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 Karen Seneferu

What to say, from the moment I 'met' this sistah, before we had ever spoken a word i was intrigued, activated and expanded. It was going to be an adventure of galactic proportions... and I was ready for the ride. Engaging, provocative and sho nuff bout it! I invite you to experience Karen Seneferu.

Karen Seneferu is a self-taught artist that was born and raised in Oakland California. She received a BA in English from University of California, Berkeley. Interested in how individuals can be a part of mainstream society andmaintain cultural integrity, Seneferu created a program that removed fear andanxiety for Foundational Students called Take Flight at Berkeley City College, where she teaches. The program incorporates art, technology, reading, writing and gallery visits. At the center of the program is the idea that narrative is art and art is narrative.

Senferu artwork is a cross section of her teaching, where every space has the potential for creative output, education, and healing. Thus, every space has hidden meaning; what enters into that space can be dictated by that meaning, or can transform the meaning of that space.

In coming in and taking over space, Senferu created a new art form called Technokisi. Technokisi attempts to alter and speak to the ancient form of the Nkisi through a new and innovative work of art. The Nkisi, out of the Kongo Basin, dated as early as the 16th century, was designed as a container covered by a mirror in the stomach, the head, the back, or the sex of the sculpture, which activated the power for daily life. Placing technology at the center of Technokisi becomes the mirror reflected back on those who view the video, placing the charge within the viewer as well as the containment that is viewed. These two opposing forms for Karen -the ancient and technological merge to create both a futuristic energy, grounded in a historical vehicle that navigates multiple discourses and geo-political landscapes for the purpose of healing and empowerment. 

For a ride on the star ship check out karenseneferu.com

Great 28 -Black Love 2014 NIA Collective

Truly an example of Black Love in action, many sistahs over the past 26 years have worked together to create a safe, nurturing space that has become a haven for healing and finding community. I am so grateful for these women... Big up NIA Collective!!!

NIA Collective was created by and for Lesbians of African descent.  The organization was founded in 1987 during the Black Caucus at the Lesbian of Color Conference in San Francisco.The word “NIA” was chosen for its meaning, purpose, in the Swahili language. African Americans are familiar with the term as the fifth principle of Kwanzaa, the Winter Harvest celebration.

The “purpose” of NIA Collective is to collectively build a network through self-definition, self-acceptance and acceptance of each other as lesbians, as people of African descent and as women.
The NIA Collective’s main project has been an annual gathering. Recently they have enlarged the vision and scope to meet the needs of lesbians of African descent throughout the year,  committing to excellent social, political, educational and spiritual health for us all!

NIA is a nonprofit organization for lesbian & same gender loving women of African descent, they  also support other groups that address the needs of lesbians & SGL women of African descent. An Oakland-based, global community celebrating same-gender loving women of African descent and the allies who support them!

 

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

Great 28 -Black Love 2014 dj lynnee denise

Yes, yes, yall, the medicine is in the music the science is in the mind... nuf said, meet dj lynnee denise #Great28BL2014

Known for her eclectic mixes of classic hip-hop, soul, funk and deep house, dj lynnee denise of Wildseed Music draws from Black social and political movements to present the dynamic range of music of the Diaspora. lynnee denise was resident dj for “Schomburg Nights” at the Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture and for the Central Park Skaters Association. She performed in the Orchestra of DJs at the Studio Museum in Harlem and in the Sekou Sundiata and Days of Art and Ideas conference at Harlem Stage. Working as the Sound Designer for the Excavating Motherhood exhibit at the Brooklyn Arts Gym in 2007 sparked lynnee’s passion for combining visual arts, youth development and music production to reflect her broad interest in the concept of humanization through music. lynnee has been a guest dj at internationally recognized venues in New York City including Joe’s Pub, Mocada Museum, Deity, Sutra, Knitting Factory, Harriet’s Alter Ego, Little Field, and Rush Arts Galleries. She's spun along side underground and internationally known artists such as Ursula Rucker, Joi, Saul Williams, MC Lyte, DJ Beverly Bond, DJ Spinna, Eric Roberson, Amplified Music (UK tour), Martin Luther, Julie Dexter, Cody Chestnut, Malena Perez, Larry Heard (Mr. Fingers) and Donnie. She was the feature dj at Spelman College's “Take Back The Music” and Toni Cade Bambara conferences in Atlanta. lynnee works as the Director of Programs and Services for exalt youth, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to transform the lives of youth involved the criminal justice system. She holds a BA in Sociology from Fisk University and an MA in Ethnic Studies from San Francisco State University. 

WildSeed Cultural Group provides "Entertainment with a thesis."

Check for more at WildSeed Music NYC and djlynneedenise.podOmatic.com