HOSTED BY
“I remind young people everywhere I go, one of the worst things the older generation did was to tell them for twenty-five years ‘Be successful, be successful, be successful’ as opposed to ‘Be great, be great, be great.’ There's a qualitative difference.” – Dr. Cornel West
2 DR. CORNEL WEST & BMWMB PRESENT | 2ND ANNUAL COMMUNITY LISTENING PARTY
WELCOME TO THE
2ND ANNUAL “FROM CHAINS 2 CHANGE” COMMUNITY LISTENING PARTY PRESENTED BY DR. CORNEL WEST & BMWMB WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THE EVENT!
FROM CHAINS TO CHANGE | “INSPIRE HOPE... CREATE A PATH FOR CHANGE” 3
4 DR. CORNEL WEST & BMWMB PRESENT | 2ND ANNUAL COMMUNITY LISTENING PARTY
BLACK MEN WHO MEAN
BUSINESS
FROM CHAINS TO CHANGE | “INSPIRE HOPE... CREATE A PATH FOR CHANGE” 5
We are proud to honor our dear friend
• Dr. Cornel West • and to support
the 2nd Annual Community Listening Party – Phil and Julie Angelides
6 DR. CORNEL WEST & BMWMB PRESENT | 2ND ANNUAL COMMUNITY LISTENING PARTY
ABOUT THE EVENT
his life-changing event is sponsored by Black Men Who Mean Business, Inc. (BMWMB), and co-sponsored by Zeta Beta Lambda Foundation, a 501©3 nonprofit organization. These organizations have been committed to improving educational opportunities for everyone, with an emphasis on addressing the serious challenges facing African-American communities. They have worked tirelessly to further the political, economic and social development in African-American communities. It’s no coincidence that Sacramento natives Dr. Cornel West, Clifton West and Mike Dailey – the founding members of BMWMB – and the co-sponsors have come together to form a full circle to create change, empower minds, celebrate accomplishments, mentor our youth and acknowledge our families.The first Community Listening Reunion took place May 31, 2008, at Sacramento High School. Now a year later, the trio and their supporters return to empower Sacramento’s youth again. The objective of BMWMB and the co-sponsors is to create an environment in which instructive information can be delivered in a way that young men and women will understand their position of responsibility for the children of the 12 million single mothers that are raising more than 22 million children alone. The absence of family support for these children contributes to the ills that plague our society and families and this partnership focuses on solutions.
T
supports Dr. Cornel West & BMWMB for their commitment to change
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IN MEMORY OF ROBERT F. BROOKINS
respected musician, singer, songwriter and producer made Robert F. Brookins one of the most in demand artists on the music scene. Born the sixth of nine children October 7, 1962, in Sacramento, California, the Del Paso Heights musical prodigy was reared by an Air Force aircraft maintenance worker and a homemaker. He began singing and playing the drums at age 4; he led Little Robert and The Fondells, a ninemember group that won the Motown Soul Search contest in 1974 and performed on TV shows for Ed Sullivan, Dean Martin, Dinah Shore, Flip Wilson and Johnny Carson. By the time he was 9 he was playing keyboards. As a teenager Robert even performed before Ronald Reagan at the White House. By the 80s, having graduated Grant High School, he had a good grasp of the bass and lead guitars as well as various horn instruments. He began his recording career with the electro-funk band Afterbach, in 1981, along with his brother Michael (guitars), and sang lead vocals on the album Matinee (produced by Maurice White of Earth Wind & Fire for their CBS-distributed ARC Records label). In 1986 he was the featured singer on the self-titled George Duke album, following which he signed to MCA as a solo artist; his raspy, soulful voice showcased on In The Night (1986) – which included “Come To Me” and a duet, “In The Night (Making Love),” with labelmate Stephanie Mills – and on Let It Be Me (1988) with its hit duet October 7, 1962 with Mills of the classic “Where Is The Love.” He released April 15, 2009 Something You Can Make Love To (2002) and completed Sweet Dreams, in March of this year. As a writer and producer, he has worked with The Reddings, Bobby Brown, Jackie Jackson, Stephanie Mills, Deniece Williams, Jeffrey Osborne and The Whispers. “She’s On The Left,” cowritten and co-produced by Robert, gave Osborne his first No. 1 Black music hit. He also managed to garner a No. 1 hit with the first single, “Innocent,” released from The Whispers More of the Night. As a musician he has recorded with the late George Howard, Ramsey Lewis, Nancy Wilson, Stanley Clarke and Roy Ayers. He toured with Brown, Clarke and Mills as well as Patti Labelle, George Duke, Philip Bailey and the late Wayman Tisdale, to name a few. For nine years his creative energy was tapped as musical director, keyboardist and co-lead vocalist for the legendary group Earth Wind & Fire. Robert kept a low artistic profile throughout the 90s. He died April 15, 2009, in Elk Grove, Califorinia. He was 46. His mother, Frankie, and brother, Tommy, preceded him in death.
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8 DR. CORNEL WEST & BMWMB PRESENT | 2ND ANNUAL COMMUNITY LISTENING PARTY
THE AGENDA “You can’t lead the people if you don’t love the people. You can’t save the people if you won’t serve the people.” — Dr. Cornel West 2nd Annual Community Listening Party John F. Kennedy High - Sacramento, CA • 2-5pm
Invocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor Ronald Bell Music Prelude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashlee Young Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bennie Kirby Opening Remarks Drum Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-Frost Spoken Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enjoli SPECIAL HONOR TO ROBERT BROOKINS presented by BMWMB (Black Men Who Mean Business) Cornel West, Clifton West & Michael Dailey Song and Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goapele Introduction of Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anjalee Beverly Words of Wisdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sonia Sanchez Musical Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raheem DeVaughn Introduction of Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phil Angelides Keynote: “From Chains 2 Change” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Cornel West Closing Remarks *** ABOUT THE HOST
Craig J. Jackson was born in Sacramento. He grew up a military brat as his father was a fighter pilot in the Air Force. Although young CJ grew up wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps and fly jets, the call of Hollywood was just too strong. Craig's first foray into television was a local show based in Sacramento called “Scratch.” He co-hosted with Lisa Ling and Mark S. Allen to name a few. From there Craig moved to Los Angeles where he began to host, act in and produce a myriad of television shows, including: “Channel One News”; “John from Cincinnati” (HBO); “The X Show (FX)”; and “30 Seconds To Fame” (FOX), to name a few. Craig is currently the host of VH1 hit television show "I Love Money," which just finished its second season. Craig also hosts "Up All Nite," a regional entertainment show based in the northern California market. He currently is producing (and possibly hosting) BET's new signature primetime game show. FROM CHAINS TO CHANGE | “INSPIRE HOPE... CREATE A PATH FOR CHANGE” 9
THE FOUNDING MEMBERS
Dr. Cornel West is a professor of religion and AfricanAmerican studies at Princeton University and is considered one of America’s most gifted, provocative, and important public intellectuals. He has won numerous awards, including the American Book Award, and has received more than 20 honorary degrees. In his scholarly work, he has authored more than 17 books, including the best-selling Race Matters which has sold nearly 400,000 copies to date and continues to influence a national dialogue on race. A political theorist who’s worked on presidential bids by Bill Bradley, Al Sharpton and Barack Obama, West also has been involved with such projects as the Million Man March and Russell Simmon’s Hip Hop Summit. He continues to be an integral part of social change as well as a driving force in pop culture. In fact, he has appeared inThe Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, playing one of the elders – Councilor West – while also providing philosophical commentary on all three Matrix films in The Ultimate Matrix Collection. He is a widely sought after public speaker, guest commentator on many national television programs and an integral part of social change in bringing back the essence of Black music with a “real” purpose. He has, without question, earned his place in American history as one of the greatest public intellectuals of our time. cornelwest.com • cornelscorner.com *** Black Men Who Mean Business (BMWMB)
Mike Dailey and Clifton West are the duo serving as supporting cast to the movement of Dr. Cornel West to inform and empower the African-American community through Hiphop, R&B, spoken word and Rap as well as mentoring, uplifting and truth telling in our community.
Mike Dailey, writer and co-producer of Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations brings many years of music industry savvy to the new project and has solicited the support of some of the industry’s top artists. His past credits include work with the likes of such artists as George Duke, The Jacksons, and Bobby Brown, to name a few. Clifton West also brings his writing and producing skills to the project as well as his voice at forums and listening parties to address African American issues in today’s society. BMWMB is a movement to remember, restore and re-ignite the power of uniting the African American community through love, unity, solidarity and loyalty to one another through mentoring and forums/listening parties in addition to other events. myspace.com/drcornelwest4bmwmb
10 DR. CORNEL WEST & BMWMB PRESENT | 2ND ANNUAL COMMUNITY LISTENING PARTY
GUEST ARTIST BIOS
Poet, author and activist Sonia Sanchez has taught as a professor at eight universities and lectured at more than 500 U.S. universities and colleges and has traveled extensively – reading her poetry in Africa, Cuba, England, the Caribbean, Australia, Nicaragua, the People’s Republic of China, Norway and Canada. She was the first Presidential Fellow at Temple University – where she began teaching in 1977 and currently is poetin-residence – having held the Laura Carnell Chair in English until her retirement in 1999. During the early 1960s she was an integrationist, supporting the philosophy of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). She met Black Muslim leader Malcolm X, and after considering his ideas, she focused more on her Black heritage from a separatist point of view. The first to teach a U.S. course based on Black women and literature, Sanchez began teaching in the San Francisco area in 1965 and was a pioneer in developing Black studies courses at what is now San Francisco State University, where she was an instructor from 1968 to 1969. In 1969, she was awarded the P.E.N. Writing Award. In 1971 she joined the Nation of Islam, but by 1976 she had left the Nation, largely because of her views on women's rights conflicted with theirs. She formed a writer’s workshop in Greenwich Village, attended by such poets as Amiri Baraka (LeRoi Jones), Haki R. Madhubuti (Don L. Lee) and Larry Neal. Along with Madhubuti, Nikki Giovanni and Etheridge Knight, she formed the “Broadside Quartet” of young poets, which was introduced and promoted by Dudley Randall. Known for her innovative melding of musical formats, like the Blues, and traditional poetic formats such as haiku and tanka, Sanchez is the author of more than a dozen books of poetry, including Does your house have lions? (1995), nominated for both the NAACP Image and National Book Critics Circle Award; Homegirls & Handgrenades (1984 / White Pine Press, 2007), which won an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation; A Blues Book for Blue Black Magical Women (1973); and We a BaddDDD People (1970). Her published plays are: Black Cats Back and Uneasy Landings (1995); I'm Black When I'm Singing, I'm Blue When I Ain't (1982); Malcolm Man/Don't Live Here No Mo' (1979); Uh Huh: But How Do It Free Us? (1974); Dirty Hearts '72 (1973); The Bronx Is Next (1970); and Sister Son/ji (1969). Her children’s books include: A Sound Investment and Other Stories (1979); The Adventures of Fat Head, Small Head, and Square Head (1973); and It's a New Day: Poems for Young Brothas and Sistuhs (1971). She also edited two anthologies: We Be Word Sorcerers: Twenty-Five Stories by Black Americans (1973) and 360º of Blackness Comin' At You (1971). Among the many other honors she has received are: Community Service Award from the National Black Caucus of State Legislators; Lucretia Mott Award; Outstanding Arts Award from the Pennsylvania Coalition of 100 Black Women; Peace and Freedom Award from Women International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF); Pennsylvania Governor's Award for Excellence in the Humanities; a National Academy and Arts Award; a National Education Assocation Award; a National Endowment for the Arts Award; and a Pew Fellowship in the Arts. Sanchez was born Wilsonia Benia Driver September 9, 1934, in Birmingham, Alabama. She married and divorced Albert Sanchez, a Puerto Rican immigrant whose surname she has used when writing, and the poet Etheridge Knight, with whom she had three children. She currently lives in Philadephia.
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GUEST ARTIST BIOS
Singer/songwriter Raheem DeVaughn, born in Newark, N.J., and raised by his mother in Maryland (Montgomery and Prince George’s counties), expressed an affinity to music in preschool, recalls his mother. He would act as conductor of school musical events. By his teen years, he began envisioning his career path in music; his favorite artist was Babyface. During summer visits to see his father, jazz cellist Abdul Wadud, Raheem saw the life of a working musician up close. While in college, he frequently would harmonize with street-corner singers. But his focus soon turned toward recording. His debut album, The Love Experience (Jive Records, 2005), sold 250,000 units and reached No. 46 on the Billboard 200 album chart with the singles "Guess Who Loves You More" and “You” receiving radio airplay. While promoting the album, Raheem took to wearing a crown and cape at shows and called himself “Underground King.” Love Behind the Melody (2008) is his latest work, and he was nominated for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance(“Woman”)at the 2008 Grammy Awards. You can see Raheem as one the hosts of BET’s current season of “Lyric Café.” theloveexperience.com
Oakland-based songstress Goapele (pronounced GWA-PA-LAY) broke onto the Bay Area music scene in 2001 – after a stint at Berklee College of Music – with her ethereal EP, Closer, and her popular live performances. She formed the independent label Skyblaze Recordings with her brother and boyfriend to oversee her musical career, following with the full-length Even Closer. In 2004, Columbia/SME Records picked up Skyblaze Recordings for worldwide distribution and re-released the album with additional tracks. By her third LP, Change It All (December 2005), Goapele was becoming known beyond the Bay Area though several television appearances promoting the album. She was named the No. 5 artist to watch in the July 2003 issue of Rolling Stone and made the countdown on MTV’s Top 10 Artists to Watch. Even Closer was heralded as an album ahead of its time. The track “Closer” – which was featured on the soundtrack of the 2003 film Honey – notched No. 1s on numerous radio playlists. She also collaborated with ALDO Shoes’ ad campaign in its fight against HIV/AIDS, which featured artists such as Ludacris, Ziggy Marley, and Kelly Rowland. A granddaughter of German holocaust survivors and South African grandparents who lived through apartheid, Goapele – who name means “to move forward” in South African language Sitswana – knows the importance of giving back time, energy and resources to the community and the planet. She founded an online community ChangeItAll.org to highlight political and social change-makers, and to provide a forum to network and create ways to promote action, creativity, courage and positive growth. goapele.com
Anjalee Beverly (Enjoli) – who graduated from San Francisco State University this May, leaving with academic honors and two bachelor’s in English (Creative Writing) and Africana Studies – has been an active member in the spoken-word community for eight years. She published her first chapbook, Poetically Correct, at 19. Anjalee’s aim is to use poetry as a vehicle to enlighten minds of every age from everywhere. Anjalee spent a year abroad studying at the University of Ghana, where she taught at a local elementary school and initiated a “Black Doll Campaign.” The campaign was created to reverse the damaging effects of neo-colonial infrastructures in Ghana and the negative effects of European media images. For the first time African children were allowed to see themselves in the toys with which they played. She also facilitated two research projects in Ghana concerning European hegemony and its affects on the Ghanaian perception of beauty. Moreover, Anjalee created the “We Are The Future” Scholarship – community funded in both Africa and America – to fund one year of school fees and supplies for K-12 grade children who faced both financial challenges and academic promise. She has presented at numerous conferences that focus on the uplifting of and well-being of African people worldwide. As Anjalee prepares for graduate school next year, she currently is facilitating research projects dealing with the Black community and urban youth, presenting at conferences... and enjoying life. 12 DR. CORNEL WEST & BMWMB PRESENT | 2ND ANNUAL COMMUNITY LISTENING PARTY
YOUNG, GIFTED & ‘BOUT TO BLOW UP Rapp Dailey feels he elevated from prince to king with his debut album 16 Years Yung – a project which he started at age 15. “What originally started out as an EP, became an album because of so much positive feedback about the entire album and its genius production.” His talent is no less genius, as he offers up a lyrical graduation with hooks, metaphors and stories of urban life. Music has been a big part of his life and influences of Tupac and Nas only added to his work ethic and appreciation of the culture of Hiphop. Yet, he is not onedimensional. Also a musician, Rapp began playing drums in kindergarten. He later eased into the piano and bass guitar, and – to add fuel to the fire – Rapp not only writes music but he reads music as well. Rapp is a strong young man; the support of his mom, Myra – whom he calls “The Rock” – is solid. With her support, his attitude, faith and talent, Rapp Dailey is wrapped tight... and this rap game should prepare for a new awakening. myspace.com/rappdailey
K’Frost – born Kyron Kirby June 10, 1998, in Sacramento, California – is not your typical 10-year-old. Destined to become a drummer extraordinaire, Kyron appreciates the vast and expressive possibilities of music; he has been mastering the basics of rhythm, pitch, dynamics and utilizing the drum as his instrument of choice since age 3. Kyron’s passion for drumming, showmanship and eagerness to perform is evident every time he is within reach of a drum set. Once mounted on the seat, Kyron blends two of his favorite genres of music: Jazz and traditional R&B. In addition to appearing at Dr. Cornel West & BMWMB Community Listening Reunion in 2008, Kyron also has appeared at: Good Day Sacramento UPN 31; Sacramento & Company KXTV 10; Crawdad Festival (Isleton, Calif.); Albinism Awareness Conference N.I.A Project, 20th Annual Oak Park Concert Series as opening act for the Dramatics & Pieces of a Dream, Monstars of Motivation, and Union House Elementary School AllStar Band (all in Sacramento); and Global Arts Film Festival (Los Angeles, Calif.). Kyron’s favorite quote: “To whom much is given, much is required.” kyronkirby.com Ashlee Young, born July 18, 1990, in Stockton, California, has been singing since age 2. Singing is her roots and foundation, but Ashlee is a very well rounded young adult. Ashlee is an accomplished basketball player, very active in her local church with singing, praise dancing, drill team/stepping, as well as acting. She has appeared at many venues, including the Bobby Jones national competition held in Las Vegas at 8 years old. She also has attended numerous national youth church conferences and conventions along with being a participant in the Young Woman of Excellence and the annual Still I Rise Conference. Ashlee has a passion for young people and their spiritual growth. She serves as a mentor and tutor. Ashlee is blessed and desires to be a blessing. Currently, she is enrolled in college seeking a degree in chemistry. FROM CHAINS TO CHANGE | “INSPIRE HOPE... CREATE A PATH FOR CHANGE” 13
Dr. Cornel West, we applaud you for empowering the community!
Thank you Dr. Cornel West and BMWMB for making the sky the limit for Sacramento youth!
14 DR. CORNEL WEST & BMWMB PRESENT | 2ND ANNUAL COMMUNITY LISTENING PARTY
Now Open! Located in the new Florin Tower Center 6023 Florin Rd Sacramento 916 231 9900
21 Howe Avenue Sacramento, CA 95826 916 379 0400 • 916 379 0700 fax FROM CHAINS TO CHANGE | “INSPIRE HOPE... CREATE A PATH FOR CHANGE” 15
“To whom much is given, much is required.”
kyronkirby.com THEATRE SHOWCASES
•
WORKSHOPS
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PRESENTATIONS
Celebrating 5 Years
2009-2010 Season POETIKLICENSE SERIES BIORHYTHMIC SERIES ECHO SERIES & MORE
• MERGING POETRY AND THEATRE SINCE 2005 • Use our “poeticductions” as a fundraising event Call 602-914-7301 • BPVEvents.com 16 DR. CORNEL WEST & BMWMB PRESENT | 2ND ANNUAL COMMUNITY LISTENING PARTY
congratulates you on a successful Community Listening Party
FROM CHAINS TO CHANGE | “INSPIRE HOPE... CREATE A PATH FOR CHANGE” 17
AUTOGRAPHS
18 DR. CORNEL WEST & BMWMB PRESENT | 2ND ANNUAL COMMUNITY LISTENING PARTY
THANK YOU
BMWMB wishes to thank everyone for their support and participation in this monumental event to help our families explore deeper realities through music, education, inspiration and love. A special thanks to Mike Dailey for his vision and passion. His commitment and dedication truly has made this a successful event. TO OUR HOST SPONSORS Hilton Garden Inn/Elk Grove CA Holilday Inn Express/Elk Grove CA TO OUR SPONSORS
California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation Comfort Inn
Cosmo Civic Club, Inc. Eatza Pizza Buffet Hair By Keysha
*** Access Sacramento Bam Jams Productions BlackPoet Ventures Esquire IMAX Theaters Sacramento Observer Sista Girl Underground Books
Hidden Beach Records LBE Marketing L’SOAR
Metro PCS
Dr. Glenn A. Middleton, D.D.S. Oxford Street
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Sandra Dee’s Barbeque & Seafood Restaurant SEIU Local 1021
Gary Simon (Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau)
Shecky’s - Girls Night Out Sutter Health Take Notice
United College Action Network USE Credit Union
WCIC/Playmate Head Start I. Williams, LLC Wingstop
TO OUR SUPPORTERS Pastor Ronald Bell Vice Mayor Lauren Hammond - District 5 Councilmember Bonnie Pannell - District 8 Senator Darrell Steinberg Councilmember Robbie Waters - District 7
SPECIAL THANKS TO John F. Kennedy High staff Principal Felis Berto Cedros Sacramento City Unified School District Zeta Beta Lambda Foundation Dr. Cornel West Sonia Sanchez Goapele Raheem DeVaughn Anjalee Beverly Phil and Julie Angelides Dawn Agent Public Relations Bazaar Productions Graphic Design Bennie Kirby Lailah Muwwakkil
BLACK MEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS MEMBERS Clifton West Leader Cornel West Inspires Michael Dailey Passion
“We are Street Soldiers for equality and justice for all”
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