspired her to dig to find her own roots.

"You are such an inspiration to someone like me," she remarked, smiling.

A spirit of togetherness and hope lifted spirits of those who quietly missed this year's expected Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival. In that way, the purpose of it was still represented today. The festival is expected to resume next year.

On the website, The Kunta Kinte Celebrations Board of Directors offered a call to action:

"Volunteers are needed to keep this important Annapolis event moving forward. To become a member of the 2014 Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival Planning Committee, contact the team at KuntaKinteCelebrations@gmail.com
Thank you for your continued support!"


Have you read this month's edition of Grove Street Ezine? I cordially invite you to click the link.


http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/grove_street_issue_12_september_201

Head on over to The Baltimore Book Festival this weekend.

Charm City will be full of authors, books and entertainment. The celebration starts this Friday. Visit the website to see the line up of events and book loving activities. http://www.baltimorebookfestival.com/

Don't forget to visit us at thereadersandauthorsnook.blogspot.com, if you are a book lover.

The Wire's Jermaine Crawford's sultry single 'Janet' drops.

First, Jermaine Crawford, who played Dukie on 'The Wire ' helped to house house local homeless youth: click here. Just a few months later, he's back on the scene with a mike in his hand, while singing a sultry tune, Janet. His voice easily entices listeners to crave another song to find out what he may sing next.

Download it on Sound Cloud, but before you do, I must warn you that it's a perfect song to listen to after dark. It is reportedly showcased in Robert Towsend's movie, 'Playin' For Love.' A screening of the movie was recently held at The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.'s 43rd Legislative Conference that convened in DC last week. Crawford is expected to release 'Underdog' on October 9th.

DMV, let's support our own. Keep this news of Jermaine Crawford's soul-stirring tune trending. This artist truly deserves it for many reasons. Stay informed about his debut by following him on Twitter @JermzCrawford.

Well done, Jermaine.

Make mom & dad feel "brand new."

The Stylistics are coming to PG County on October 12th. The performance will just be $30-$35. click here.

3rd annual Indian Festival. Save the date for this free event.

Dennis Zotigh will be the Master of Ceremonies, during the 3rd annual Indian Festival. His background includes serving as a Museum Cultural Specialist at Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. He previously was involved with the Great American Indian Dance Company. I attended last year and felt that he and all of the performers did an outstanding job.

Here are the details:

Saturday, October 22, 10 am-4 pm

All ages

Location: Patuxent River Park

16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro 20772 (rain or shine)

Full description:
http://www.pgparks.com/page30314.aspx


Have you read Grove Street Ezine? Click here!

Will you choose vegeterian food on Sept. 28th? It's Veg Fest time!

Will you choose vegeterian food on Sept. 28th? Why? Even Mayor Gray is consigning the suggestion. If you haven't heard about it, take a look: http://dcvegfest.com/dc-vegfest-day-proclamation/.

DC Veg Fest reported that, "Washington, DC Mayor Vincent Gray issued a “DC VegFest Day” Proclamation, officially marking Sept. 28th as DC VegFest Day — and encouraging residents to participate in the day by attending the DC VegFest! The proclamation asks all residents to “consider choosing vegetarian foods as a way to help protect their health, our planet, and animals.”

Veg Fest is a free, outdoor festival that will be held in DC. There will be a kid's activity area. Expect to see exhibitors, and cooking demonstrations, hear speakers such as these experts. You may also enjoy free food samples and various activities. Even if you want to simply learn more about how to cook or eat healthier, it sounds like this event would be an ideal opportunity to do so.

WHERE: Yards Park (near Nationals Stadium)
WHEN: Sat., Sept. 28, 2013 from 11am to 6pm.

Visit the website referenced above for more details.

Do you like book news, too? See http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/grove_street_august_2013

President and chief officer of The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation gives bloggers a voice. Events are still underway. (Schedule link)

During the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.'s 43rd Annual Legislative Conference, approved bloggers have been granted access to VIPs for interviews and use of an Internet accessible work area.  A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer of the CBCF Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. opened the doors to local and out of town bloggers. Social media is changing the landscape of how others find and share information. Online publishing has also allowed independent outlets to build platforms, and to present an array of perspectives that are linked to how stories are covered.

Although the annual conference is halfway over, additional items of note include the Author's Pavilion, and a new edition, The Enterprise Pavillion, which is described as the following:

"The Enterprise Pavilion is the newest edition to the ALC Exhibit Showcase. Visit this pavilion for valuable information about job opportunities in the federal and private sectors and learn how to best position your minority owned business to compete for government and private sector procurement contracts!"

Enterprise Pavilion hours:
 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20

8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21

The 43rd Annual Legislative Conference will continue today through Saturday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. For further information about any of the remaining events or sessions, please review the schedule. The theme of this year's conference is appropriately entitled, "It Starts With You." The US Telecom Association is powering Blogger's Row.

You may follow up-to-date news via Twitter: #Itstartswithyou and #CBFALC13. I will be providing a recap divided by subject in my book blog, Velocity DMV's blog, and Grove Street ezine. I invite you to connect with me on Twitter @AndreaBlackston. I would also like to thank A. Shuanise Washington for bringing Blogger's Row into existence.

Ms. Veteran America 2013: The Women Beyond the Uniform event is coming soon.

The Ms. Veteran America competition will be held on October 13th in VA, to raise money for The Final Salute. If you have never heard of this nonprofit organization, please read Captain Jas Boothe's interview with me: http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/grove_street_april_2013_nonprofit_edition2?e=6369856/2810241

I was very surprised to learn how many homeless women veterans with children exist. The Final Salute addresses a critical need, so I hope that you will join me in spreading the word about this formal event.

Details:

The National Conference Center – Leesburg, VA

18980 Upper Belmont Pl Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 729-8000 – www.conferencecenter.com

You can also find more event specifics and ticket details at www.msveteranamerica.org.

Have a fabulous day!

Poetry and arts events this week.

9/17 - Performing at CAAPA's annual "Melody of Art" pre-Caucus reception at The Atlas Performing Arts Center with my group, Collective Voices.  CAAPA is the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts)  This free event is a music, art and poetry showcase.   Location:  1333 H St., NE, DC. (7-10 PM)  Hor d'oeuvres served. Cash bar.  Valet parking available.

9/19 - Family-Friendly Poetry Open Mic Night at Annie's Art Gallery - 6-9 PM Featured poet:  Hoke "Bro Yao" Glover.  Teens and young adults expressly invited.  Youth organizations welcomed.  This free event is hosted monthly by Sistah Joy each 3rd Thursday.   5814 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748.

9/20 - Education Celebration at Ebenezer AME Church - The Anointed P.E.N.S. (Poets Empowered to Nurture Souls) of the Ebenezer AME Church Poetry Ministry will present their 2013 Education Celebration featuring highly acclaimed poet, author and educator, Bomani Armah.  This is a free, open to the community poetry & praise Open Mic event.  All are welcome.  Poets, spoken word artists, musicians and vocalists are welcomed to perform.  Location:  7707 Allentown Road (3rd Floor), Fort Washington, MD 20744.  Time:  6-9 PM  Light refreshments served.  *Open Mic sign up list closes at 8:00 PM.   

Do you like books and entertainment news? These stories and more are waiting for you on Grove Street. 

http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/grove_street_august_2013

YOUNG VISIONARY GOT KIDS MOVIN' AT THE BOULEVARD

"Are y'all ready for my sister, Chi Chi Monet?" an energetic girl asked the crowd.
After cheers filled the air, the star of the show arrived cloaked in confidence and a relaxed demeanor.
"What's up, ya'll? Ya'll like school?" Chi Chi Monet questioned, moving around the stage in bright sneakers.

On an unexpectedly warm, sunny Saturday at Prince George's County's The Boulevard at the Capital Centre, the duo rapped about school being cool, and the ugliness of bullying. Shortly thereafter, Chi Chi Monet impressed the crowd by performing her upbeat anthem, "Move." The ten-year-old recording artist, cheerleader, gymnast and dancer reportedly felt inspired to take action to address childhood obesity, after learning information from the Obama Administration’s “Let’s Move” initiative. Chi Chi Monet's toe-tapping tune may have been created to inspire youth to be active and practice healthy eating habits, but she is evolving into a change agent for children, their families and the community at large. Collaborating with Sports Zone Elite, the original DC Sneaker Store, and Think Brown INK has obviously inspired noteworthy traction, during her tour. Natasha Brown, CEO of the highly regarded company, Think Brown INK,  helped to create an interactive experience for attendees.

Get Kids Movin was a thoughtfully executed blend of eclectic performances, jump rope, hula hoop, zumba, workout sessions, games, vendor displays and a fashion show that was presented by Sports Zone Elite with Angelic Expressions Models.

DJ MIM kept the music cranking while zumba sessions led by Kena Hodges inspired youth, parents, toddlers and grandparents to catch zumba fever. Nike celebrity fitness trainer, Deanna Jefferson, pulled minature weights from a bag. She smiled as she passed out balls and helped kids slip on boxing gloves. Soul/R&B singer Reesa Renee, who recently wrapped up her Wonderland Cool Tour at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, also showed her support.

Amidst body wrap chatter and tutu vendor displays, a representative of Gold's Gym informed attendees that a two floor, 35,000 square foot facility will open at The Boulevard in December. Fitness enthusiasts, zumba, pilates, yoga lovers and even kids will be welcome. New customers signed up for $29.99 monthly memberships, enjoying the benefit of a waived $129.00 enrollment fee, and no payment being due until doors open in the future.

I commend management at The Boulevard for allowing kids, families and parents to convene there to celebrate fitness. Chi Chi Monet's peers parted with jump ropes, bags, t-shirts and tips about how to keep moving at home while having fun. The young performer is certainly making a healthy difference already.

Connect with Get Kids Moving and Chi Chi Monet via www.getkidsmovin.com; Twitter @GetKidsMovin; @ChiChiMonet.

If you are interested in learning more about Gold's Gym's presale offer, visit 881A at The Boulevard, next to 5 Guys. The office is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM during the weekdays, and 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM during weekends.

Chi Chi Monet helps kids get moving! Largo, MD

Sept. 14 http://getkidsmovin.com/
This event will be held in Largo, MD. Fight childhood obesity with fun to keep little ones moving.

A Family Festival: 33rd Kinderfest at Watkins Regional Park

October 6th, 2013
12-5
Entertainment, pony rides, exhibits, nature activities, pumpkin patch and more. Admission is free, but there will be a nominal fee for certain activities.

Watkins Regional Park is located in Upper Marlboro, MD.

www.pgparks.com/kinderfest