21 minute read
Events
HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS EVENTS NONA HENDRYX, the Rock Goddess, rocks the house of Egyptian Goddess Isis, the Temple of Dendur, at the Met.
By Maria Grazia CAVENAGHI
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Presented on February 29 th in collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art by Harlem Stage as part of their yearlong, citywide, WaterWorks commissioned celebration of Sun Ra and his legacy, The Cosmic Synthesis of Sun Ra and Afrofuturism series, was a breath-taking space travel experience created by Nona herself.
Electrifying Cyboracle Nona Hendryx and the Disciples of Sun Ra performed a dreamlike, multisensorial tribute to Afrofuturism pioneer, Sun Ra in a most magnificent and magical set, the pharaonic Egyptian Temple of Dendur in The Sackler Wing of the Metropolitan
Museum.
Dedicated to the Mother Goddess of Egypt, the Temple, which symbolizes the natural world as Egyptians knew it, echoed with sounds from outer space where figures created by the wildest imagination were sumptuosly gliding and dancing across time.
I felt weightless, mesmerized and entirely immerse in the ambience, the music, the lights, the sounds, the spoken words, the movements and the space, while cyber travelers performed on and off stage. A once in a lifetime experience!
‘The concert will collapse time: past, present and future” said Nona, and added “Afro -futurism is Afro-present and Afro-past […] it is a possible future created in the mind, projected and seen through the lens of the African diaspora, it is part science-fiction and fact”.
The music and text of San Ra, Criag Harris and Nona Hendryx, were performed by Nona Hendryx and Keyontia Hawkins under the masterful musical direction of Craig Harris - a member of the original San Ra’s Arkestra – cyber-played by: Etienne Stadwijk, Will Calhoun, Steve Bergonetti, and Jay Rodriguez. Futuristic costume and set design by Virgil Ortiz, choreography by Francesca Harper, and invoca
tions by Carl Hancock Rux. This program was made possible in part by The Lavori Sterling Foundation, Inc. Support for the Harlem Stage WaterWorks commissioning program provided by The Hearst Foundation,
Bloomberg Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Ford Foundation, and Mosaic Fund. Photo credits: Paola Lobo & Maria Grazia Cavenaghi
TICKETS FROM $39 WITH CODE 72MHN FEBRUARY 13—MAY 3
Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre/Laura Pels Theatre 111 West 46th Street 212.719.1300 roundabouttheatre.org
Birthday: stars celebrate a legend at the iconic Apollo Theater! EVENTS
By Maria Grazia CAVENAGHI
On March 1 st Harry Belafonte’s Birth day bash at the Apollo was a star-studded, passionate celebration of love, homage to his career and respect for his life-long engagement in defense of civil rights and fight against injustices.
Presented by City Winery and hosted by its founder, Michael Dorf, the birthday concert was a ben efit for two organizations that Harry Belafonte sup ports: the Popular Democracy Movement Center and the Harry Belafonte 115th Street New York Public Library. They will receive 100% of the proceeds.
While the entire Apol lo - filled to capacity - clapped, moved, danced and sang along with the amazing performers, Mr. B sat quietly in the third row, surrounded by the love of his family and the admira tion and respect of the stars gracing the stage and pay ing homage to the legend he is.
Asked about the event, Belafonte said he was humbled and delighted that City Winery had asked him to be honored at the Apol lo, the mecca of music, by such an amazing roster of talented artists and friends, ‘performing my songs and material that has been part of my legacy’.
I had attended Mr.Be lafonte’s birthdays before, but this was a once in a lifetime experience that sent shivers down my back . Love filled the air as the performers alternate on the stage to honor him. From the powerful gos pels of Aloe Blacc to the stunning voice of Alice Smith who interpreted ‘A change is gonna come’ by Sam Cooke, the electric Sheila E., the legendary Mighty Sparrow, the social conscious rap of Doug E. Fresh and Common who
recited Black America to Talib Kweli, John Forté, Gael Faye, the Resistance Revival Chorus, Harlem’s own Impact Repertory and Usher, who showed up as a guest, all paid tribute to a life well spent and to end the show they gathered on stage to sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mr B to the
standing ovation of the en tire Apollo theater.
A life dedicated to uti lize his talent and fame as world renowned singer, songwriter, performer and actor, to advocate for social justice and equality. A life dedicated to fight against racism and inequality, em powering the oppressed
and leading the way not with mere words, but with action and commitment. As a Civil Rights activ ist alongside Martin Luther King Jr., he has fought in the anti-apartheid move ment, organized the 1985 “We Are the World” fam ine relief song and worked to end countless other in
justices around the world and, as recently as 2017 he was honorary co-chair of the Women’s March on Washington. His life, his music and his legacy were at the core of this unfor gettable night of celebration………………….. Photos by Maria Grazia Cavenaghi
Former Kansas City Monarchs Captain James “Jim” Robinson of Harlem Featured in Toyota TV Commercial Produced by Burrell Communications Group I n celebration of an iconic moment in American history, Toyota pays tribute to 100 years of Negro Leagues Baseball in the latest creative as part of the marketing campaign for the all-new 2020 Toyota Highlander. Filmed partly at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, the commercial, titled “Home Team,” was created and produced by Burrell Communications Group. Toyota commemorated the Negro Leagues Centennial with a private brunch and panel discussion held last month at the historic Apollo Theater, currently celebrating its 85 th anniversary. Moderated by ESPN/ABC News correspondent Ryan Smith, the panel featured Jim Robinson; Corey Seaton, vice president and creative director, Burrell Communications Group; and Craig Payne, executive program manager, product development office, Toyota Motor North America. “We are truly delighted that Toyota has chosen to honor the unsung heroes of the Negro Leagues this way,” says Bob Kendrick, President, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. “The passion, determination, and unwavering spirit from these individuals is truly an American story.”
Living baseball legend James “Jim” Robinson, former captain of the Kansas City Monarchs, is featured as the “family patriarch” in the spot. Jim and his family take a trip down memory lane at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum where his love for the game comes to life. The reminiscing continues as the family hops into their allnew Highlander and travels to where it all began, complete with a standing ovation to honor the impact Jim and his fellow teammates left on the sport.
“‘Home Team’ is yet another inspiring piece of work from our ‘GO HIGHLANDER’ campaign,” says Joe Moses, general manager, Toyota vehicle marketing and communications, Toyota Motor North America. “We are honored to celebrate this pivotal moment in history in a touching spot that celebrates America’s favorite pastime.”
Toyota made a presentation of $25,000 to the Harlem Little League during the press event last month.
“Home Team” will begin airing on March 30, 2020.
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FORUM: Students Helping Seniors
By Hazel Rosetta Smith (Photos Hubert Williams)
If you are thinking THE LINKS, INCORPO RATED is merely a social group of women lunching and brunching, you are mistaken. The Links, Inc., established in 1946, is one of the nation’s oldest and largest women’s volunteer service organizations. With more than 288 chapters across the United States, the Bahamas and United King dom, members are dedicated to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.
The Greater New York Links Health and Human Services Committee recently hosted an interactive work shop at the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Community Center in Harlem. Links co-chairs Dr. Marcella Maxwell, Michelle D. Stent, Esq., and Rhonda Joy McLean, Esq. welcomed attendees and introduced in vited speakers.
The STUDENTS HELP ING SENIORS WORKSHOP was purposed to partner seniors with a student to assist them in understanding their tech devices. Seniors were invited to bring their mobile phones, iPads, lap tops and other technical devices.
The Reverend Deacon Rodney A. Beckford, Di rector of the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Center, under the auspices of Catholic Char ities Community Services provided ample space for the workshop from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Kendal Askins, STEM Educator, NYU Tan don School of Engineering, gave an overview of tech nology issues and seniors’ concerns itemizing helpful tech opportunities, such as making Appointments; Set ting Alarms and Reminders; Finances; Data Security and Video Chatting with family and friends.
Anita Farrington, Dean of the School of Engineering was on hand to encourage and thank eleven junior high school students, ages 15 to 17, members of the NSBE National Society of Black Engineers, who volunteered to assist the seniors. And, the assistance was patient and pleasant.
A helpful handout of WEB Vocabulary was distrib uted from Digital Girl, Inc., a STEM program listing words and definitions on devices. Popular Apps for Seniors included: HeartWise Blood Pressure Tracker; Pillbox ie; MediSafe; SilverSurf for iPad; Park’n’Forget for iP hone; Lumosity; WordBrain; Skype; AARP; Epicurious; Senior Discounts; EyeReader and Find My Phone.
The Internet requires awareness and caution. Ad visory warnings included: Scammers target seniors via emails and websites. Do not open attachments, click links or respond to email messages from unknown senders that ask for any personal infor mation. Beware of requests to update or confirm person al information. Do not get tempted by emails offering “free” gifts, prizes or vaca tions. What you say and do online is visible to others and it’s not erasable.
If your thinking has been that our youth are not caring or helpful to seniors in pro cessing the workings of technical devices, you missed out on an opportunity and an informative experience. Get in the know, do not hesitate to ask a young person for as sistance. Technology knowledge is necessary to stay abreast of this fast-changing world.
Lunch was delicious as usual, important information was available, inquiring minds joined in good fellowship and the early day was time well spent. Stay Linked In! [Hazel Rosetta Smith retired former Managing Editor/Woman’s Editor of New York Beacon News, playwright/director of Help Somebody Theatrical Min istries. Contact: misshazel@ twc.com]
Dr. Marcella Maxwell gets help from students with her cell phone
Student helping senior Helpful handouts
(L-r) Anita Farrington, Carolyn McBain, Rhonda Joy McLean, Marcella Maxwell, Rev. Deacon Rodney A. Beckford, Kendall Askins Harlem Community Newspapers | March 12. 2020
Disney’s “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway”
By Pat Stevenson L ast week I had the opportunity to witness the world premiere of Disney’s “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.” This special new ride was nearly a century in the making! Back in 1928, Mickey Mouse burst upon the silver screen as the star of “Steamboat Willie” and changed the world of entertainment forever. However, through all of his many adventures, there’s one thing Mickey has never done: starred in his own ride-through attraction in a Disney theme park. That changed as of Wednesday, March 4, with the debut ofMickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
I personally experienced the ride twice. In this bold and innovative new family adventure, guests step through a movie screen in the park’s re-creation of the Chinese Theatre and into the world of Disney Television Animation’s “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts, where “mouse rules
Audrey Bernard of the Beacon and Pat Stevenson of Harlem News
apply” and anything can – and does – happen! Mick
ey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a celebration of Disney heritage and a showcase for state-of-the
art storytelling and attraction design, delivering a
joyous new adventure for the entire family.
Coronavirus: What can older adults do to reduce their risk of illness? O lder Americans and adults who take routine medications to manage chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, should make sure they have “adequate supplies” on hand as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to climb in the U.S., health officials said on Tuesday. The advice comes as a long-term care facility in Washington battles an outbreak of the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus, coupled with new research out of China that shows older adults and people with underlying health conditions — such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes — were “about twice as likely to develop serious outcomes” from COVID-19, com pared to “younger, healthier people,” Nancy Messonnier, an internist and director of the Centers for Disease Control and Preven tion’s (CDC) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said in a news briefing Tuesday.
“We are particularly concerned about these people, given the growing number of cases in the United States, as well as those with suspected community spread,” Mes sonnier added. “What is happening now in the United States may be the beginning of what is happening abroad.”
Avoiding sick people and washing your hands often are two preventive strat egies public health experts have been pushing to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Older Americans living in areas that are ex periencing spikes in coronavirus cases may also need to “think about what actions” they can take to reduce exposure to the virus, Messonnier said.
This may include social distancing strategies, such as teleworking and avoid ing large public gatherings.
Health officials have warned that though risk of infection from the corona virus that emerged from Wuhan, China, in December is still low for the general Amer ican public, individuals and communities should be prepared for an outbreak.
“It’s not so much a question of if this will happen anymore, but rather more a question of exactly when this will happen and how many people in this country will have severe illness,” Messonnier said.
In the absence of a vaccine to prevent COVID-19 or medication to treat it, health officials and government leaders are prepar ing for an outbreak with non-pharmacological interventions. What these interventions look like at the community level will vary, depending on local conditions.
“Social distancing” — avoiding crowds and staying home when you are sick — will likely be one of the top strate gies recommended by officials. Depending on the severity of the situation, communities may see school closures, an increase in teleworking and the cancellation of mass gatherings. In areas where the illness is spreading, this is already happening.
In the health care setting, hospitals may need to triage patients differently, and providers may need to increase telehealth services and delay elective surgeries. Work ers should be asking their employers if teleworking is an option. And people with children and grandchildren can check in with school systems about plans for tele schooling.
“All of these questions can help you be better prepared for what might happen,” Messonnier said.
Though these types of disruptions to everyday life seem “overwhelming and severe,” Messonnier emphasized these “are things people need to start thinking about now.”
The decision of what steps to imple ment when will be up to local officials. On Thursday, Congress agreed on an $8.3 billion bipartisan package to help provide funding to state and local health agencies. “During an outbreak of a new virus, there is a lot of uncertainty,” Messonnier acknowledged. Guidance and advice will likely be “interim and fluid, subject to change as we learn more,” she added. What’s the best way to protect myself? The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to limit exposure. This means avoiding destinations that have reported spread of the virus, and thinking twice “be fore you expose yourself to someone who is showing symptoms,” the CDC’s Messon nier said.
Health officials also advise taking ev eryday steps that can prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. Wash your hands often with soap and water (scrub for at least 20 seconds), and use alcohol-based hand san itizer when soap is not an option. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and cover your coughs and sneezes.
Some other advice: Stay home when you are sick, and clean and disinfect fre quently touched objects and surfaces. “This is the other side of not spreading the dis ease, which is not catching it,” Messonnier said.
Is there anything I can do to prepare for an outbreak?
It’s never a bad idea to get your house hold ready for an emergency situation, including the spread of COVID-19. In ad dition to making sure you have “adequate supplies” of routine medications on hand, the CDC has a checklist for how best to pre pare for a community outbreak. Some of the steps include planning for ways to care for those who may be at greater risk for severe complications from the illness and identifying aid organizations in your community. You can also create an emergency contact list, if you don’t have one already. Talk with your employer and schools about plans for potential closures, and identify a room in your home that can be used to separate sick family members from healthy ones to minimize the risk of the illness spreading.
“Right now, especially, individual ac tions can have an important impact on how this situation plays out,” Messonnier said. What about travel plans? The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. government have declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency, and federal officials are warning Americans not to travel to China, Iran, South Korea and Italy due to a high number of COVID-19 cases.
The CDC also is advising travelers headed to Japan to exercise increased cau tion, and says older adults and people with chronic medical conditions should consider postponing nonessential travel.
If you do travel to a country that’s experiencing a spike in coronavirus cases, the CDC recommends that you wash your hands often, avoid contact with sick people, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
The U.S. government is also encour aging citizens to reconsider travel by cruise ship to Asia. Those planning cruise travel to other international destinations should be prepared for strict screening procedures, the State Department says — even disruptions to travel itineraries. Passengers planning cruise vacations should contact their cruise line companies directly on the current rules and restrictions.
Because the risk of COVID-19 spread ing throughout the U.S. community is low at this time, there is no reason to fear or halt domestic travel plans, said public health ex pert Syra Madad, who serves as the senior director of the System-wide Special Patho gens Program at New York City Health + Hospitals.
So far, the CDC has not issued travel warnings for domestic destinations. Be cause the situation is constantly changing, make sure you get your travel advice from credible sources, such as the CDC and WHO, Madad said. There’s a lot of mis information out there fueling unwarranted fear and anxiety.
“It’s important to stay informed, but it’s not a time to panic right now,” she added.
STAY HEALTHY! There are many things you can do every day to help stop the spread of germs.
Cover your coughs and sneezes Use your elbow or sleeve, not your hands.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your face Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• If you have fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, and recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread of coronavirus, or have been in close contact with someone who has, go to your doctor. • If you have symptoms but no travel history, stay home and call your doctor. • If you need connection to a health care provider, call 311.
The Storm, The Whirlwind and the Earthquake A One Woman Show - The Works of Bisa Butler
By Stacey Ann Ellis for HNC Arts & Culture
This month is Women’s History Month and I can’t think of anything more appropriate than an out ing to this one woman show of works by Bisa Butler. Bisa is a wife, a mother, an artist and an art teacher. A living symbol of the “creative juice” within the African Diaspora. Her works capture the famous, the every day person and family as well as the rich historical culture of African Americans. Her medi um is made up of carefully chosen textiles, some meaningful culturally and some personally meaningful to Bisa. Bisa’s quilt colors are not the “norm” and this outstanding creative palette catches your attention immedi ately, drawing you into the details of each piece.
Yes, Bisa Butler makes her art in the African American tradition of quilt making but there is noth ing traditional about her works or her imagery. Vibrant colors, an array of textiles, skilled stitching and symbols in her work bring to life not only historical figures but African American culture in an exotic form. Bisa has stated in interviews that she feels her work is as much autobiographical as it cultural.
Able to follow her roots to Ghana, Bisa has been drawn to portray men as well as women in her quilt portraiture, an influ ence from family photos. Bisa stated in an interview with the PrintbyPrint Group that she is drawn to older African Ameri cans. Her “watershed” moment came when she did a quilt for her grandmother from her grandpar ent’s 1931 wedding picture.
Family History and African American history are present ed to viewers larger than life in her works. She believes that
Africa: The Land of Hope and Promise for Negro Peoples of the World 52 x 88 inches - cotton, silk, wool and velvet quilted and applique
Detail photo of Quilt
transforming these images from small photographs to life size images gives us, the viewers, a different perspective of the per sons presented. Bisa enhances the details creatively by literally painting with textiles and stitch ing. When you go to the exhibit you will discover that not only does Bisa have the ability to present the images on a large
scale but you will also find that
she creates dimension within
them just as a painter or photog
rapher would utilize background or depth of field. Her symbols
and details in the figures are
stitched into her pieces with the
utmost delicate care.
Yes ladies, this is one to see
during Women’s History Month
but please, bring those men
along as they will not be dis appointed. They’ll be inspired
by her textile portraits of men
young and old. Her portrait of
Frederick Douglas stands tall
and proud centered in one of
Bisa’s quilts. (Image in this ar ticle is titled, Africa: The Land
of Hope and Promise for Negro
Peoples of the World)
The exhibit is at the Claire
Oliver Gallery, 2288 Adam
Clayton Powell Boulevard just
off 135 th . The gallery hours are
Tuesday thru Saturday 11am – 6pm. Phone: 212-929-5949
in association with
BEAUTY OF BALLET See SAB students perform excerpts from classic ballets and learn how they train to become professional dancers! THE presents
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2020 2:00 PM Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture Repertory Theater at Hostos Community College 450 Grand Concourse at 149th St., Bronx Pick up free tickets at box offi ce starting at 1 pm on the day of the show. Seating is fi rst come, fi rst served. WWW.SAB.ORG/BEAUTYOFBALLET
