Malachi’s Birthday Bash and Caribbean Education Fundraiser,
Saturday, August 25
Award winning Jamaican dub poet Malachi Smith is set to celebrate his birthday in fine style on Saturday, August 25, 2012, 9 PM, at JEPA’s Place, 7153 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale. Smith is a Board Member of Caribbean Education Foundation and he will use the occasion to raise funds for his adopted Jamaican student Garth Pearson, who has a scholarship from the foundation and currently attends Kingston College in Jamaica.
Legendary Jamaican singers Dobby Dobson, O.D., and Sharon Forrester, who is enjoying a resurgence of her singing career, will join Smith for the special night along with chart topping artist Mical Rustle, Michael Schloss, Taurus Alphanso, King Banton and others. Sky Force will set the pace along with Faada Duss.
Smith returned to the US in mid June after a successful one week tour of Medellin, Colombia, where he represented Jamaica at the 22nd Medellin Poetry Festival. Smith is Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s 2009 Most Outstanding Writer and was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Independence Voyces at its 2011 literary festival in St. Mary, Jamaica, for his contribution to the dub poetry genre of Jamaican poetry. He was the featured reader at the 2012 Talking Tree II Book Fair at Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth. Smith recently appeared in Tampa and Coral Springs, Florida, at Culturama 2012, at Princess PM’s Children Fun day at Negril on the Green, Hollywood, Florida, and at the Jamaican Flag Day celebration in Miramar, Florida.
Smith has appearances scheduled for 50 Diaspora Honors and Gala Benefit: “The Journey” hosted by the Consulate General of Jamaica, where he will be one of 50 persons who will be specially honored for contributions to brand Jamaica in the Diaspora. Smith is also scheduled to appear at another Jamaican gala in Virginia on September 16, 2012.
Smith is also currently the president of Jamaica Ex-Police Association of South Florida. Annually, the group travels to Jamaica to do a police station refurbishing project, award a scholarship to a Jamaican high school student, and do other charity work.
Smith is an alumnus of Florida International University and Miami Dade College, and a fellow of University of Miami, James Michener’s Caribbean Writers Institute. He works as a Field Training Officer with Miami-Dade Police Department.
For further information: Malachi (305) 302-5365 or Email: malismith [at] aol.com & mlchsmth [at]yahoo.com
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Not many days come along quite like Saturday, May 19, 2012, in Miami, Florida, when, on the birth date of the late Malcolm X (who would have been 87), a special “Memory Day” for the sharing of oral histories and memorabilia at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park (HVKBP), 4020 Virginia Beach Drive, off Rickenbacker Causeway, will begin with a traditional symbolic Leaf Ceremony of reconciliation and healing, conducted by a visiting African king at 10:00 a.m.
"Memory Days,” were a vital part of the broad community effort which began more than a decade ago to reclaim and restore the historic beach, saving it from exclusive private development and establishing it as a historic and environmental landmark. These were special days set aside at the park (which was still closed down) for the sharing of recollections, reminiscences, and articles of memorabilia (snapshots, brochures, etc.) of the park, particularly in its heyday as Miami’s only “Colored Beach,” which were recorded on video as a permanent record of important history which is documented nowhere else.
Saturday’s Memory Day renews this popular event, which also provides the fun and surprises of a “family reunion” atmosphere, and is designed to include the oral histories of younger generations as well. These valuable stories, from spiritual rebirths (baptisms) to first kisses, to historic gatherings, to Splashdown parties, are all more valuable than ever today, as the entire Historic Beach Park is about to become the “indoor/outdoor museum” which the community envisioned more than ten years ago, beginning with displays and features which require as much accurate information as possible.
Oral history gathering will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Providentially, the day is also an opportunity for people to share their memories of Malcolm X as well. Malcolm X did not enjoy the same kind of widespread acceptance as his fellow fallen hero Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but this in some ways made him an even stronger and more credible voice in the African American community, and he was certainly no less of an important historic figure. His remarkable rise from family tragedy and the life of a street hustler to a globally respected and dedicated activist for human rights is a story that has been too little known and too often misunderstood or misrepresented, as so often happens with some of the most inspired and inspiring leaders.
It is therefore only fitting that a day with so much meaning and so much to offer should be launched in such a special way, as an African King, H.M. Nii Dr. Kpobi Tettey Tsuru, III, of the Traditional Area of La, Ghana, West Africa, which includes the capital city of Accra, culminates his third goodwill visit to South Florida at HVKBP, where he has long desired to pay tribute to the local history and community, bringing a message of reconciliation and reconnection as we strive to overcome the continuing consequences of more than four centuries of the Atlantic “slave trade,” slavery, and colonialism.
Finally, certainly not to be overlooked, this special day, and this important ritual invocation of ancestral strength, knowledge, and spiritual guidance (the King is also a Christian minister) will all start by honoring and giving thanks to the land itself and its original inhabitants with a Native American Opening of the Way ceremony conducted Carib Tribal Indan Queen Mrs. Catherine Hummingbird Ramirez, who played a key role in the saving of the Miami Circle sacred site, where she continues to hold weekly prayer vigils on Tuesday evenings.
As a day of history, reconnection, and fun, Saturday, May 19 at Historic Virginia Key Beach park will be history-making in itself and is sure to be fondly remembered by generations to come.
Contacts: Gene Tinnie, 305-904-7620 or Michelle Swaby, 305-960-4618
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Here are two trailers. In the first, Neville Garrick speaks about Bob's exile in London (1977) and Cindy Breakspeare gives background information about Bob's decision. I also learned about Bob's work habits and his creative process.
Jimmy Cliff and Bunny Wailer talk about the early days of the Wailers. Jimmy Cliff also reveals a nugget of information about Bob that I'd never known before.
Plot Summary: Bob Marley's universal appeal, impact on music history and role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled. "Marley" is the definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary, and legend, from his early days to his rise to international superstardom. Made with the support of the Marley family, the film features rare footage, incredible performances and revelatory interviews with the people that knew him best.
From Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald (One Day in September, The Last King of Scotland) comes the story of a towering figure of musical history, whose music and message has transcended different cultures, languages and creeds to resonate around the world today as powerfully as when he was alive.
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If you enjoyed this post, check out my page on Amazon. I’d also be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend, or sharing it on Twitter or Facebook.
On Palm Sunday, March 28, 2010, at 5 p.m., the Episcopal Church of the Holy Family, 18501 NW 7th Avenue, Miami Gardens, will present a special staging of Easton Lee's award winning play, The Rope and the Cross.
Award winning dub poet and actor Malachi Smith joins the talented Holy Family Church cast as the shepherd for the one night performance. While living in Jamaica, Malachi appeared in many plays including Romeo and Juliet, Flat Mate, Unsung Heroes out West, What the Wine Sellers Buy, etc., andin the USA, he appeared in Yankee Affair and Baby Father.
Andy Williams plays Jesus; Patrick Brown plays Judas; Marie Gill, Judas’ mother; Lavern Johnson, Mary; Carlo Callwood, John; Shontonna Wray, Sarah; Stacey Silvera, story teller; George Wilson, Pilate; Walter Wray, Herod, and the soldiers are: Desmond Smith, Nathan Mott, Jessie Ponder, Adrien Goffe, and Robert Goffe.
Father Easton Lee, C.D.,playwright and set designer, will also direct the play. The musical director is Ashworth Mathews and the production coordinators are Peta-Gaye Fancy and Marie Minto. Gwen McLean and Jean Lee designed the costumes.
Book Launch: Reception and Lecture: Eroticism, Spirituality and Resistance in Black Women's Writings by Donna Aza Weir-Soley
Come out and bring your friends and family for good Caribbean food and an exciting discussion on the nexus between black female sexuality and spirituality.
Dr Donna Aza Weir-Soley will be reading from her latest book, Eroticism, Spirituality and Resistance in Black Women's Writings, on Saturday, December 12, 2009, at Broward South Regional Library/Broward Community College campus, 3700 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines.
Praise for Eroticism, Spirituality, and Resistance in Black Women's Writings.
"In Eroticism, Spirituality, and Resistance in Black Women's Writings, Dr. Weir-Soley successfully undertakes an analysis of how black women writers, beginning with Zora Neale Hurston in her masterpiece Their Eyes Were Watching God, have used overlapping narrative depictions of sexuality and spirituality to recast the denigrated black female body and rewrite an empowered and fully actualized black female subject."
~Candice M. Jenkins, Associate Professor of English, Hunter College, City University of New York
"Weir-Soley speaks with an authority that comes from real knowledge of, investment in, and attention to the details of the African cosmologies and textual complexities she unearths."
~Carine Mardorossian, SUNY-Buffalo
"The most original and significant contributions are the often brilliant readings of Morrison, Adisa, and Danticat. The work is riveting, both methodologically and critically."
Book lovers, get ready to celebrate because the 26th edition of the nation’s finest and largest literary gathering, Miami Book Fair International (Fair), is just around the corner. Presented by the Florida Center for the Literary Arts at Miami Dade College (MDC), the Fair will take place Nov. 8 – 15 at the college’s Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. Second Ave., in downtown Miami.
The Fair will again treat book lovers to more than a week of cultural and educational activities, including author readings, book signings, the beloved Evenings With series, the IberoAmerican Authors program, the popular Street Fair Nov. 13 – 15 featuring hundreds of vendors on the actual closed streets of downtown Miami surrounding the campus, Children’s Alley, Comix Galaxy, and much more.
Its signature Evenings With series kicks off on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 5 p.m. with Elizabeth Alexander, who wrote and delivered President Barack Obama’s inaugural poem, “Praise Song for the Day.” Admission to this event is free and does not require a ticket. Seating is limited. Please note all other Evenings With events have a $10 admission fee. The events will be held at the Chapman Center, Building 3, Room 3210.
In addition, many other renowned authors are slated to attend, including Sherman Alexie, Margaret Atwood, Roy Blount Jr., Robert Olen Butler, Meg Cabot, Alan Cheuse, Susie Essman, Mary Karr, Mike Farrell, Nobel Laureate and former Vice President Al Gore, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Barbara Kingsolver, Jonathan Lethem, Jacquelyn Mitchard, Ralph Nader, Richard Powers, Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk, Francine Prose, Ruth Reichl, Senator Bob Graham, Wally Lamb, musician and performer Iggy Pop, Melvin Van Peebles, Jeannette Walls and many others.
Confirmed Spanish-language authors include Roberto Ampuero, Carmen Posadas, Alvaro Vargas-Llosa, Boris Izaguirre, Angela Becerra, Juanita Castro, Edmundo Paz-Soldán, Jorge Ramos, Fabiola Santiago, Jaime Bayly and others.
EVENINGS WITH SERIES
• Elizabeth Alexander, is the author of the inaugural poem Praise Song for the Day -- Sunday, Nov. 8, at 5 p.m.
• Margaret Atwood is the author of The Handmaid’s Tale and finalist for the Booker Prize -- Sunday, Nov. 8, at 7:30 p.m.
• Ruth Reichl is the Editor-In-Chief of Gourmet Magazine and former New York Times food critic -- Monday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m.
• Barbara Kingsolver is the bestselling author of The Poisonwood Bible, and short listed for the Pulitzer and PEN/Faulkner Awards -- Monday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m.
• Jeannette Walls is the New York Times bestselling author of Glass Castle --Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m.
• Richard Powers is a critically acclaimed novelist and winner of a National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize Finalist – Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m.
• Isabella Rossellini, famed actress, model and beauty icon, is the author of four books – Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m.
• Orhan Pamuk (Turkey) is the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature – Friday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
Thanks to the support of sponsors, there will be a nightly reception called Twilight Tastings prior to the evening presentations on the fifth floor terrace in Building 3. Also, people paying the admission to the evening sessions are eligible to receive a $5 discount on any of the authors’ books at anytime during the Fair or toward the purchase of any book prior to Dec. 31 at any Books & Books location. This does not apply to complimentary tickets.
MIAMI DADE COLLEGE AND THE ARTS
Miami Dade College has a long and rich history of involvement in the cultural arts, providing South Florida with a vast array of artistic and literary offerings including The Miami Book Fair International, the Florida Center for the Literary Arts, The Miami International Film Festival, the Cultura del Lobo performing arts series, The Cuban Cinema Series, the Prometeo Theatre, the Miami Leadership Roundtable speakers’ series, a renowned art gallery system, several campus theaters, and the nationally recognized School of Entertainment and Design Technology. It is also home of the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower. With an enrollment of more than 170,000 students, MDC is the largest institution of higher education in the country and is a national model for many of its programs. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer more than 300 distinct degree programs including baccalaureate, associate in arts and science degrees and numerous certificates. In 2006, MDC admitted its 1.5 millionth student.
In commemoration of the awards bestowed on Ms. Norma Darby and the Hon. Mervyn Morris on National Heroes Day in Jamaica, the Friends of Norma Darby and Mervyn Morris, will be hosting A Celebration of Two Jamaican Icons at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Family on October 29, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
A Celebration of Two Jamaican Icons will feature readings by local writers, Malachi Smith, Donna Aza Weir Soley, and Geoffrey Philp, as well as performances by the Jamaica Folk Revue and Tallawah Band.
A Celebration of Two Jamaican Icons
18501 NW 7th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33169-4441
October 29, 2009 @ 7:00 p.m.
Contribution: $10
For more information, please contact Friends of Norma Darby and Mervyn Morris, 18501 NW 7th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33169-4441, Tel: (305) 652-6797, Cell: 305-302-5365.
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If you have enjoyed the work of either artist and would like to contribute to the event, please use the secure PayPal button located at the top right sidebar on this blo.
Location: FIU--BBC Campus--Mary Ann Wolfe Theatre, Wolfe University Center
Street: 3000 NE 151 Street (Biscayne Blvd. and 151 Street)
City/Town: North Miami, FL
A Night of Poetry, Spoken Word, and Live Music by the Ra-Ra Rock Band!
Featured Poets: Geoffrey Philp
Malachi Smith,
Empress Addi,
Aza Weir-Soley,
Haiti Bluez,
Jonathan Escoffery,
Dawn Parris
Carl Vitente
Dariel Suarez and many more on the open Mic!!!
Bring your email list of friends and your laptops to solicit donations all night long or until they kick us out!!!
This event will benefit the less fortunate in Haiti. Bring your friends and your positive energy!!!! No cover charge, but we need and welcome your donations!!!!
Prizes and Surprises!!! Raffle tickets $5 ONLY
First prize: Relaxing Massage by a professional massage therapist and a critically acclaimed book by one of our featured poets. $120 value!!!
2nd Prize: A CD by Jamaica's World Class Dub Poet Malachi Smith!!!
3rd Prize: Another amazing book of poetry!
4th Prize--A nice surprise just to show you we love and appreciate you just for coming out in support!!!
Recent visitors to my blog may have noticed a series of changes such as the addition of new sponsors and a button for Blog Action Day, which will be celebrated on October 15, 2009.
So far, over 2000 blogs from over 102 countries with a combined readership of approximately 9,000,000 readers (you are one of them) have decided to rally around the cause of climate change—a phenomenon that is already affecting island nations such as the Maldives.
On October 15, 2009, I plan to blog about climate change and Jamaica. I’d like to urge fellow bloggers to register, promote, and take action at the Blog Action ’09 site to change “the conversation across the blogosphere.”
But this call to action is not only for bloggers. Climate change is affecting all of us. By raising awareness about this issue, we can, perhaps, forestall the effects, some of which have already become apparent in the Caribbean.
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