Great 28 -Black Love 2014 Queen Hollins

There is no blog, no post, nor is there tweet that can do this sistah justice... Smh. Visionary, warrior, healer, mother, sister, friend... this doesn't even scratch the surface, although those who know her KNOW how MUCH those few words translate into. Giving thanks for this one right here! My kindred, Queen Hollins.

Queen Hollins is the Principal Steward of the Earthlodge Center for Transformation. Through the Earthlodge, women and queer communities have not only healed and transformed individually but the healing has shifted lineages of suffering by reconnecting to nature. In addition to stewarding the Earthlodge, Queen delivers the medicine of Mama Earth through African dance philosophy and  instruction, poetry, shawomanism, spiritual counseling, herbal permaculture, monthly Queer full moon ceremonies and sacred ceremonial crafting. 

Follow the links to learn more about Queen, the Earthlodge Center for Transformation and the Nu Legacy Project.

Great 28 -Black Love 2014 Traci Bartlow

I met this sistah on the dance floor, and it's been on the one ever since! The love this woman has for our people and our culture, coupled with her talent and vision make her a force to be reckoned with and a straight up home girl for real. Prone to uplift yo vibe and enhance your funkentelechy, y'all please dig Ms. Traci "B-Love" Bartlow.

 

Traci Bartlow is one of the Bay Area's most mutli faceted artists. A native of Oakland California, this dancer / choreographer, photographer, poet has worked internationally in theater, film television and print. Her early beginings as "a dancer on the block" have evolved to being proficient in many dance styles including old school and new school hip hop dance, Lindy Hop, Jazz, West African dance and House. A striking beauty represented by Stars, The Agency in San Francisco she currently works in print, television and film. 

Traci is the founder and creative director of Starchild Enterprise, which is based on the African Adinkra symbol Nsoroma whose meaning translates to, 'my illumination is merely a reflection of God's or, Child of the Heavens'. This is the guiding principal for all Traci's creative endeavors. Traci is a cultural worker with over 20 years experience as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, photographer, director, producer, community organizer,  and gardener. Owner and operator of B-Love's Guest House, Traci is also an artist/activist and core member that helped to found and develop the Eastside Cultural Center. 

B-Love’s Guest House is a unique extension to Traci's lifestyle of wellness and creativity. Catering to the visiting artist or business professional, this guest house is a cute and spacious 5 bedroom apartment on the street level of her Victorian home. Click on this link to find out more about B-Love's Guest House.

For more info check out the tracibartlow.com and you can "like" Starchild on Facebook or follow @TraciBartlow on Twitter to find out about upcoming shows and workshops.

Great 28 -Black Love 2014 Iyatunde Oshunade Folayan

OhKay, this one right here!???... She on a mission, this sistah put the 'ack in Black (as in 'ack like you know'). She ain't playin' and she ain't scared... leaving her mark everywhere she go, and comin' to a liberation near you. It is my pleasure to present this daughter of Detroit, the fierce, multi-talented, non-stop, Ms. Iyatunde Oshunade Folayan.

The proud granddaughter of cotton pickers, singers and farmers from Alabama, she is the loving rebel daughter of a retired GM auto worker/former cotton picker and a school administrator. Iyatunde's given name is LaTrice Annette Dixon. 

A Detroit native, she was the first in her family to graduate from a university. As a student at the University of Michigan in the late 80's, Iyatunde remembers being politicized by a lone, Black Lesbian protester outside her dorm room window. Soon thereafter, she joined the United Coalition Against Racism (UCAR), a student group that led the historic winning campaign to increase Black student enrollment at U-M, setting a pro-affirmative action trend at universities nationwide. After obtaining her degree in Political Science, Iyatunde moved to New York and took classes in video and film at Third World Newsreel and the Nuyorican Poet's Cafe. The universe aligned so that she would get an opportunity to work as a producer and music researcher on the PBS documentary of her hero called A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde. 

After obtaining her MFA from the first graduated class in Media Arts at City University of New York in 1999 and received Best Screenplay for her film short The Book of Ezekiel. Before leaving the East Coast in 1999, she returned to Detroit and co-founded S.P.I.C.E., Sistahs Providing Intelligence Creative and Empowerment, a nurturing and supportive organization to serve the needs of Detroit's Black Lesbians. 

A passionate supporter of independent media, Iyatunde co-founded the South Centeral Radio Collective and birthed the first Black women's radio show on Los Angeles' KPFK (90.7 FM) entitled Some of Us Are Brave. While living in Long Beach, Iyatunde collaborated with Dorothy Randall Gray and programmed A Burst of Light, Long Beach's first Black Lesbian film and poetry series, founded The Here To Stay Coalition with Yardenna Aaron in 2008 and organized the first Black, queer contingent to march annually in Los Angeles' Kingdom Day Parade. Under the tutelage of Queen Hollins, Iyatunde is honored to be a gatekeeper at the EarthLodge Center for Transformation and the Queer Full Moon Circle in Long Beach.

Iyatunde has been unceasing in her efforts to address the issues, celebrate the achievements, and  support the creation of healing spaces, within the Black/Queer community intersection locally and globally; reaching out to, raising awareness around and standing in solidarity with our queer brothers and sisters on the continent.

Based in Detroit, Iyatunde works closely with Black LGBT community there and is completing her screenplay Who Saves Brown Girls Who Don't Holler?

Follow Iyatunde on Twitter @IyatundeF to see what she's up to.
 

 

Great 28 -Black Love 2014 Afia Walking Tree

The first time I saw this sister she was walking with her Djembe like she was born wearing it, the first time I heard her play I knew it wouldn't be the last. Shortly there after I found myself packing up, saying farewell to my folks in L.A. and heading to the Bay to study with her... That's some kind of inspiration, my life -and drumming, haven't been the same since. I bring you Afia Walking Tree.

Percussionist, Instructor, Lead Facilitator, Ritualist, Afia Walking Tree, M.Ed is a world-class percussionist, cultural ambassador, spiritual activist, empowerment facilitator, leadership development advocate and trainer. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, she is currently based in the California Bay Area.

For over 14 years, Walking Tree has served her destiny as visionary director of her brainchild, Spirit Drumz, an international organization that prioritizes women and youth of all cultures to utilize African Diasporic drumming, dancing, and storytelling to activate empowerment and healing. She has served in the capacity as mentor, coach, director, and performer across the US, Europe, Canada, and West Africa, spearheading integrative, expressive, cultural arts education programs such as: Drum-Talk-Story, Transformative Leadership, FunDRUMentals, and Drum Our Souls Free.

Walking Tree's drumsongs are prayers of gratitude for the generosity of spirit. Her lyrics are evolutionary teachings, addressing present day issues of social justice, freedom, healing and self-love.  

To get more information and her first solo CD, entitled Soul Affirmationz check out www.spiritdrumz.org.

Great 28 -Black Love 2014 Dr. Herukhuti

If you are fortunate, as I am, there is someone in your life who knows some thangs about some thangs and will check you, uplift you, make you laugh, think and love harder than you ever thought possible around the liberation and culture of Black folks... So if you can handle that, I know you gonna dig

 DR. HERUKHUTI

Dr. Herukhuti is a clinical sociologist, cultural studies scholar, sexologist, and traditional African shaman who focuses on sexuality, gender, and spirituality themes within the African Diaspora (i.e., Black folks all over the world) and other marginalized communities (e.g., polyamorous, BDSM/kink, and fetish). Rooted in community, he works in and with Diasporic communities and other marginalized communities as a scholar-practitioner dedicated to and driven by the goals of liberation and social justice.

Dr. Herukhuti is the founder of Black Funk: The Center for Culture, Sexuality, and Spirituality and editor-in-chief of http://www.blackfunk.org/. Through Black Funk, he provides individuals and groups information and education for sexual empowerment, decolonization, and liberation. He is a faculty member at Goddard College, one of the nation’s oldest institutions for progressive education, where he works with undergraduate and graduate students.

Dr. Herukhuti, author of the book Conjuring Black Funk: Notes on Culture, Sexuality, and Spirituality, Volume I (Vintage Entity Press), holds a PhD in human and organizational systems with a concentration in transformative learning for social justice and specializations in sexuality and cross-cultural studies of knowledge. His work has been published and anthologized in various academic and popular contexts including Sexualities, Journal of Bisexuality, ARISE Magazine, and Ma-Ka Diasporic Juks: Contemporary Writings by Queers of African Descent.

To arrange for Dr. Herukhuti to speak or offer a presentation/workshop, please email speakersbureau@blackfunk.org.

Twitter: @DrHerukhuti
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/DrHerukhuti

Great 28 -Black Love 2014 Abu Inpu Ka Mut

Yeeaaahh... This brotha right here...? What can I say? Smh. Anytime I'm at a loss for words..., actually any time I'm at a loss period, I know I can reach out to this brother for support, guidance and protection. That means more to me than you'll ever know. It is my honor to bring to you Abu Inpu Ka Mut...

Abu (Teacher) Inpu Ka Mut is a founding member of an association of

independent Khemetic (Egyptian) priests, priestesses, and monks. As a

Khemetic priest (Hm Ntr), he has provided spiritual andpsycho-social

counseling, house blessings, rites of passage and other traditional

Afrakan spiritual services for many people on the East and West coasts of

the United States. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California. As

a psychic and astrologer, Abu Inpu has provided counsel and advice to

people in the entertainment industry, small business community, and

numerous individuals.

Abu Inpu is a martial artist, yogi and founder of the Khemetic Aha and

Sema Association. His students have ranged from five to eighty-one

years of age. A former instructor and member of the Khemetic T’ai Chi

and Yoga Society, Abu Inpu incorporates T’ai Chi Ch’uan, Taoist, Hatha,

Kundalini and Pranayama sema (yoga), Rekh Hati Khemeti (Khemetic Mind

Science, a traditional meditation and healing system), and massage to

work with individuals in clinical settings as a Mind-Body Health

consultant, Self-Applied Health Enhancement Methods (SAHEM) practitioner,

and alternative health practitioner.

While studying in the priesthood,Temple of the White and Gold Lotus,

Shrine of Amen Ra, Abu Inpu developed a keen interest in the men’s

movement. Consequently, Abu Inpu Ka Mut works with males struggling with

challenges unique and unfamiliar to the process of becoming a man. He

has served as Djegna (mentor) and advisor to many men, both individually

and in groups, to support and facilitate growth and development.

A graduate of the University of Southern California, with a Bachelor’s

Degree in Psychology, and Master’s Degree (ABT) in Sociology, Abu Inpu

uses his secular and religious training to serve those who are committed

to helping themselves. Abu Inpu is a certified mediator. He also gives

presentations, facilitates workshops, and provides readings of his

original poetry.

Abu Inpu currently works as a High Conflict Community Mediator. For more info contact Abu Inpu at (213) 437-7700 or email Inpu33@jawconsulting.net

Great 28 -Black Love 2014 Ifalade Ta'Shia Asanti

This sistah right here has been ahead of the game since I met her, and has not missed a beat in her forward strides to build strong, power full communities. Big up Ifalade Ta'Shia Asanti! www.tashiaasanti.com @tashiaasanti #Great28BL2014

About Ifalade

Ifalade Ta'Shia Asanti-Award-winning Journalist, Fiction Writer, Filmmaker, Poet & Producer

Ifalade Ta’Shia Asanti’s work as a cultural and spiritual educator, journalist, columnist and fiction writer have been written about in the New York Times, Advocate Magazine, TVguide.com, Denver Post and Entertainment Today. Ta’Shia has made regular appearances on nationally syndicated news and talk shows including Fox News, CBS, NBC, Good Day America and PBS. 

Ta’Shia is the author of three books, The Sacred Door: A Spiritual Guide to Power Living and The Seer: Legacy of Stone & Spirit and The Bones Do Talk. Ta’Shia has contributed her original writings to numerous books, anthologies, magazines and journals including Essence Mag.

Ta’Shia wrote, produced and co-directed two short films which achieved critical acclaim on the international film festival circuit (Train Station (USA 18min) and Rashida X: A Day in the Life of a Black Female Revolutionary (USA 21 Min). Ta’Shia has consulted on various distinguished film and TV projects.

 
A Short List of Ta’Shia Special Achievements, Nominations & Awards Include:

2011 Lambda Literary Foundation Fellowship Recipient for the UCLA Writer’s Program

Audre Lorde Black Quill Award-For Creating Positive Images of African-American Women in the Media

Seed Scholarship Award from the International Black Writers and Artists Organization to attend UCLA Writers Program

Kathleen Morris Award for Best Contemporary Fiction by a Woman of Color

Nominated for the Courage in Journalism Award for Exceptional Achievement in the Field of Journalism-International Media Women’s Foundation

African-Americans Who Make a Difference Award-Urban Spectrum Media Co.

Great 28 -Black Love 2014 Ayodele Nzinga

This sistah is know as "The WordSlanger" for good reason, she got the dope ish and you bound to get turned out cuz it's Power Full, without further delay allow me to present...

Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PHD

Ayodele Nzinga is a multi-talented West Coast based art visionary, who in the tradition of the Black Arts Continuum, uses performance as a method of inter-intra group communication.  Nzinga, also known as “The WordSlanger” has worked with some of the most talented performers in the Bay Area in various capacities to bring life to a long list of creative endeavors.  She is the original Artistic Director of Recovery Theater, and it’s cult classic Marvin X’s  “One Day in the Life,” billed as the longest running African American Theater Production in North America. Nzinga is the creative driving force of The Lower Bottom Playaz and was the founding director of The Sister Thea Bowman Memorial Theater.  The Sister Thea was built to facilitate Nzinga’s desire to use theater as a form of engagement for the community of West Oakland, has housed Nzinga’s troupe since the theater was founded in 22001. Nzinga continues to focus her artistic practice on underserved audiences in West Oakland CA.

A bright and consistent energy on the cutting edge of the East Bay cultural arts scene Nzinga’s Lower Bottom Playaz sustain themselves by holding annual auditions for new members.  The troupe has been a launching pad for artistic careers and has encouraged members to pursue degrees in the arts. Nzinga nurtures future performers  with her innovative Summer Theater Day Camp a summer program that offers free artistic training and “first” performance opportunities to local youth from under served areas.  Nzinga also conducts a series of inter-active arts workshops that are popular on high school and college campuses throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Multifaceted Nzinga, acts, directs, writes, lecturers, conducts workshops, teaches acting privately, and performs as a featured spoken word artist in Northern CA.  She is a member of The Black Apes Project, a multi-media company, that specializes in Ed-u-tainment art.  She is the CEO of We Inhale Production and Publishing an independent micropublishing and production company in West Oakland CA.  She has served as the  Literary Artist-in-Residence and Resident Dramaturge for the Prescott-Joseph Center for Community Enhancement.  She has consulted, served residencies, and created programming for various art concerns and schools including The University of California at Berkeley,  Opera Piccola, Asa Academy, St. Martin De Porres School, The Beacon Outlet, The Leo Center, and A.L.I.C.E.

Learn more about Nzinga and The Lower Bottom Playaz at A.Nzinga's Blog and The Lower Bottom Playaz

Great 28 -Black Love 2014 Imani Tolliver

I don't have the words or the time to share the impact this sister has had on my life. An ally, even when we have different view points and ALWAYS bringing the love, it is my absolute pleasure to introduce Imani Tolliver...

Imani Tolliver is a poet, visual artist and educator. 

She has been a consultant for several museums, educational institutions and has been honored with a Certificate of Appreciation by the City of Los Angeles for her work as a promoter, host and publicist in support of the literary arts in Southern California.  She also served as the 2007/2008 Poet Laureate for the Watts Towers Arts Center in Los Angeles, California.

She has been a featured poet across the country, including the Smithsonian Institution, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, The World Stage Performance Gallery, University of Southern California, California State University at Long Beach, California State University Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Central Library.

Imani also volunteers, marches, and pitches in whenever she is able, in support of the vibrant and beautiful LGBT community of which she is wholly and happily a part.

Learn more about Imani at ImaniTolliver.com