Black Diamonds Shining Collective Spreads Love at Oakland's Rock Paper Scissors Gallery

    When I walked into the Rock Paper Scissors Collective gallery in Oakland last Friday, the word that kept running through my mind was affirmation. It was what I felt when I looked at the intricate murals and installations that covered the walls from top to bottom. It was the work of Black Diamonds Shining, an "Oakland based afro galactic black arts collective" comprised of artists Ras Terms, Safety First, Deadeyes, Antjuan Jones, Brooks Golden (Be Golden), and Larry Dobie.

    The best thing about gazing upon the work of these artists is that it serves as a reminder of our humanity and our beauty as people. I can't tell you how many times I stumbled across their work and it caused me to hold my head a little bit higher, or put a smile on my face and remember where I came from. The message they deliver is a powerfully positive one.

     The way that BDS transformed this space truly has to be seen to be believed. There are messages and images in every corner, and they all come together to form a beautiful narrative.

    Another wonderful thing about this collaborative work is how seamlessly it is woven together in this space. It's hard to tell where on artist's contribution begins and another ends.

 Iconography of the African Diaspora and the message of ancestral reverence is strong throughout the mural, as evidenced by an area dedicated to elder and ancestor movers and shakers  like Octavia E. Butler, George Clinton, and Malcolm X.

The Bay is home to some amazing graffiti and street artists, and they definitely have a unique aesthetic that celebrates the diverse cultures and natural beauty of the Bay Area. There are giant wheat pasted drawings of owls and foxes done with intricate detail, stencil pieces of cowrie shells and legendary afro beat musician Fela Kuti (shout out to ESU), and writing urging people to rise up and take a stand.    

You can keep up with the work of Black Diamonds Shining Collective on their Tumblr page

You can view more graffiti and murals by Bay Area artists on Endless Canvas . And if you're in the Bay, don't miss the show at Rock Paper Scissors, 2278 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland. They're open Weds. through Sunday, 12-7pm 

Black Diamonds Shining Collective Spreads Love at Oakland's Rock Paper Scissors Gallery

    When I walked into the Rock Paper Scissors Collective gallery in Oakland last Friday, the word that kept running through my mind was affirmation. It was what I felt when I looked at the intricate murals and installations that covered the walls from top to bottom. It was the work of Black Diamonds Shining, an "Oakland based afro galactic black arts collective" comprised of artists Ras Terms, Safety First, Deadeyes, Antjuan Jones, Brooks Golden (Be Golden), and Larry Dobie.

    The best thing about gazing upon the work of these artists is that it serves as a reminder of our humanity and our beauty as people. I can't tell you how many times I stumbled across their work and it caused me to hold my head a little bit higher, or put a smile on my face and remember where I came from. The message they deliver is a powerfully positive one.

     The way that BDS transformed this space truly has to be seen to be believed. There are messages and images in every corner, and they all come together to form a beautiful narrative.

    Another wonderful thing about this collaborative work is how seamlessly it is woven together in this space. It's hard to tell where on artist's contribution begins and another ends.

 Iconography of the African Diaspora and the message of ancestral reverence is strong throughout the mural, as evidenced by an area dedicated to elder and ancestor movers and shakers  like Octavia E. Butler, George Clinton, and Malcolm X.

The Bay is home to some amazing graffiti and street artists, and they definitely have a unique aesthetic that celebrates the diverse cultures and natural beauty of the Bay Area. There are giant wheat pasted drawings of owls and foxes done with intricate detail, stencil pieces of cowrie shells and legendary afro beat musician Fela Kuti (shout out to ESU), and writing urging people to rise up and take a stand.    

You can keep up with the work of Black Diamonds Shining Collective on their Tumblr page

You can view more graffiti and murals by Bay Area artists on Endless Canvas . And if you're in the Bay, don't miss the show at Rock Paper Scissors, 2278 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland. They're open Weds. through Sunday, 12-7pm 

Soul Food: "The Gods Must Be Crazy--Reviving The Black Supernatural Experience'

There is a cultural renaissance taking place in Oakland. Creative people are coming together to not only support each other and collaborate as artists, but also to find ways to make positive things happen in the community. '"The Gods Must Be Crazy"--Reviving the Black Supernatural Experience', a two part event presented by Top Ten Social kicked off at Oakland's Fox Theater Thursday evening with a panel discussion featuring singer Jennifer Johns, spoken word artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph, and DJ Rich Medina. Each artist (along with moderator Abel Habtegeorgis and host Ashara Ekundayo) lent a unique perspective, and what was most refreshing about this panel was the optimistic outlook of the speakers. Each has played a major part in the creative landscape for quite some time, so they had a lot of insight not only into the problems faced within the arts and our society but also solutions. There were many wonderful ideas presented, I thought I would share some of my notes with yall:

Create your own definition of success and victory, don't focus on someone else's.

Art can be the core for addressing social issues, which was the idea the Life Is Living Festival is based on. Art can be at the center of a larger movement, as a way of bringing people together.

A "creative ecosystem": people with shared values coming together through different modalities (i.e. a painter and a civil engineer both working for access to healthy food in their neighborhood)

The issue of budget cuts and art programs being eliminated in public schools: We need to develop small communities around the arts to make up for what is not being taught in school. Artists and community members must find ways of coming together to give young people what they need.

Spoken word artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph

How do we fortify future generations? How do we interact with/speak to the movement we benefited from (i.e. Black Power Movement, Civil Rights Movement, etc.) as the first generations to grow up with more opportunity than our parents and ancestors?

Gentrification sends more low income people of color further away from urban centers in search of affordable places to live. But what happens to these communities as the prices of food and fuel continue to rise? Resources will be more costly to access in spread out areas. Cities need to remain an affordable option for all people.

Dancer/choreographer Adia Whitaker's concept of "neo folklore": Diasporic people of the hip hop generation creating folklore

Singer Jennifer Johns

The body as a folkloric instrument, a radical revolutionary instrument to create new folklore

DJ Rich Medina

"I sing from a place of intelligence, letting them [the audience] know that I know who they are."     -Nina Simone

There was so much food for thought, and the energy in the room was electric. Part 2 of  'The Gods Must Be Crazy' takes place tonight at The New Parish in Downtown Oakland, with a party featuring live performances by Jennifer Johns, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Martin Luther, Kev Choice, DJ Rich Medina, Scorpio Blues, and Ashara Ekundayo (who told last night's audience "don't show up trying to be all cute in your heels, come prepared to DANCE!" ) 

Nina Simone

This event presents an exciting model for what is possible when combining art and social change: Having a consciousness raising session and presenting questions, ideas, and things to work on in the community, and then following it up with artistic food for the soul. 

Gil Scott Heron

If you're in the Bay Area, come out for what is sure to be a night to remember at The New Parish, 578 18th Street in Oakland. Show is from 8pm-2am, tickets are $20. Wear your flats and sneakers!

And if you'd like to see photos from last night's discussion, check out the Top Ten Social Flickr page

Soul Food: "The Gods Must Be Crazy--Reviving The Black Supernatural Experience'

There is a cultural renaissance taking place in Oakland. Creative people are coming together to not only support each other and collaborate as artists, but also to find ways to make positive things happen in the community. '"The Gods Must Be Crazy"--Reviving the Black Supernatural Experience', a two part event presented by Top Ten Social kicked off at Oakland's Fox Theater Thursday evening with a panel discussion featuring singer Jennifer Johns, spoken word artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph, and DJ Rich Medina. Each artist (along with moderator Abel Habtegeorgis and host Ashara Ekundayo) lent a unique perspective, and what was most refreshing about this panel was the optimistic outlook of the speakers. Each has played a major part in the creative landscape for quite some time, so they had a lot of insight not only into the problems faced within the arts and our society but also solutions. There were many wonderful ideas presented, I thought I would share some of my notes with yall:

Create your own definition of success and victory, don't focus on someone else's.

Art can be the core for addressing social issues, which was the idea the Life Is Living Festival is based on. Art can be at the center of a larger movement, as a way of bringing people together.

A "creative ecosystem": people with shared values coming together through different modalities (i.e. a painter and a civil engineer both working for access to healthy food in their neighborhood)

The issue of budget cuts and art programs being eliminated in public schools: We need to develop small communities around the arts to make up for what is not being taught in school. Artists and community members must find ways of coming together to give young people what they need.

Spoken word artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph

How do we fortify future generations? How do we interact with/speak to the movement we benefited from (i.e. Black Power Movement, Civil Rights Movement, etc.) as the first generations to grow up with more opportunity than our parents and ancestors?

Gentrification sends more low income people of color further away from urban centers in search of affordable places to live. But what happens to these communities as the prices of food and fuel continue to rise? Resources will be more costly to access in spread out areas. Cities need to remain an affordable option for all people.

Dancer/choreographer Adia Whitaker's concept of "neo folklore": Diasporic people of the hip hop generation creating folklore

Singer Jennifer Johns

The body as a folkloric instrument, a radical revolutionary instrument to create new folklore

DJ Rich Medina

"I sing from a place of intelligence, letting them [the audience] know that I know who they are."     -Nina Simone

There was so much food for thought, and the energy in the room was electric. Part 2 of  'The Gods Must Be Crazy' takes place tonight at The New Parish in Downtown Oakland, with a party featuring live performances by Jennifer Johns, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Martin Luther, Kev Choice, DJ Rich Medina, Scorpio Blues, and Ashara Ekundayo (who told last night's audience "don't show up trying to be all cute in your heels, come prepared to DANCE!" ) 

Nina Simone

This event presents an exciting model for what is possible when combining art and social change: Having a consciousness raising session and presenting questions, ideas, and things to work on in the community, and then following it up with artistic food for the soul. 

Gil Scott Heron

If you're in the Bay Area, come out for what is sure to be a night to remember at The New Parish, 578 18th Street in Oakland. Show is from 8pm-2am, tickets are $20. Wear your flats and sneakers!

And if you'd like to see photos from last night's discussion, check out the Top Ten Social Flickr page

Spoken Truth: The Art of Talia Taylor

It is hard to put into words what a treat it is to witness Talia Monique Taylor aka Klassiq bless the mic. Her poetry washes over you like colorful waves, the beauty and light of her message is powerful, her delivery intoxicating. Talia steps to the stage, grabs her audience, and draws us upward to the heavens.


The Oakland, California based poetess and emcee has been writing and performing for over 10 years, and has performed alongside artists like Janelle Monae, Mystik, and Ursula Rucker. One pf her most recent performances was at Momma's Hip Hop Kitchen in the Bronx.

As of late, Klassiq has been rapping, transforming her poetry into lyrics and laying down tracks with beats by Bay Area producers Gavin Grant, Nick James, and Bicasso. Talia has talent for days, and even sings the hooks on some of her tracks.
photo by Ian Davis

A graduate of the Creative Writing and Africana Studies programs at San Francisco State University, Talia has also started a scholarship fund, the FLOW Scholarship, to assist students interested in traveling abroad, an experience that enriched her own life.

We'll definitely be hearing a lot more from this talented wordsmith.

Here are some ways to keep up with Talia's offerings:

Hear her tracks on myspace music: http://www.myspace.com/taliawashere
Follow her on twitter: http://twitter.com/eyekneeduhname
Her blog: http://since84.wordpress.com/
Her youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Klassiq84

Spoken Truth: The Art of Talia Taylor

It is hard to put into words what a treat it is to witness Talia Monique Taylor aka Klassiq bless the mic. Her poetry washes over you like colorful waves, the beauty and light of her message is powerful, her delivery intoxicating. Talia steps to the stage, grabs her audience, and draws us upward to the heavens.


The Oakland, California based poetess and emcee has been writing and performing for over 10 years, and has performed alongside artists like Janelle Monae, Mystik, and Ursula Rucker. One pf her most recent performances was at Momma's Hip Hop Kitchen in the Bronx.

As of late, Klassiq has been rapping, transforming her poetry into lyrics and laying down tracks with beats by Bay Area producers Gavin Grant, Nick James, and Bicasso. Talia has talent for days, and even sings the hooks on some of her tracks.
photo by Ian Davis

A graduate of the Creative Writing and Africana Studies programs at San Francisco State University, Talia has also started a scholarship fund, the FLOW Scholarship, to assist students interested in traveling abroad, an experience that enriched her own life.

We'll definitely be hearing a lot more from this talented wordsmith.

Here are some ways to keep up with Talia's offerings:

Hear her tracks on myspace music: http://www.myspace.com/taliawashere
Follow her on twitter: http://twitter.com/eyekneeduhname
Her blog: http://since84.wordpress.com/
Her youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Klassiq84

Upcoming in Oakland: Afrikanation Art Exchange/Ebony's Going Away Party

Where can I even begin when discussing the thrilling work that has been a part of artist/community organizer Ebony Iman Dallas' Masters' Thesis over the past couple of years? Her thesis centered around bringing together artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally to promote unity and positive change in the community. That's all I'll say, I'm saving the rest for future writings on Ms. Dallas ;)

Friday, July 17th Ebony will host the Interactive Art Exchange Exhibition, which will also serve as her going away party, since she's bound for Southern California. If you're in the Bay Area, come out and celebrate this landmark project, and enjoy some wonderful art and music as well.
The show will take place at Coffee With A Beat, right next to Lake Merritt in Oakland.

Coffee With a Beat • 458 Perkins Ave., Oakland, CA • Friday, July 17 • 6p - 10p

Please come out and celebrate the work of 12 dynamic artists who participated in my final thesis project entitled Afrikanation Interactive Art Exchange. The point of this project was to unify all people of African decent and supporters in order to join minds and create solutions to common problems through art. These collaborations took place around the topics of Family and Traditions as well as Goals and Dreams. This combination of musicians, painters, poets, and video production artists truly formed a rich experience that we would like to share with you. Please invite your family and friends.

Participants include:
Eesuu Orundide • Painter
Anthony J Hall • Poet
David Goodlett • Guitar Player
Tatek Kassaye • Video Production
Sarah Webb • Poet
Opesanwo I Fakorede Fadaaro • Painter
Oluyemi Thomas (of Positive Knowledge) • Bass Sax
Ijeoma Thomas (of Positive Knowledge) • Poet
Mosheh “Son of a Drummer” Milon • Drummer
Maria Ortiz • Curator/Visual Arts
Bush Mama Africa • Mixed Media Artist
Jinaki Bahati • Photographer

Ebony Iman Dallas • Afrikanation Community Organizer
Abdoul Diallo • Afrikanation Community Organizer

Also featuring guest artists and community activists

Please come out to support Bay Area Artists and non-profit community arts programs

COST
None, but accepting donations for non-profit community arts organizations such as Art Esteem, a local organization who provides art therapy for over 3,500 Bay Area youth including the “Self as a Super Hero” project. For more information about this organization, please visit www.ahc-oakland.org

ARTISTS WISHING TO PARTICIPATE

Painters, poets, designers, musicians, and culinary artists… you may perform, exhibit and sell work with 10% of the proceeds going back to specified non-profit community arts organizations. Art Esteem is the only confirmed at this time. For more information on Art Esteem, please visit their website at www.ahc-oakland.org. Please contact Ebony at eid@eidart.com for more information and for participation.

?’s: For more information regarding this event and participation, please email Ebony at eid@eidart.com or visit eidart.com/afrikanation.

Please join us!

EBONY’s GOING AWAY PARTY
First of all, I love Oakland! In these clear times of change, chances must be taken. I am moving to Claremont, CA (30 miles from Los Angeles) at the end of July and I would like to party with you all 1 or 2 more times before I go. Please join me. I’m gonna miss you all very, very much.

Take care fam and I’ll see you soon!

Ebony Iman Dallas
Afrikanation Community Organizer
www.eidart.com

Upcoming in Oakland: Afrikanation Art Exchange/Ebony's Going Away Party

Where can I even begin when discussing the thrilling work that has been a part of artist/community organizer Ebony Iman Dallas' Masters' Thesis over the past couple of years? Her thesis centered around bringing together artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally to promote unity and positive change in the community. That's all I'll say, I'm saving the rest for future writings on Ms. Dallas ;)

Friday, July 17th Ebony will host the Interactive Art Exchange Exhibition, which will also serve as her going away party, since she's bound for Southern California. If you're in the Bay Area, come out and celebrate this landmark project, and enjoy some wonderful art and music as well.
The show will take place at Coffee With A Beat, right next to Lake Merritt in Oakland.

Coffee With a Beat • 458 Perkins Ave., Oakland, CA • Friday, July 17 • 6p - 10p

Please come out and celebrate the work of 12 dynamic artists who participated in my final thesis project entitled Afrikanation Interactive Art Exchange. The point of this project was to unify all people of African decent and supporters in order to join minds and create solutions to common problems through art. These collaborations took place around the topics of Family and Traditions as well as Goals and Dreams. This combination of musicians, painters, poets, and video production artists truly formed a rich experience that we would like to share with you. Please invite your family and friends.

Participants include:
Eesuu Orundide • Painter
Anthony J Hall • Poet
David Goodlett • Guitar Player
Tatek Kassaye • Video Production
Sarah Webb • Poet
Opesanwo I Fakorede Fadaaro • Painter
Oluyemi Thomas (of Positive Knowledge) • Bass Sax
Ijeoma Thomas (of Positive Knowledge) • Poet
Mosheh “Son of a Drummer” Milon • Drummer
Maria Ortiz • Curator/Visual Arts
Bush Mama Africa • Mixed Media Artist
Jinaki Bahati • Photographer

Ebony Iman Dallas • Afrikanation Community Organizer
Abdoul Diallo • Afrikanation Community Organizer

Also featuring guest artists and community activists

Please come out to support Bay Area Artists and non-profit community arts programs

COST
None, but accepting donations for non-profit community arts organizations such as Art Esteem, a local organization who provides art therapy for over 3,500 Bay Area youth including the “Self as a Super Hero” project. For more information about this organization, please visit www.ahc-oakland.org

ARTISTS WISHING TO PARTICIPATE

Painters, poets, designers, musicians, and culinary artists… you may perform, exhibit and sell work with 10% of the proceeds going back to specified non-profit community arts organizations. Art Esteem is the only confirmed at this time. For more information on Art Esteem, please visit their website at www.ahc-oakland.org. Please contact Ebony at eid@eidart.com for more information and for participation.

?’s: For more information regarding this event and participation, please email Ebony at eid@eidart.com or visit eidart.com/afrikanation.

Please join us!

EBONY’s GOING AWAY PARTY
First of all, I love Oakland! In these clear times of change, chances must be taken. I am moving to Claremont, CA (30 miles from Los Angeles) at the end of July and I would like to party with you all 1 or 2 more times before I go. Please join me. I’m gonna miss you all very, very much.

Take care fam and I’ll see you soon!

Ebony Iman Dallas
Afrikanation Community Organizer
www.eidart.com