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K’Naan
MAY 23 – 29, 2010 | DEFENDER MARCH 2011| |DEFENDER DEFENDER SEPTEMBER 16 –1022,- 16, 2010
about a year ago. It was stir-fried vegetables with Szechuan sauce. I made it a little too continued from page 1 spicy, I admit, but I think everybody enjoyed it, aside from all the sweating. family met the same fate, K’naan’s mother KW: How do you think African music will would travel daily through the firefight to influence the rest of the world in the comthe U.S. embassy in the hopes of securing ing years? visas for her and her loved ones. Despite K: I think it’s actually already affecting daily denials, she persisted, and on the last the world in a big way now. People just day the U.S. embassy was in Somalia, aren’t aware of it. For instance, there’s a AN EVENING WITH received visas to leaveAfor America. great tune by Coldplay called “Strawberry CARNIVALE MYSTIQUE……..The STAR……..Tony Award winning “You can’t even describe it,”playsays Swing.” It’s essentially Afro-Pop music. Education and Charitable Foundation/ wright and“Itperformer, Sarah Jones, treated K’naan. is the most sensational, liberatAnd most of Vampire Weekend’s music is Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter Houstonians herwas multi-character solo ing feeling. with There the weight of a world Afro-Pop. Africa has influenced many of the of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority hosted show “Bridge & Tunnel.” show of hope on your shoulderThe that has was suddenly Honorees Earnest Gibson III and Bertrand Simmons Lionel and Sue Feazell and Tomira and Corey Eason biggest bands. So, I believe Africa has their Bi-Annual Mardi Gras Gala at the originally by landed. Itproduced was onlyoff-Broadway then that I started to get Audrey, Rev. Bill and Roxanne Lawson John Guess, Jr.,inPlaywright Jones already crept and changed Sarah music in the Marriott Westchase Hotel. They were Oscar-winner MerylofStreep andI went to this certain value life that neveronhad and Melanie Lawson West. People just don’t know to call it organized exclusively for charitable and become critically long-running before.”a With littleacclaimed, possessions and no African. educational purposes and are committed hit on-Broadway. In this stirring production, knowledge of English, K’naan and his famiKW: If you could have one wish instantly to helping improve and and aid inAfrican all facets of she examined Jewish American ly boarded the last commercial flight out of granted, what would that be? the community. Duringthat thewas gala,developed Ernest relations in America Mogadishu for New York before settling in K: Wow! That would be for a sudden shift Gibson III and Bertrand Simmons especially Toronto. for the final event of a fabulous in my country from war, distrust and death were honored with theHouston 2011 Flame Award of debut season for the Museum The tunes on Troubadour reflect the sum to peace, love and harmony. for their outstanding service. (HMAAC). We salute African American Nospent of K’Nasan’s lifeCulture experiences. Having Musician/emcee K’Naan Warsame is forging his own musical path via a unique blend KW: Are you ever afraid? Pamela Cashaw, chapter president, one can reflect on that better than Sarah, the better part of the last two years on the of reggae, funk, pop, soul and, above all, hip-hop. K: Yes I am, but not of what people ordiShirley Johnson, vice president, ReShane who is a product of a Black father and a road, visiting over 50 countries from narily fear, fortunately. My fears are all Fowler, corresponding secretary, Tracee Jewish mother. HMAAC has had an Slovenia to Peru to Vietnam to Uganda, the internal. I’m afraid of my own self more Fletcher, gala chairperson and incredible firstgeneral seasondocument and is quickly album is the sonic of anestabartist K: I can’t remember specifically, it was soccer in your youth? than of anything external. Fraulyn Baisey and Daphne Moss, lishing itself as a place that attracts national with much to share, and disproves rap just one of those moments when I had a K: Yes I am, and I did play, like most KW: Are you happy? committee chairs. More than 600 folks distalent and initiates thought-provoking music’s detractors who say that hip-hop has melody in my head and a discontented, other children. K: Happiness, I think, is one of the most attended this galapeople, and included board of cussions about places and times. Pamela Cashaw andfeeling. Tracee Fletcher ReShane Fraulyn Baisey by andthe Shirley Johnson nothing new left to say. melancholy I just wrote that. KW: How have Fowler, you been received elusive things on Ray the planet. believe that director member, Daveincluded Moss, Sue and Lindsey, Lou and Linda Lorrell Gregory Ayesh Mutope Ellen and C.IB. Claiborne Spotted at the show Melanie The CD’s first single, “Wavin’ Flag,” has KW: Did it emanate at all from your childAmerican hip-hop community? happiness is only appreciated in retrospect. Lionel Feazell, Tomira and Corey Eason, and Calepha Johnson Lawson, HMAAC Chairman of the Board become an international sensation, and was hood? K: Great! You can tell from what’s been So, I’m always happy, given that I later find Marsha and Kenneth Shorts, Muriel of Directors, John Guess, Jr. the official anthem of the World Cup K: I think everything kinda’ does. happening for me. They’ve all been very out that I was. and Frederick Larry, Deatra Bennett, HMAAC/CEO, Rev. Bill and Audrey Championship hosted this summer by South Everything is kind of shaped by life in gensupportive and showing love for what I do. KW: How can your fans help you? Candace Jones, Staphanie Erwin, Lawson, Roxanne Lawson, Vanessa Africa. Reaching over 150 countries, the eral, so I guess it does feel like my childKW: Where do you think hip-hop is headK: By being understanding of the fact that Enoch Murphy, Sammy Leaston, Williams, Alyce Coffee, Vanessa Gilmore, signature song was featured on K’Naan’s hood might have been an influence. But ed? I don’t make music for them, but that I Samyka Owens, Leaston Roxanne and Craig Chargois, Fleming, toLisa Sharon FIFA-sponsored Trophy Tour, which saw the those things are pretty subconscious. K: I think it will always go through phasmake music that’s about my past and about name a few.Janice Fabulous gala!........TABLE Chargois, Beal, Linda, Lindsey emerging rap star spreading his message to KW: Do you still feel a strong connection es, like how philosophy in ancient times my most honest internal instincts. They TALK…... and Lou Gregory, Michael Helm, Ellen soccer fans in concerts staged all around the to Somalia? would celebrate the body and the physical need to understand that more than anything The University of Houston’s Friends Ray, C. B. Claiborne, Carole Pinkett and world. K: Yes, I have many, many memories, for a while, then focus on the mind and the else. Wherever I go, it’s not about them, but of Women’s Studies presented their III. Carol, Carolyn and John Guess, K’naan has also re-recorded new versions which have impacted my life. spiritual. I think that those phases happen to where the music takes me. 14th AnnualShow!.......PUMP-ATable Talk and featured 50 Fabulous of the track with Will.i.Am and French KW: Were you listening to a lot of us as well, and hip-hop is one of the best KW: What has been the happiest moment conversationalists that included Junefoot forLICIOUS…….Putting their best dance producer David Guetta and a bilinAmerican music while growing up? barometers of what is happening, because it of your life? Deadrick, Kathy Hubbard, Eileenthe 2010 ward, about 200 ladies attended gual versions with Spanish pop singer K: You could live in Somalia forever and reflects the feeling of young people. I see K: The birth of my first son. Kick OutJuanita KidneyRasmus, DiseaseAlgenita Luncheon by Morris, Scott Yardbourgh, Conversationalist Juanita Rasmus and Jeri David Bisbal, French MC Fefe, AI Otsuka Arnetta never need music from outside Somalia. myBrooks music as followingConversationalist the feeling. Algenita Scott Davis, Dr. John Roberts and Cora Robinson wearing their pump-a-licious shoes. The KW: Do you have any regrets? Davis, Jade Simmons and LaTonya from Japan, Jackie Cheung and Jane Zhang There are a Helm lot of different styles and a vari- Chair KW: When you look in the mirror, what doSmith, Rhonda Adams and Florence Love Michael Lady Merele Gail event was chaired by Merele Yarborough K: I guess I do have some regrets, but Whitfield-Horhn, among others. The from China, Tattoo Colour from Thailand, etyand of musical ideas developing right there. you see?and Honoree Roxanne Chargois Yarborough who knows first-hand about this terrible none big enough to obsess about. women are from diverse professions and Nancy Arjam from Egypt, HHP from South KW: What did it mean for you to have K: [Chuckles] Interesting… I often try to Myra Rega disease and the need to kick it out of exisKW: How do you want to be remembered? they share their experiences with the table Africa, and other artists in Greece, Turkey Wavin’ Flag become the anthem of the find the face of my teenage years. I don’t tence. scene were Terri Phillips, K: As someone who was always interested guests. On Thethe conversationalist assigned and elsewhere. World Cup? know whether it’s like this for everybody, Board Chair/National Kidney in walking through life in a positive way to our table was unable to attend,Foundation so the Kam Williams: Hi K’naan, thanks so much K: I used to get very excited watching the but I can’t find it. Serving Southeast Texas, Sonnier, and in affecting people in a positive way. women unanimously selectedNicole Ms. Chag for the time. World Cup on TV as a child. So, to have KW: What is your favorite dish to cook? Regional Vice President,I Crystal Wright, KW: Thanks again for the interview, as their conversationalist. had a blast K: MyJohnson, pleasure.Myra Rega, Phyllis any kind of involvement with the World K: It probably would be good if I cooked Marion K’Naan, and best of luck on your world tour. sharing with them how I became the KW: What was the inspiration for Wavin’ Cup is a big, big honor. more, but I just don’t do it very often. When Williams, Yates, Keryl K: Thank you so much, Kam. people editorClarease for the Defender MediaDouglas, Flag? KW: Are you a soccer fan and did you play I do, I find it very enjoyable. I made a dish Regina Smith, Rhonda Group asCarrington, well as my lifeGail experiences. Adams, Florence Table guests includedLove, JewelEbele Smith,Iloanya, Stacy McIntosh and Elouise Jackson, to Angela Cox, Kristi Thibaut, Tracy name a few. Adding a special touch to the Janda, Regina Deadrick and Gloria luncheon included greetings from Luna. Great conversations!......... Deborah Duncan, KHOU Channel 11 Great Day WEEKEND CELEBRATIONS…….. Houston, HFD poster-boys Our Mother of Mercy CatholicErrick ChurchPresley Conversationalists June Deadrick and Eileen Morris Jewel Smith, Angela Cox, Kristi Thibaut, Ms. Chag, Tracy Janda, Regina Deadrick and Gloria Luna and Aaron Bond and a fabulous fashion hosted their Annual Women’s Weekend presentation byincluded Neimanthe Marcus. Celebration that viewing of John W. Johnson, Jr. Ebele Iloanya Nicole Sonnier, Errick Presley Continued Success!.....MENTORING the movie “For Colored Girls,” followed and Linda Johnson and Stacy McIntosh and Marion Johnson MIXER………To kick-off the breakfast 2010 Black by discussions, a women’s prayer Expo, Houston Area with thethe theme, “Diary of aUrban HappyLeague Black hosted a mentoring mixer Woman” and concluded withwelcoming a mass. Susan L. Taylor, This year’s featuredPublisher speaker at Emeritus the prayer of Essence Magazine to the city and honoring breakfast was Sr. Patricia Chappell, with five outstanding mentors. The the Sister of Notre Dame de Namurhonorees and included Charles Executive former president of Savage, the National Black Director of the Fifth Ward Enrichment Sisters’ Conference. She lit up the room Program, Algenita Scott-Davis, Executive with her dynamic speech that engaged over Director of Houston Habitat for Humanity, 100 women in attendance and explained Lawrence Director/Special how she wasAllen, a happy Black woman. Projects for HISD, Dr. Jonita Reynolds, CEO /Gulf Kudos to pastor, Rev. Brian Fox, Janet Mary Simon, Pauline Allen, Janet Hall and Georgia Provost Coast Community Services Association and Eva Matthews, Brenda Long and Charolette Sandles Hall, Pauline Jacob, Mary Simon, Dr. Frazier Wilson, Vice President/Shell Georgia Provost, Marva Pradia and the Oil Foundation. menCompany of the parish who prepared and served Congrats!......NEWEST CHAPTER….. the breakfast. Spotted at this event were The recently organized Cy-Fair Tamara Thierry, Lydia Thomas, Chapter Lady of Terri Phillips and Deborah Duncan Kicking Out Kidney Disease the National Women of Achievement hostRuby Thomas, Beatrice Thierry, Eva ed their first event, “Sister II Sister” Health Matthews, Brenda Long and Charolette & Wellness Breakfast at Good Hope Sandles. Continued success!........ Baptist Church. In addition to a delicious DEVINE CREATIONS…….Verna breakfast, the guests were treated to a panel Caddie is a motivational speaker, beauty discussion presented by Venisha Shepard, advisor, author and founder of Devine nutritionist, Dornne Burnside, pharmacist Creations. She has a compelling passion and Officer Rachelle Holman. Although to help economically disadvantage and new, the chapter has already surpassed their underprivileged girls in the Houston area expectations in providing service to the eldand five years ago she presented her first erly, veterans, youth and women. Should Keynote Speaker Sr. Patricia Chappell and Rev. Brian Fox, SSJ Tamara Thierry, Lydia Thomas, Lady Ruby Thomas and Beatrice Thierry debutante ball. This year, the young you wish to join the chapter, contact Helen men were included and the 2011 Devine Johnson at 281-852-4405 or Chapter Creations Debutantes/Beautillion Ball President Anne Harris at 713-937-3320. was held at the Humble Civic Center. The Congratulations and continued sucyoung ladies presented were debutantes cess!........ KUDOS…….Mt. Horem Baptist Arrian Powell, Hill, Nemira Church family Carissa and Minister Thomas F. Arlener Poydras, Susan Taylor and Phyllis Bailey Charles Savage Brown-Jenkins, Rona E. Freeman celebrated theirWilliams, 60th Annual and Algenita Scott-Davis Anaya Carter, Tracia Brown and Erica Women’s Day Program…….Houston’s first Wilson. American The youngCongregational men included beaus African Church Pierre Davison, Rrymeris McDonald, and Senior Pastor Rev. Myron E. Cloyd Alaye’ Baker, Ryan celebrated its Matthew 106th yearMitchell, of service with a Crampon Ajene Bailey and Major dedication and unveiling of the Official Johnson II. Historical Many thanks to Rona Texas State Marker presented by Williams, Rita Hughes, guest speakers Debutantes Arrain Powell, Carissa Hill and Nemira Brown-Jenkins Debutantes Rona E. Williams, Anaya Carter, Tracia Brown and Erica Wilson the Texas Historical Commission and the CouncilCounty MemberHistorical Jarvis Johnson and and Harris Commission TongelaAnise ClarkParker and emcee Mayor hasYachtze been named one Luchin. Other guests MissPeople” of “The World’s Mostincluded Influential Black Houston Allyson Buckner, by Time magazine…….. Have aGloria great week Jackson and Nalyah Johnson…… and remember to watch CROSSROADS on Congratulations!........Have a great week Channel 13 Sunday morning with Melanie and remember to watch Lawson for your eventCROSSROADS covered by Ms. on Channel 13 check Sundayout morning with at Chag. Also our website Melanie Lawson for yourtoevent defendernetwork.com viewcovered the “Event by the Ms.Week.”…..From Chag. Also checkChag’s out ourPlace website of to at defendernetwork.com Dr. Jonita Reynolds Joe Arrington and Jerome Love Yvette Pawnell your place, Ciao Darling!to view the “Event of the Week.”…..From Chag’s and Dr. Frazier Wilson and Deanna Santiago Rona Williams, Verna Caddie and Rita Hughes Tongela Clark and Yachtze Luchin Place to your place, Ciao Darling!