Umqombothi

Fort Dupont Park 2010 Summer Schedule

It just doesn't seem like summer without spending at least one summer evening at Fort Dupont Park in Southeast Washington, DC. It's a beauitful amphitheater and park set in historical Fort Dupont Park. The crowd is always nice and the shows are always a treat. The best thing about it besides the huge friendly crowds is that it is FREE! I've been going since I was a boy and the memories just keep builiding. Check out the 2010 line up listed below:



July 17th
KINDRED THE FAMILY SOUL
Opening: Cops Come Knockin’

July 24th
ROY AYERS
Opening: Brian Lenair

July 31st
“WPFW” NIGHT with HAROLD MELVIN’S BLUE NOTES
Opening: Motown Philly Fantasy Featuring H.A.L.O

August 7th
SUGARFOOT’S OHIO PLAYERS
Opening: Clones of Funk

August 14th
MIDNIGHT STARR
Opening: Be’la Dona

August 21st
SOS BAND
Opening: Kinda Blu


Note:  To find out more about what's going on in and around Washington, D.C. visit the National Park Service website at: nps.gov

Alexander Pushkin

Aleksandr Sergeevich Pushkin was born in Moscow on May 26, 1799. He was first published in the journal The Messenger of Europe in 1814. Aleksandr Pushkin was born in Moscow into a cultured, but poor aristocratic family. On his father's side, he was descended from an ancient noble family, and on his mother's side, he was a great-great-grandson of a black Abyssinian, Gannibal, who served under Peter the Great. Pushkin himself had black hair and dark complexion. Pushkin started writing poetry at an early age, and published his first poem at the age of 14. Pushkin was fatally wounded on February 10, 1837, while defending his wife in a duel.  The Russian Czar buried him at a secret location in the monastery near Mikhailovskoye.  Today, Russia regards Pushkin as the Father of Russian Literature.

Sources: kirjasto.sci.fi and blackfacts.com

Remembering Grandpa

Our grandfather has finally passed on yesterday.  He walked this earth for over 90 blessed years.  He left a tremendous legacy and tons of inspiration for me as a writer.  In fact, I dedicated my first book of poetry, Liquid Lunch,  to him.  The photo, pictured left, was the inspiration behind the book.  I love the deliberate stare of young Tom, and the look of anticipation before his first cold sip of beer.  I often wonder what they did later when they got off duty.  See, my imagination goes wild!

What can I say, he contributed so much to the man I am today.  He taught me that a man should always be a man and take care of his family.  He didn't say provide because that's left up to the Lord.  He taught me how to tie and fix a neck tie.  He taught me how to rake, mow, chop, lift, clean fish,etc.  Yeah, he taught me just about everything.  I take pride in that because he is the man who also taught my father.  This causes confusion among my aunts, who sometime think of me as their younger brother instead of nephew.  However, I was Tom's "grandboy," and proud of it.  I thank God for his life. 

I got to see him, last week when we visited him in the hospital.  When my wife and I were leaving, we kissed him and told him goodbye.  He could barely speak with all the tubes and his difficulty breathing, but I saw his mouth move.  He said, "ok."  Ok, grandpa.  I'll see you in Glory.  Thank you for being a great grandfather and a great man. I love you.

Your grandboy,
Stevie

Top 20 sites to learn African American History

I have great news for Morphological Confetti!  It was chosen by onlinedegree.net as one of the 20 best sites to learn about African American History.  I have so much passion for the history of Africans in America, so this is quite an honor. To God be the glory.  Peace~

Photo source:  bowdoin.edu
Pictured above:Romare Bearden, American, 1911-1988, Heavy Freight (from the 12 Trains Suite), 1974, photo etching with hand coloring, Art © Romare Bearden Foundation/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

George B Vashon Posthumously Admitted to Pennsylvania Bar that He Was Rejected from in 1847 - BCNN1#more#more#more

Black Lawyer Posthumously Admitted to Pennsylvania Bar that He Was Rejected from in 1847 - BCNN1#more#more#more

Freedom Ride of 1961

On May 4, 1961 thirteen Freedom Riders began bus trip through the South to confront the injustices of Jim Crow and racism.  It turned out to be a trip they would never forget.

Do you want to ride or die?  Is it worth the trip?  Can they be that bad?  Those are the questions I imagine they asked on that spring day in 1961.  Yes, they saw the news reports, and heard testimonies in the training sessions that would prepare them for this trip south.  However, there is no experience like experiencing it for yourself:

Photo Sources:  NY Times, black past.org, and southern spaces.org