tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63388115348090765492023-11-16T08:53:53.223-08:00Live UnchainedWelcome to the blog for Project Live Unchained, a multi-media anthology created for and by black women across the African Diaspora. Here you can learn more about the women and supporters of Live Unchained as well as issues, events, opportunities and people we think you'll find interesting. Please visit www.liveunchained.com to learn more.Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-46424956127688307622009-10-28T19:29:00.000-07:002009-11-19T19:54:36.963-08:00We've moved!Hi everyone.<br /><br />Thank you for visiting. The Live Unchained blog has re-located.<br /><br />Please visit us at <a href="http://liveunchained.wordpress.com/">www.liveunchained.wordpress.com</a><a href="http://liveunchained.wordpress.com/">.</a><br /><br />Peace,<br />Kathryn and MiriamLive Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-5428504537124498642009-10-19T12:03:00.000-07:002009-10-20T09:11:26.175-07:00My Sister Helps Me Tear Down Walls I Didn't Know I Had Built--Tribute PostMiriam and I started Live Unchained in the hopes of bringing women from different parts of the world closer to each other. Of course, appreciating women of African descent, starts at home. I am writing this blog for my sister, Ciara Arnise Calbert, one of the most brilliant and beautiful women that I know.<br />...<br />One of my favorite quotes from Hill Harper’s, <span style="font-style: italic;">Letters to a Young Brother</span>, is “You can't pick your family, but you can pick your friends. So pick friends who you wish were your family.” It just so happens that one of my best friends, was reading that book at the same time that I was. She is like family to me so I always refer to Ciara as my sister.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxlJe9sdIDC6Z_OQMAW6qgrsVPiuiITJehDHGeqQnMhOKKHrtaUugQhUZ97ET9mAprEtw4gz7Vn2hTsLIVT6lqA1xZXbnahXZl8oFGJnHYPrOjVgpH5_7TMNjGUVDFRT4nyz7LupcqLrH/s1600-h/Ciara+birthday.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxlJe9sdIDC6Z_OQMAW6qgrsVPiuiITJehDHGeqQnMhOKKHrtaUugQhUZ97ET9mAprEtw4gz7Vn2hTsLIVT6lqA1xZXbnahXZl8oFGJnHYPrOjVgpH5_7TMNjGUVDFRT4nyz7LupcqLrH/s320/Ciara+birthday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394410886576154914" border="0" /></a>I can be really demanding, critical and just in general, hard on myself. When it comes to school and Live Unchained, sometimes I think that I could and should be doing things quicker and better. But, I can say to myself, if God thinks I deserve to have someone as wonderful as Ciara in my life, I must be doing something right. Ciara leads by example. As Pearl Cleage said, “she taught me how to fly by flying.” She helps me be the woman I want to be, the woman I feel I ought to be to realize all my goals for Live Unchained…<br /><br />Here is just one example of how wonderful she is…I had just gotten back from Madrid, Spain. Because, my bank hadn’t received some checks by the time that I thought they would have and because I hadn’t budgeted my money right, I returned to the United States broke and anxious. Who likes to ask their parents for money in situations like this? I called Ciara. After I explained the situation, she didn’t judge or suggest someone else that I should talk to about it or even give me “tough love.” She trusted that I would learn what I needed to learn from the situation without her having to lecture me. She paid for my shuttle, gave me a ride to the airport the next day and even gave me money for breakfast. After apologizing and thanking her profusely all she said was, “I’m just honored to have the opportunity to help.” By the way, she said this in a “don’t be ridiculous!” tone. Now, that’s a good friend…<br /><br />She’s also my role model. After she completed the Honolulu marathon last December, I decided to boost my running and finished a half-marathon that summer. Ciara came with me the day before to pick up my race packet. That night she also let me borrow her ipod. I completed the marathon running to her music—Allison Hinds, Annie Lennox and Wyclef Jean got me through the race.<br /><br />Ciara also loves travel and languages. She was fluent in Spanish before traveling abroad to Brazil. Ciara learned Portuguese during her stay there. (She’s now fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese, like one of her heroines, Phylicia Rashad). After her study abroad program ended, she stayed and worked as a journalist. It was her interest in Afro-Brazilian culture and history that inspired me to learn more about the African Diaspora—and, most importantly, recognize myself and my responsibilities as a person of African descent. She came back from Brazil knowing how to Samba and, even though I was timid and self-conscious, she got me to do it with her on stage at an event at the University of Maryland-College Park (before I even considered going to that University for graduate school).<br /><br />We brought in the year 2004 together at my house—watching Waiting to Exhale (pausing after every major scene to re-enact lines and analyze the deeper message behind the dialogue), eating pizza and dancing. We were in different states on New Year’s eve 2005, but she sent me this message:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“I want to tell you how happy I am that we are friends. I couldn’t have asked for</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">a better friend than you. We kicked things off pretty much the summer of 2004</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">and it has been going strong ever since. You brought in my 2005 and I look</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">forward to the future. So, I think it’s time to say, thank You. You have helped</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">me feel so much stronger in myself. You’re kind of like my conscience in that</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">sometimes I think, would Kathryn respect this.? If not, then I don’t do it because</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">I see you as my younger sister and I have to look out for you, or at least set a</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">good example. (confusing – is she like your conscience or has she said that you are like her conscience) But, you have always been supportive of me in all the decisions I’ve made and I really appreciate that.”</span><br /><br />Ciara was with me throughout the graduate school application process. I expressed to her my frustration and anxieties over graduate school. She knew just how to calm me down. She sent me this message:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“…for women like us--creative, healthy, highly imaginative women--planning is our saving grace.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">If you plan out what you're going to be doing for the next few months--anticipating all questions or "situations" that may come up--it will help you feel much better when you go into the activities that you have on your plate. Plus, if you prepare yourself for things now, you'll be ready when/if they come up in the future. As you start visualizing how you would like your graduate experience to go, you can plan it out so that you can make it happen that way. Maybe even think about other aspects of grad school besides the immediate application process--Where do you want to live? How do you imagine it being, living on campus/going to campus, etc? What will your first day of class be like?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Most of the time we do this anyway without really thinking about it--like when we're children and we say what we want to be when we grow up, and then become that. We also can take an active role by--when you think of anything that could come up--acting on it immediately before it happens.”</span><br /><br />After much deliberation, I finally decided on the University of Maryland-College Park (where I first danced that Samba!). Ciara and I now live less than ten minutes away from each other. Before preparing to send my applications out, I tried the “speak it into existence” approach. In light of all the graduate acceptance letters I knew I was destined to receive (hahaha), I prepared a joke acceptance speech that I only shared with Ciara—its riddled with inside jokes, but maybe you can follow along (if you remember old episodes of “In Living Color” and are familiar with black Pentecostal or Baptist churches it shouldn’t be too bad). The original e-mail text is in standard font, my present day reflections are in bold italics. Here is what I sent to Ciara:<br /><br />“You know what I realized, I'm bout to get accepted into EVERY SINGLE GRAD<br />SCHOOL that I apply to <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">[This did NOT happen. The majority of schools I applied to said: “Hell No!” Ciara and I joke now and say that I’ll be asked to deliver an important speech or serve on a distinguished panel at a university that didn’t accept me…It would be a victory for both of us!]</span>.<br /><br />And, so, I have prepared my acceptance(s) speech. Like to hear it?! Here it go! Remember this from Martin, Ciara?-I think that's what Jerome would say… <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">[It’s actually from In Living Color, one of David Alan Grier’s characters said that—Ciara pointed this out to me later.]</span>:<br /><br />First and foremost, (clearing throat) I'd like to give an honor to God who is the head of my life, for making all the crooked places straight and all the rough places smooth.<br /><br />Uh-dish-shu-nu-lee, I'd like to thank my parents and family members who stood (pause) in the gap, so that I could fly high!<br /><br />And, I have to thank all my friends who supported me when I had to muster up the strength to support myself. I thank you for not losing faith in me and reminding me of my capabilities. Sometimes my only reassurance in knowing that I was talented was the awareness that I had to be doing something right to be blessed with such amazing women in my life.<br /><br />I'd like to give a special thanks to my play sister Ciara. (starting to tear up) Ok, girl, don't look at me! You gone ruin my makeup, trick! I love you so much and I thank you for your friendship. Your faith in me is like wings. I'm a better person because of you. I remember you shared a quote with me that you thought truly captured our friendship, and part of it said that friendship is supporting someone in 'taking big chances.' Thank you for that support and helping me realize that those 'chances' were really steps to attainable and fundamental goals.<br /><br />Because of your integrity, seeing you work towards your vision showed me that I could realize mine. I thank God for you and all of you everyday. The best is yet to come. Now, I would like to invite you all to the after-party. R A for life! (Gunshots and applause)…”<br /><br />Well, the last line is truly an inside-joke, you kinda had to be there…<br /><br />Ciara’s birthday is coming up soon—October 21st is the special day! And, so, I’m faced with the same dilemma I have every year: What do you get the person that you want to give the world to…? As selfless as she is, I know Ciara would like that her day serve to inspire someone else. I’m writing this post to honor her and let whoever is reading this know that everyone should have a friend like Ciara—someone that helps you tear down walls that you may not have known you built, does not judge you and makes you laugh so hard you cry uncontrollably and your stomach and back muscles hurt. If you haven’t yet found a friend like this, I hope this post would at least be a message that you do not have to settle for friendships that are more emotionally taxing than supportive.<br /><br />As the Live Unchained community grows I hope it will bring more and more women of color together—if this project can spark a relationship like mine and Ciara’s, Miriam and I will have realized one of our greatest dreams for Live Unchained.<br /><br />So, in advance, Happy Birthday Ciara! My wish for you on your 27th birthday is that this be the year that all your dreams come true. I love you!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7s1ijJJUA6EcHMN8R-TksocaACfqdPqIfeYMryz8szNr9vgmRtvNT6keenCZ4eW2lceP5CPZf4zKou22xAQlYLyOnLYq-2k7qDVUOPZP6Sa4cVa7kK1E_w3re36qY2wRkMxWaIG3FIOTh/s1600-h/DSCI0018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7s1ijJJUA6EcHMN8R-TksocaACfqdPqIfeYMryz8szNr9vgmRtvNT6keenCZ4eW2lceP5CPZf4zKou22xAQlYLyOnLYq-2k7qDVUOPZP6Sa4cVa7kK1E_w3re36qY2wRkMxWaIG3FIOTh/s320/DSCI0018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394398713533971586" border="0" /></a>Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-74563879422364418392009-10-12T18:22:00.000-07:002009-10-13T19:53:43.513-07:00Life is a Journey: Lola Akinmade Discusses Travel, Photography and Following Her Passions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tQap-_u0aroTRc3Yj4d7s5LW9bsgRfLC0YhvzTuj2hH-q1Rb1u8Rrjp_eEhYauwBGAY9AOf39Sltmc3GF7-ebqUkqoCAkXPUxuep9T2A6WUaWav70gxYW-sSwjlPH1LYifRMjYZYA0_W/s1600-h/Lola.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tQap-_u0aroTRc3Yj4d7s5LW9bsgRfLC0YhvzTuj2hH-q1Rb1u8Rrjp_eEhYauwBGAY9AOf39Sltmc3GF7-ebqUkqoCAkXPUxuep9T2A6WUaWav70gxYW-sSwjlPH1LYifRMjYZYA0_W/s320/Lola.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391909357317891762" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/bobmarley/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>1452</o:Words> <o:characters>8282</o:Characters> <o:company>University of Maryland-College Park</o:Company> <o:lines>69</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>16</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>10170</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Tahoma; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} p.MsoDocumentMap, li.MsoDocumentMap, div.MsoDocumentMap {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-link:"Document Map Char"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:8.0pt; font-family:Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;} p {mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} span.DocumentMapChar {mso-style-name:"Document Map Char"; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Document Map"; mso-ansi-font-size:8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:8.0pt; font-family:Tahoma; mso-ascii-font-family:Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family:Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:.25in 40.5pt .25in .25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family:Cambria;">Lola Akinmade's photography is simply stunning. She reveals beauty in ways that </span><span style="font-family:Cambria;">onl</span><span style="font-family:Cambria;">y a camera can</span><span style="font-family:Cambria;"> capture. Just as impressive as her photos are all the places she's </span><span style="font-family:Cambria;">visited to take them. Lola has traveled </span><span style="font-family:Cambria;">across Latin America, Asia, over 30 countries in </span><span style="font-family:Cambria;">Europe and regularly visits her country</span><span style="font-family:Cambria;"> of birth, Nigeria. In addition to travel photography, Lola is a travel writer and has submitted to several travel magazines. She has received numerous awards for both her travel writing and photography. </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">In this interview Lola discusses how she became interested in travel and got her start as a professional travel writer. She also offers advice to those who share the travel bug.
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">Most importantly, Lola demonstrates that when traveling to far away places, a sense of personal and spiritual grounding is important. We are so happy to have spoken with her. Here is what she shared...</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Many people think of traveling as an opportunity to learn about and renew yourself--people gain a lot by traveling. You’ve traveled to industrialized nations as well as developing countries. Do you think that what a traveler stands to gain or contribute varies in different settings? If so, how?</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">Travel is such a profound experience that touches each of us very differently. Travel </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwaPC420Uf2j1WtnWbDFjuC8Qrn8iot1Cwbi5snuiyE8_yEZKgTrwW0YnuGPCAWqfn6mzN39xaaNCK2Vk7EWGDGT0k2uQ8GCYM_TMZ3KxxQpBuoI02L77u2fe5bbrX3GrZHkPqNf6-HQ-/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwaPC420Uf2j1WtnWbDFjuC8Qrn8iot1Cwbi5snuiyE8_yEZKgTrwW0YnuGPCAWqfn6mzN39xaaNCK2Vk7EWGDGT0k2uQ8GCYM_TMZ3KxxQpBuoI02L77u2fe5bbrX3GrZHkPqNf6-HQ-/s320/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391916283090681314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Cambria;">renews the soul. It rejuvenates it by reminding you that you’re connected to something much larger than yourself.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">While many of us see travel as a way of gaining new insights into different cultures, as a traveler, you contribute by being a cultural ambassador of sorts. You courteously introduce people to your values and your lifestyle without disrespecting or devaluing theirs.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">Traveling through both industrialized and developing nations serves as a reminder that we’re all the same in terms of our intrinsic need for individualism and propensity towards prejudice. Travelling to regions where there may not be preconceived stereotypes of a certain group of people means the cultural interaction is much more organic, more pure.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 76.5pt;">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Any tips for those of us traveling on a budget?</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 40.5pt;">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 40.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p>I think a common misconception is that travel is “expensive”. The word “budget” is extremely subjective. Budget could mean a $10/night shared dorm room for a frugal backpacker or a $50/night three-star hotel for a digital nomad. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 40.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 40.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">The first tip would be to define your own meaning of the word. Once you’ve outlined what you can or can’t live without--preferences--while travelling, then you can start finding cheaper alternatives to the things you do need and ways of phasing out the things you don’t need.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 40.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 40.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">The <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.matadornetwork">Matador Network</a>, the world’s largest independent travel magazine provides an excellent library of resources for the budget traveler <a href="http://matadornetwork.com/search-results/?cx=001891333866476627059%3Axac26kvffh0&cof=FORID%3A11&q=budget&sa=Search#938%29">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">Also, here’s a <a href="http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-travel-for-free/">particularly popular piece</a> that shows you ways you can also travel for free!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 81pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">How did you become interested in travel?</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">Ever since I was a little girl growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, I’d always been fascinated with geography. </span><span style="font-family:Cambria;">Yes, National Geographic played an early role as well. I loved maps and was always curious about the world. They</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAHcEi4y67hI07B3x9O64uOC8XThYeuV_AgiMOsuvDerRwk4l6BJXQAWaa8Nu05iHpL2MD518b0PvFQjXdOKMuloDjqeDkVZb1akCmgSlVxXFdAtfxHu7lulrSQHI83k1db3gZxpXQunM/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAHcEi4y67hI07B3x9O64uOC8XThYeuV_AgiMOsuvDerRwk4l6BJXQAWaa8Nu05iHpL2MD518b0PvFQjXdOKMuloDjqeDkVZb1akCmgSlVxXFdAtfxHu7lulrSQHI83k1db3gZxpXQunM/s320/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391917691222729826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Cambria;"> brought the world to me through magazines and television shows, inspiring that little African girl’s dream to someday work for them.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">My father also worked as a geologist for many years and I loved listening to tales about his international travels. Those stories fueled my wanderlust and kept stoking it until it became a matter of when travel would happen, not if it would.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">Ironically, I’ve spent the last 14+ years working with interactive maps almost daily as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) developer.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">How did you get involved in travel writing? What are some of the outlets you write for?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">My very first foray into travel writing came when I volunteered with an expedition racing organization called Eco-Challenge back in 2002. As a field journalist, I wrote up <a href="http://lolaakinmade.com/2008/06/14/eco-challenge-fiji-2002/">dispatches and interviews with the competitors</a> from deep within the Fijian jungles.<o:p></o:p> Saying it was the experience of a lifetime is a gross understatement.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://matadorlife.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4OSC50dsKOKk6DB6q9RY0n34ylpXcQkoc1-lb6W2uILowSgbDt29HD_sU1JtUWhVcDkxEK9YY4xcCDmJzEfhQTdBpW2L-YeDpustGgNN7rlM8ho2_Cul1TYpEm7s8TriUtmNUje-6uj4/s320/welcome-logo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391923689336681058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Cambria;">Then I discovered the <a href="http://www.matadortravel.com/">Matador Travel community</a> and submitted my first article to Senior Editor <a href="http://www.miller-david.com/">David Miller</a>. He was willing to take a chance on me, providing topnotch mentoring throughout the editorial process and offering encouragement when I struggled. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;">So far, I have contributed to many publications such as National Geographic Traveler, <span style=""> </span>Vogue UK, Travel Channel’s World Hum, Forbes Traveler, Fodors.com, United’s Hemispheres and <a href="http://www.lolaakinmade.com/articles">many more</a>...
<br />
<br /><o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">The Matador team has put together a fantastic program – <a href="http://matadoru.com/about">MatadorU</a> – guaranteed to help aspiring writers grow and become published travel writers.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you keep a personal journal? How often do you write in it?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 81pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 81pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">I do keep a blog, <a href="http://www.lolaakinmade.com/"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">www.lolaakinmade.com</span></a>, and I used to keep a personal journal but not anymore. The only exception is while traveling. Then I’ve got at least 1 or 2 journals for each trip.
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 81pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 81pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">Now that I’m transitioning into fulltime freelancing at the end of this month, I’m hoping to find more time to get back to daily journaling.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 81pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 81pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 81pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">I strive to write every day. Even if it’s just a few lines of random musings.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 81pt;">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 81pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you have any words of advice for people interested in travel photography and travel</span></span><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">writing as a career?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgcw9zaLMJVWhYZ1JW3eS-g8YCqIRZwBmg-Iz6FOa-KTCOF6BMA2N49d7IHmyyjPdIMIFxvn-z9EVSe-xUtQzeBe9CWSS5KPm4uNja4-dvlKFTwYXApYX6Zt91hAatQ0oQLxwOJyLASzs/s1600-h/Lola+Photo+Contest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgcw9zaLMJVWhYZ1JW3eS-g8YCqIRZwBmg-Iz6FOa-KTCOF6BMA2N49d7IHmyyjPdIMIFxvn-z9EVSe-xUtQzeBe9CWSS5KPm4uNja4-dvlKFTwYXApYX6Zt91hAatQ0oQLxwOJyLASzs/s320/Lola+Photo+Contest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391921913975793602" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">There are so many talented writers and photographers out there. This fact can inspire you to pursue </span><span style="font-family:Cambria;">those very dreams or even intimidate and</span><span style="font-family:Cambria;"> discourage you.<span style=""> </span>My very first advice is to be </span><span style="font-family:Cambria;">realistic in your expectations. Everyone wants to get paid to do what they love and standing apart from the crowd is going to be your biggest challenge.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 31.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">That said, find ways to nurture and develop your photography and writing. Start promoting your photography online through outlets like <a href="http://thetravelersnotebook.com/photography-q-a/how-to-promote-your-travel-photography-online/">Flickr</a>. Enter contests. Submit your work to photo editors.
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 31.5pt;">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">Be proactive. Be your own sales and marketing team.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">For budding travel writers, write as often as you can. Develop a platform to showcase your work. The Matador editorial team recently put out an article “<a href="http://thetravelersnotebook.com/photography-q-a/how-do-you-advance-as-a-writer/">How Do You Advance as a Writer?</a>” that’s worth checking out in addition to the travel writing course at MatadorU.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">It ultimately boils down to resilience. Are you willing to stick with it when the going gets tough?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOIIhJb7RCMVezJX7guG1Ba7zW_2tTgMOgXjN1BrtXGwdM7FftwGdnB3nbcwusq60RZGxW5D808TA0EQcfI-VymTzviCMA4kXHtsPq820DQgaWuMv4usYnCKo5hmS0tOOlQQdMOGZaHOc/s1600-h/Lola+Photo+Cambodia.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOIIhJb7RCMVezJX7guG1Ba7zW_2tTgMOgXjN1BrtXGwdM7FftwGdnB3nbcwusq60RZGxW5D808TA0EQcfI-VymTzviCMA4kXHtsPq820DQgaWuMv4usYnCKo5hmS0tOOlQQdMOGZaHOc/s320/Lola+Photo+Cambodia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392283263188082482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Are there any settings, groups, events, etc. you like to photograph the most? Why?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">I absolutely love photographing people and connecting with them through the lens. I tend to capture </span><span style="font-family:Cambria;">the lighter side of our emotions. Those feelings of elation; of hope, of utter happiness. Those fleeting moments of absolute bliss even in the midst of the worst conditions. In travel photography, portraits are the most difficult to attain. You’re contending with strangers with different cultural rules, various social norms, and diverse traditions. Navigating those cultural differences with finesse is a skill that comes over time through trial and error.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">I do have a preference for color photography because we live in such a vivid world, and color instantly sets the mood of a photograph.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you like the most about photography?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Cambria;">Similar to painting, photography provides you with a blank canvas and millions of opportunities to </span><span style="font-family:Cambria;">create, compose, recreate, and recompose your perfect vision. There’s an instant gratification that comes with looking at a beautifully composed photograph seconds after you’ve just snapped it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOgSkRhb0RAEzE0BZthtSwBSlp5FkR0OXVv5cF44UKf9czW4ieyUbcqidA9x_nUurFz_LpfNSsk84nuTIRDX69PhuGh4T9aJugAPU4RRBvvwhmAWlfHsqKGCg3jVtLrnZDTdfY8eyJX1U/s1600-h/Photo11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOgSkRhb0RAEzE0BZthtSwBSlp5FkR0OXVv5cF44UKf9czW4ieyUbcqidA9x_nUurFz_LpfNSsk84nuTIRDX69PhuGh4T9aJugAPU4RRBvvwhmAWlfHsqKGCg3jVtLrnZDTdfY8eyJX1U/s320/Photo11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391914096401875666" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 81pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Is there anything you’re particularly interested in seeing or learning from Live Unchained the anthology and movement?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 81pt;">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">Live Unchained is such an exciting movement that needs and deserves more coverage. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">I love the concept and it’s time for women of color to start living out their dreams and talents. Reminds me of a speech by Nigerian noveli</span><span style="font-family:Cambria;">st Chimamanda Adichie</span><span style="font-family:Cambria;"> on “<a href="http://thetravelersnotebook.com/notes-on-writing/the-danger-of-the-single-story/">The Danger of the Single Story</a>” and her thoughts on the infusion of characters like her, like me, into modern day literature.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Finally, what does living unchained mean to you?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -76.5pt;"><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">Living unchained means living your authentic self to its fullest potential. It means developing your values, your belief systems, and being able to defend them when cornered. It means making choices that are focused on growing you into the best individual you can be – spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">If responsibilities are tying you down and other obstacles are preventing you from truly living the life you were meant to be living, start taking baby steps towards those <a href="http://almostfearless.com/2008/06/29/essential-baby-steps-towards-living-your-passions/">passions</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">A full life can only be realized if the “real you” shows up to participate.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Cambria;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX5SCWkiIIZQdG09os3x6CSVNNk29gQ0-qrBVHKqEv0qd4Myrphe0tpQxtlhsR017HWhWiMefPBvHfo_6WkAtRAxdgUmNpdWR0ee6wTlCLjrUoTb1FER-FVnWit46efHhXh3GjThEI6d3/s1600-h/Lola+posing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX5SCWkiIIZQdG09os3x6CSVNNk29gQ0-qrBVHKqEv0qd4Myrphe0tpQxtlhsR017HWhWiMefPBvHfo_6WkAtRAxdgUmNpdWR0ee6wTlCLjrUoTb1FER-FVnWit46efHhXh3GjThEI6d3/s320/Lola+posing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391925393164834114" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">---
<br /><span style="font-family:Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-11048794098628448942009-10-08T07:29:00.000-07:002009-10-12T07:19:52.266-07:00Virginia Buika--¡Vuelvo a por más!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-ogTk1iqJFpEbwSwVqxHvdteBHNezUJmQsBRhuJKoAwQOPxK0scuolvYEHjzk6UNTahBHTa0QgVQSTTnBTNIQyLE6J0ewLt0pnvRTECN0aKgxbfcdHX-jqGJ5Zo2kVJ54JUsxVEuU7m1/s1600-h/AF_Cover_BACK-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-ogTk1iqJFpEbwSwVqxHvdteBHNezUJmQsBRhuJKoAwQOPxK0scuolvYEHjzk6UNTahBHTa0QgVQSTTnBTNIQyLE6J0ewLt0pnvRTECN0aKgxbfcdHX-jqGJ5Zo2kVJ54JUsxVEuU7m1/s320/AF_Cover_BACK-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390274337956556610" border="0" /></a><br />Virginia Buika es músico, actriz, cineasta y empresaria. Ella nació en Madrid y se marchó a Londres en busca de más oportunidades artisticas. Ha viajado a través del mundo para hacer performances y colaboraciones con otros artistas. Ella ha consiguido todo esto aunque los criticos le dijeron que su color de piel no era comercializable. Ella ha encontrado muchas dificultades en su lucha por sus sueños. De cualquier modo, nunca te darñias cuenta al mirarle. Ella tiene una sonrisa y demuestra estar muy segura de sí misma-- así qu ella hace que los desafíos se vean fáciles.<br /><br />En esta entrevista, ella explica algunos de los cambios que tuvo que enfrentar en la industria de la actuación en Europa. Ella explica por qué la integridad y la seguridad en uno mismo son tan importantes en esta industria. Además, Virginia sabía que ella no estaba sola en este esfuerzo. Su compañia, Virginia Buika Entertainment lanzará el documental, Nos Quitamos La Venda/Can we take off the blindfold, a explicar los desafíos de los actores negros en Europa. En esta entrevista nos habla de sus experiencias, sus intereses, que se encuentra persiguiendo sus sueños, y por qué está participando en Live Unchained.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Puedes contarnos un poco de ti? </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">De dónde eres? </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">En qué lugares has vivido? </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dónde vives ahora?</span><br /><br />Soy actriz, cantante y productora. Nací en Madrid, capital de España y crecí en Londres, capital del Reino Unido. He vivido en Nueva York por una temporada y actualmente me encuentro entre Londres, Madrid y los Estados Unidos, un poco locura, pero por mis compromisos de trabajo es lo que toca, jajaja.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Puedes contarnos un poco de tu documental, "Nos Quitamos La Venda/Can We Take Off the Blindfold" </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Por qué elegiste este título? </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sobre qué trata?</span><br /><br />Bueno, Nos quitamos la venda/Can We Take Off The Blindfold, surge de la necesidad de contar al mundo una realidad de las muchas que hay en nuestras sociedades, una realidad que por las razones que sean parece ser que se le da la espalda para no ver o no querer ver, pasando así un tanto inadvertida. Elegí este titulo porque en el nuevo milenio ya es hora de ver las cosas por lo que son y no por lo que parecen, dar el debido respeto y aceptar a las personas--sin vendas, sin excusas--aceptae las realidades que existen en nuestras sociedades, comunidades y poder tener una verdadera voz, poder ser vistas bajo una nueva luz que realmente, se merecen--Donde se reconocan los éxitos y logros que influyen y contribuyen de manera positiva a la sociedad que vivimos actualmente.<br /><br />La película documental habla de la diversidad en los medios de comunicación y el mundo del entretenimiento, presentan artistas de la diáspora, celebridades dentro de los medios de la comunicación que exponen aquí en Europa. Se habla de la trayectoria profesional de estos artistas y se exponen sus realidades, las dificultades, los logros y éxitos de estos Artistas de la Diáspora en Europa y en otros países del mundo. Una película que puede abrir heridas a muchos e inspirar a toda una nueva generación de jóvenes emprendedores llenos de talento. Esta película en España ha sido tachada de controvertida y problemática en su contenido, hecho que aun no termino de comprender y encajar, cómo el hablar del talento, éxitos y logros alcanzados por una comunidad de artistas en el mundo del entretenimiento y medios de comunicación puede ser algo controvertido.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">De dónde vinó la idea de hacerlo?</span><br /><br />La idea surge en 2007 a raíz de un evento internacional que quería llevar a cabo en España para los artistas de la Diáspora en Europa, las excusas y pegas que me ponían para financiar y buscar sponsors eran increibles, tan increibles hasta el punto que me dije, ok, si no creen que hay suficiente talento como para poder realizar eventos como éste, les voy a demostrar que sí que lo hay. Que mejor manera que ponerlo bajo un formato que todo el mundo entienda, así vamos a conocer o al menos ser conscientes de la existencia de los artistas de la diáspora en Europa y veremos si solamente somos uno o dos, o si realmente somos un gran número que necesitan y quieren cubrir un gran hueco que hasta ahora sigue virgen en Europa...” y aunque fuera de presupuesto, me embarqué en esta producción con el apoyo inicial de una fantástica amiga y compañera, la periodista Lucía Asué en España y el actor británico Will Johnson.<br /><br />El punto de partido de esta película documental comienza desde mi propia experiencia en 1998, donde comencé un viaje de auto-conocimiento, potenciación y realización. Trata de cómo una joven Afro-Española tuvo que salir de su país de nacimiento, España, alentada por las motivaciones principales de los medios en ese entonces para marcharse a alguna parte fuera de su país persiguiendo su carrera artística. Como muchos creyeron y todavía creen que gente de origen africano no vendemos, ellos nunca podría escribir cualquier papel para mi aparte de los estereotipos, prostituita, etc.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Una persona en el documental decía que las oportunidades para los actores en Inglaterra son mejores que en otras partes de Europa. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estás de acuerdo con esto? </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Por qué crees que ocurre esto?</span><br /><br />Bueno no estoy totalmente en desacuerdo porque lo que yo veo es que la problemática en si de los actores y personajes de la diáspora así como los que trabajan en los medios de comunicación está generalizada en toda Europa. En Inglaterra ser negro o mestizo o mulato quizás no presente ningún impedimento, pero si encima tienes acento como es mi caso--¡Olvídalo!--así que me da lo mismo que lo mismo me da. Si en España por ser negra o mulata no tengo las mismas oportunidades en mi sector (Comunicación y Entretenimiento) que en Inglaterra, pero ahora el tener acento no británico sí que supone un problema, es aquí donde comienza el drama, entonces que quieres que te diga...Los prejuicios dentro del sector del entretenimiento, espectáculo y medios de comunicación en Europa y en parte de Estados Unidos también como en otras partes del mundo, son ridículas y obsoletas, no se corresponden con la realidad que vivimos, la mente del ser humano evoluciona muy lentamente en cambio nuestras sociedades se desarrollan a la velocidad del viento y crecen de manera vertiginosa...y esto es algo que debe ser cambiado.<br /><br />---<br />Puedes ver ella en esta secuencia:<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MmaYkg9nkt8&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MmaYkg9nkt8&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />---<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Como eres actriz, el tema del documental es algo más personal para ti. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Has aprendido algo nuevo o sorprendente acerca de ti misma o de la profesión de actor durante el proceso?</span><br /><br />He aprendido una cosa, que NO ESTOY SOLA, algo que en mi pais querían hacerme creer los altos directivos. Creí que mi historia era la única y como la mia desfortunadamente hay mil y perores, como la de una presentadora mulata en Alemania donde leía que le mandaron una carta bomba a su redacion con la suerte o la mala fortuna de que no fue ella quien abrió dicha carta sino su secretaria.<br /><br />El tema que tratamos en el documental es más personal, puesto que a día de hoy, tanto yo como la gran mayoria de artistas (entertainers) de la Diáspora tenemos que seguir aguantando (para aquellos que no les quede mas remedio que aguantar) y luchando por poder brillar con luz propia, fuera de esteriotipos dentro del sector. Y quien no lo quiera decir publicamente por sus compromisos personales o profesionales está bien, para eso ya hay gente como Halle Berry, Spike Lee, Will Smith, Naomi Campbell o yo misma para hablar y comunicar una realidad QUE NECESITA UN CAMBIO, UNA INTEGRACION EN TODA SU TOTALIDAD POR DERECHO.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estás desarrollando el documental por tu , Virginia Buika Entertainment. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Puedes contarnos algo acerca de tu </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">compañia</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">? </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Por qué decidiste empezar tu propio negocio? </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3swXiknq4j4PIlb3dThQGixjqTZoF_5BPPg-hQr3Jamu8rXqTxzjiBgv9eK8JAW7GRZrCzoROO8J9atK6P79sIDpXtnOS-W-RcOZ5Cty6i9wNw-j-1UCDx8UjMg3kSbCUyv1ku_n2oQe/s1600-h/VB+Logo"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3swXiknq4j4PIlb3dThQGixjqTZoF_5BPPg-hQr3Jamu8rXqTxzjiBgv9eK8JAW7GRZrCzoROO8J9atK6P79sIDpXtnOS-W-RcOZ5Cty6i9wNw-j-1UCDx8UjMg3kSbCUyv1ku_n2oQe/s320/VB+Logo" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390275706410659186" border="0" /></a><br />Creé VirginiabuiKa Entertainment con la idea de poder crear mayores oportunidades para mi misma como artista y creadora que soy, ya que como artista en mi país ,a día de hoy, todavía existe un recelo y miedo a representar a artistas de raza negra o procedentes de la raza negra y como comprenderás no puedo estar esperando a que el director fulanito de tal coja el teléfono para darme el OK y poder desarrollar mi trabajo, que es crear y poder compartir con el público. Hablan y dicen que no hay mercado para los artistas de raza negra o procedentes de la raza negra, es la EXCUSA BARATA QUE PONEN para un problema mucho mas profundo que nos lleva hasta los tiempos de la Esclavitud. Ésta es una de las cosas que esta producción me reveló, aunque también me entristeció escuchar las opiniones y testimonios de las personalidades que entrevisté ...Hasta el punto que me tuve que tomar unas vacaciones recientemente para poder recuperarme un poco, digo que es triste porque parece ser que ni Martin Luther King Jr. o Mandela o Bob Marley o el mismo Michael Jackson con sus canciones de luz han servido de nada al ser humano, parece ser no haber evolucionado en este sentido y todavía aunque la esclavitud fue abolida hace años LA ESCLAVITUD MENTAL SIGUE LATENTE Y ESTO EN EL NEW MILENIO ES MUY TRISTE.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Has encontrado muchos desafíos siendo empresaria? </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tienes algún consejo para las mujeres que quieren ser empresarias? </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">¡</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">También eres cantante y rapera! </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Qué es lo que haces para mantenerte equilibrada y no agobiarte?</span><br /><br />El hecho de ser mujer y de raza negra es un desafió diario en el sector que me muevo, el entretenimiento y medios, ya que es un sector hombre orientada y esto a veces puede ser una ventaja y otras una gran desventaja, hasta el punto que te hacen propuestas indecentes y chantajes que, obviamente aunque para realizar lo que me proponga me lleve 50 años más, en la vida accedería a este tipo de chantajes. MI CONSEJO TANTO PARA LA MUJER COMO PARA EL HOMBRE EMPRESARIO es que tienes que vivir con unos principios, tienes que ser honesto, tienes que hacer las cosas con subsistencia e integridad… y seguir hasta que consigas lo que quieras... y más importante, nunca parar, porque no se termina hasta que tu triunfas. La gente confunde el hacer negocios con el ser rudo y sucio con los clientes pero digo lo que aprendí de Les Brown, los negocios son crear y desarrollar relaciones con otros empresarios/as para que la confianza y la lealtad puedan fluir. Lo demás es una ilusión, es decir, una mentira.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Qué quieres ver en un proyecto como Live Unchained? </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">¿</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Por qué estás interesada en Live Unchained?</span><br /><br />Bueno me parece importante dar voz a artistas alrededor del mundo con diversas experiencias y culturas diferentes y Live Unchained es una gran iniciativa que cubre estos puntos que te menciono. Mi interés como te digo nace de la diversidad que es lo que realmente da color y sabor a nuestras sociedades.<br /><br />--<br />Puedes ver un vídeo acerca de su próxima documental, "Porque Tu Eres..." aquí:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OpYUln9LmJE&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OpYUln9LmJE&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Virginia esta haciendo unas nuevas versiones de "I am back for more/Vuelvo a por más"...Disponibles proximamente...<br /><br />Visita a ella en MySpace: <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/myspace.com/vk_entertainment" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">myspace.com/vk_entertainment</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/virginiabuika" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">www.myspace.com/virginiabuika</span></a></b></span>Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-42826372887595362512009-09-22T23:07:00.000-07:002009-09-24T10:50:57.155-07:00Question of the Day: What do you think of pole dancing classes? Would you take a class?There are many negative connotations associated with pole dancing. Check out this clip from Chris Rock:
<br />
<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tojBadSr2zI&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tojBadSr2zI&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>
<br />
<br />The first time I heard about pole dancing as a form of exercise, was from one of my students in Tokyo (I teach English as a Second Language online). When I first heard about it, I laughed and thought I would never participate--I was too bashful, too insecure and intimidated. However, after Miriam and I did an <a href="http://liveunchained.blogspot.com/2009/08/live-unchained-had-opportunity-to-ask.html">interview with TaMara Campbell of Beautifully Me</a>, the pole became more appealing...
<br />
<br />In a discussion piece I submitted for a sociology course, I explain how I became interested in pole dancing. I also discuss why I'm disappointed with critiques of how black women should <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> be depicted sexually--not because I think such criticisms are wrong or untrue, but because I think no one has an idea of what is "appropriate sexual behavior" for females in general, and black women in particular.
<br />
<br />Here is what I shared:
<br />
<br /><meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/bobmarley/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>408</o:Words> <o:characters>2331</o:Characters> <o:company>University of Maryland-College Park</o:Company> <o:lines>19</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>2862</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoHeader, li.MsoHeader, div.MsoHeader {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-link:"Header Char"; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; tab-stops:center 3.0in right 6.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} span.HeaderChar {mso-style-name:"Header Char"; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:Header; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style="">What is appropriate sexual behavior for black women?<span style=""> </span>How big a stake does academia have in answering this?<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Two readings demonstrate that black women are freighted with a particular historical baggage concerning our sexuality.<span style=""> </span>A presenter at the University of Chicago’s feminism and hip hop conference argued that the asexual mammy, sapphire and jezebel have been re-coded in hip hop as mama, wifey, bitch and hoe.<span style=""> </span>For black women who understand these tropes, their sordid past and continuity, where do we go from here?<span style=""> </span>How <i style="">ought</i> we express ourselves sexually?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I laughed when I read:<span style=""> </span>“We now live in a porn saturated culture…women can take exercise classes with a ‘stripper’s pole’” (Hunter and Soto, 174).<span style=""> </span>I hope to start pole dancing and sexy flex classes this Saturday.<span style=""> </span>I hadn’t been self-reflexive about my decision as a feminist—I just knew I was getting on that pole.<span style=""> </span>Now, that I sit with the idea, I think one could argue that women who participate in these classes are appropriating symbols of exploitation, nullifying and inverting their meanings—similar to the way in which black men and women (but mainly men) are said to have appropriated derogatory words associated with blackness.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">A friend and I did an interview TaMara Campbell (<a href="http://liveunchained.blogspot.com/2009/08/live-unchained-had-opportunity-to-ask.html">http://liveunchained.blogspot.com/2009/08/live-unchained-had-opportunity-to-ask.html</a>) the woman who owns the business that offers dance and sexual education classes including a tele-class in which, women call in to share their personal experiences and questions about sex and sensuality.<span style=""> </span>This interview made me interested in the classes.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">In terms of getting in touch with my sexuality (or, as I like to say being the C.E.O. of my sexy), I feel I’ve only been told what to avoid and who I <i style="">shouldn’t</i> be.<span style=""> </span>Perhaps taking the classes places me in that feminist morally grey area that Clay highlights with a quote from Rebecca Walker (57).<span style=""> </span>I don’t believe that this class is about equipping me to fulfill a man’s objectifying sexual fantasy (still, one can argue that in strip clubs, the line between subject and object is blurred)—certainly, I don’t see it as a stepping stone to a side hustle as a stripper.<span style=""> </span>Yet, I do believe sex, sexuality and sensuality are important parts of life.<span style=""> </span>I’m searching to learn more about this aspect of myself.<span style=""> </span>I think I will the same way I learned about other important parts of me, by looking to other knowledgeable black women, who I happen to admire, for assistance.<span style=""> </span>Maybe I’ll see you on Saturday…</p> ----
<br />
<br />As a class, we discussed the politics of the pole and came up with several interesting discussion points and questions including:
<br />
<br /><ul><li>Women approach the pole with different degrees of privilege. As one of my classmates stated: "You have some women paying to take the pole dancing classes while other women are getting on the pole to make $100 to hopefully pay their rent."</li><li>The degree to which a woman can be empowered by pole dancing depends on whose watching her and if she gets a say in whose watching her.</li><li>Why is the sexual exploitation of black women so profitable?</li></ul>What do you think??
<br />
<br />The question of the day is: What is your opinion of pole dancing? Why would you take a class or not?
<br />
<br />Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-37162287163625487832009-09-08T07:14:00.000-07:002009-09-08T17:57:46.497-07:00On Travelling...You Can Do and Learn a Lot with a LittleCandice Johnson is a native of Chicago. Here she discusses the places she has traveled, what she learned and why she loves Live Unchained--she loves it so much she had to say it twice! And we love her too...<br /><br /><object height="330" width="600"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6484449&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ff0066&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6484449&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ff0066&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="330" width="600"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/6484449"><br /><br /></a>You may think that it requires a lot of money to visit many places--especially faraway ones like Candice has. However, being creative and flexible in terms of where, when and what you do when you travel may lead to opportunities you had not considered. </p><p>One option is to <a href="http://matadorchange.com/10-volunteer-opportunities-for-free-travel/">travel for free as a volunteer</a>. Also, many people are taking advantage of the new opportunity to Couch Surf. <a href="http://www.couchsurfing.org/">Couch Surfing</a> is a worldwide network that connects travelers with members of local communities, who offer free housing, food and sometimes transportation.<br /><br />If you were able to travel without (financial) limits, let us know how you did it!</p><p>Below are pics of Candice in Italy and Morocco.<br /></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEZVmhMibd1_zATcd2s700RWDMZbNKmI-C5MJWLZl7kpABZCO5f0XWEHrNhhOMjYUW8hjzDEfsuDZlfDqLnhjTz7jHA07dVglBHW3CN5iYlCsRDQWAw-i_E9RnZ90eX-nUZNfJh5FcYea/s1600-h/100_0142.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEZVmhMibd1_zATcd2s700RWDMZbNKmI-C5MJWLZl7kpABZCO5f0XWEHrNhhOMjYUW8hjzDEfsuDZlfDqLnhjTz7jHA07dVglBHW3CN5iYlCsRDQWAw-i_E9RnZ90eX-nUZNfJh5FcYea/s320/100_0142.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379109002387903954" border="0" /></a></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9E9vHWKs0Ln6jm4pegVsPceMlajfjvSLXirAz0EiIVMkRMXFTM5dChgbCJbs_MP8p0WftC36JBEiC0zgpwCxzaU2sfghx2unjGb4MJ0t_pJ64VsmiP518-DGvQM4UuprWmaIssUNjOsQ/s1600-h/Morocco.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9E9vHWKs0Ln6jm4pegVsPceMlajfjvSLXirAz0EiIVMkRMXFTM5dChgbCJbs_MP8p0WftC36JBEiC0zgpwCxzaU2sfghx2unjGb4MJ0t_pJ64VsmiP518-DGvQM4UuprWmaIssUNjOsQ/s320/Morocco.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379108709783888754" border="0" /></a></p>Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-42811549839559136162009-09-04T07:02:00.000-07:002009-09-06T12:23:07.688-07:00Lessons From a Madwoman: M. Nahadr Discusses Art, Self and Madwoman: A Contemporary Opera<span style="font-family:times new roman;">Live Unchained is grateful for the opportunity to speak with artist M, also known as Mem Nahadr and Madwoman.
<br />
<br />Possessing a six octave range, her voice is as powerful as her spirit--both are demonstrated here, in her performance of "Stay." I heard this song and felt like it was holding me in its arms...
<br />
<br /><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fRpVS3WVtKE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fRpVS3WVtKE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="364" width="445"></embed></object>
<br />
<br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">M has various passions and pursues them as a composer, performance artist, musician, actress, dancer, author, producer, audio engineer, filmmaker, graphic artist and philosopher. "What 'drew' me to all of these things," M says, "was simply the continuous desire to expand and explore art form...and inevitably needing to express my feelings. It is only natural to gravitate to or resonate with that which you are. I am an artist. I express."</span>
<br />
<br />
<br /><a style="font-family: times new roman;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBM_WrwDLUpcCcDP6aEzvlIdtMw705X_S-ca3Nd6DARKIoPOsfLxP8Oe-SNVJkxfZMpd0_UlY-4LEDtrMmlN6yIAuNMmgXMbxu8KEFin_6z0zuBctQR6KJ0z5wAFu-Z3bo5ahN8XldWAs3/s1600-h/Madwomannahadr.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBM_WrwDLUpcCcDP6aEzvlIdtMw705X_S-ca3Nd6DARKIoPOsfLxP8Oe-SNVJkxfZMpd0_UlY-4LEDtrMmlN6yIAuNMmgXMbxu8KEFin_6z0zuBctQR6KJ0z5wAFu-Z3bo5ahN8XldWAs3/s320/Madwomannahadr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377630089460656466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">
<br />The song "Stay" is included in</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" > <a href="http://www.blogger.com/madwoman2.com">Madwoman: A Contemporary Opera</a></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, which M wrote and performs in. The opera addresses many issues including difference, authority and the search for self in a world that encourages conformity and the supposed security it affords.</span><span id="ctl00_rightColumn_lblAlbumNotes" style="font-family:times new roman;"> The audience is encouraged to reflect on their personal and collective identities as the production calls for active audience participation. This unique performance with elaborate visual and audio works is achieved with innovative and experimental technology. "Supported by a Master team of Artists and Technicians, this presentation includes state of the art customized surround sound created by James P. Nichols, Broadway, Jazz and Grammy Award Winning Producer/Engineer with Dolby Laboratories; as well as Creative - Stage Direction by Claude E. Sloan, Jr., of the LOEB Drama Center Experimental Theater at Harvard, and the New York Shakespeare Festival at the Public Theater."
<br />
<br /></span><span id="ctl00_rightColumn_lblAlbumNotes" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >
<br />
<br /><span id="ctl00_rightColumn_lblAlbumNotes" style="font-family:times new roman;">
<br /><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LvudHp9yP9g&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LvudHp9yP9g&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="364" width="445"></embed></object>
<br />
<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Here M discusses <span style="font-style: italic;">Madwoman</span>, race, albinism and her interest in Live Unchained.</span></span></span>
<br /><span id="ctl00_rightColumn_lblAlbumNotes" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Madwoman</span> is a contemporary opera. What makes it a contemporary opera? Why did you choose the format of an opera for this performance?</span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">
<br />
<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">What makes Madwoman a contemporary opera is merely the fact that it is not presented in the tradition or standard of 16th century “operatic” works. On the other hand, it does adhere to the basic definition of “opera” as described in the Western dictionary. “Opera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text (called a libretto) and musical score."</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">I chose to present this particular collection of works as an opera, as these selections had a consistent theme throughout that needed to be accentuated in a way far more demonstrative than merely the band and singer scenario. The opera involves dramatic stories told predominantly through rock, pop or contemporary music. </span></span></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">This performance is interactive. How does the audience participate? Why do you think their involvement in this way is important?</span>
<br />
<br />The Madwoman audience is engaged to use as many of their senses as possible to discern the artistic expressions offered. There can be many elements that affect the senses, and stimulate the audience to react: Each element structured to a specific part of the opera; Such as, video imagery that triggers sense memory, which compels feedback, aromas, industrial sounds, questions posed to the audience in the midst of an Aria, etc. Many of the pieces have lyrics of double-entendre which can engage audience imagination as well. Sculpted pieces, and an after performance discussion on the topic of difference, are also features of this work.
<br />
<br />This kind of dynamic audience participation is important in that it creates a strong current of connection between artist & audience, allowing for the deep engraining of the work into their memory and emotions, creating a proactive word of mouth response, as audience members then desire to share their experience with others, as well, it allows for deep consideration by the receiver of the precepts offered.
<br />
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">The opera is said to address: "issues of conflict and chaos in our current critical mass mindset toward the inherent differences in human existence by evaluating existence in the one single individual. The Madwoman. The woman who is black but white. The embodiment of the polar. The symbol of the conflict and the union.” What does the “critical mass mindset” represent to you? What does the Madwoman help us to understand about ourselves?</span>
<br />
<br />Critical mass mindset in my opinion represented the “Mindset of less than” the “Mindset of NO”.
<br />
<br />Whereas “Madwoman” offers the idea of “Self Sovereigned Soul” the concept of “I am” and the understanding of it therein.
<br />
<br />Madwoman offers the consideration of ... Existence being its own Validity.
<br />
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">The Madwoman is understood as "black but white" as opposed to "neither black nor white." Why?</span>
<br />
<br />To use the word "Niether" is not quite accurate in terms of what we know those labels to mean in regards to People.
<br />
<br />I AM genetically "Black" AND asthetically "White." The transcendence is not in disallowing either, but integrating both, ....in an unusual way. Not just of mixed tribes as Barack Obama, but understanding that it can manifest on many levels.....as of chocolate and mohogany Africa America that bore a vanilla-fudge baby girl.......
<br />
<br />Somalian noses can be quite narrow, and Eastern Europe quite wide.........lol.... isn't it lovely???
<br />Interestingly enough, a well known documentary on DNA tracing learned that our venerable African American Scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr., himself, is European in his genetic.
<br />
<br />Irony abounds!
<br />
<br />I am both and more...What is still insinuated by "White" but a culture of affluence, and what is insinuated by "Black" but a culture of endurance... Whatever the combination... WE ARE ALL...the same. We Share Difference. Diversity. Dominance in Ourselves.
<br />
<br />We can all say "I". Both or Neither.
<br />
<br />The more the contrast...the more the definitive proof.
<br />
<br /></span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk_yHHGB4gkD0vy1QUBS0PVQPtfl4FzO_acPLUclNElRAO29mj_kSkRJ8SWhXYLgg_djQPCqW5j03NjNLgNJGKrYIoawLM6tCaanVE-3V_6UAn3J9avYiHGbpP4M2Vd7tXx3R4GsgLjY5/s1600-h/Picture+4.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk_yHHGB4gkD0vy1QUBS0PVQPtfl4FzO_acPLUclNElRAO29mj_kSkRJ8SWhXYLgg_djQPCqW5j03NjNLgNJGKrYIoawLM6tCaanVE-3V_6UAn3J9avYiHGbpP4M2Vd7tXx3R4GsgLjY5/s320/Picture+4.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377629396491148146" border="0" /></a> <span id="ctl00_rightColumn_lblAlbumNotes" style="font-family:times new roman;">
<br />
<br />A description of <span style="font-style: italic;">Madwoman</span> was featured in National Geographic Magazine in an article on </span><span id="ctl00_rightColumn_lblAlbumNotes" style="font-family:times new roman;">genetic inheritance and Darwinism. In this edition photojournalist Robert Clark took the portrait of M to the right, which was later named one of the magazines "Best of the Year" picks. M has also been featured in Maxim as well as Elle Magazine Germany.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >
<br />
<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br />
<br />M has also been invited to discuss albinism and her art for the Discovery Channel.</span></span>
<br />
<br />
<br /><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fesgPvtwU0c&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fesgPvtwU0c&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="364" width="445"></embed></object>
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Can you explain to us what albinism is? What do you think are popular misconceptions about albinism?</span>
<br />
<br />From the clinical point of view, albinism is a genetic condition created when recessive genes to exclude melanin are passed from parents to offspring.
<br />
<br />From the metaphysical point of view albinism is a stark representation of the infinite variation and amazing paradox of existence. Another revelation of the Human spectrum.
<br />
<br />Off the wall misconceptions about all things exist everywhere. The list is endless….some are real, some are not. The most propagated myth is that People with albinism are Sub-Human, or Super-Human. Contrary to popular belief….people with albinism are PEOPLE.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqG17tx6xs2uv9xhe5aton9mxWtRG8WNftulrse2-ajr32dqXL9Yes0KDodZDjISzOAm9LdgR3v2LV8totAbk9WICS5ppHyakb21vvRjZy2wtEzKLuPJzQbCQiEJflGcZwU7ZOq4FSSwb/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqG17tx6xs2uv9xhe5aton9mxWtRG8WNftulrse2-ajr32dqXL9Yes0KDodZDjISzOAm9LdgR3v2LV8totAbk9WICS5ppHyakb21vvRjZy2wtEzKLuPJzQbCQiEJflGcZwU7ZOq4FSSwb/s320/Picture+7.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377640062693671922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">In the Discovery Channel piece you discussed some of the difficulties you faced when learning about yourself emotionally and scientifically. How did you navigate these challenges?</span>
<br />
<br />I’ve navigated challenges of knowledge & acceptance of myself in my life using the gages of purely natural occurrences.
<br />
<br />First, how did it feel to be stigmatized?
<br />
<br />Why are the plants and animals all so different?
<br />
<br />Through observation, instead of acquiescence I was shown by Nature that there’s nothing around us that demands uniformity, and plenty enough around us to let us know all is varied, volumes and valid.
<br />
<br />I got it...Early.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">When asked to contribute to Live Unchained, you said the topic was dear to you. What interested you in this project created for and by black women across the African Diaspora?</span>
<br />
<br />This particular subject interests me as even in the African Diaspora, Albinism is stigmatized, those prejudices propelled by ignorance. We are often demeaned within the community for the sake of difference, as the community itself is demeaned for the same reason. The cycle of ignorance and insanity.
<br />
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Finally, what does living unchained mean to you?</span>
<br />
<br />Know Yourself. Being aware of your own feelings and preferences deeply enough to value them as you value breathing.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodv8LYyy_HaLqMwjHjljzPZztJAYOuZneBVmW2VNd56NO04Z6K-fHsX9osOBuJcJyGc6VmBBd-YO_fk4LvSnHS8DzWqpWcRNJKtuIGNPJe164KyojygeoWNMAwkbhR8OJU1UWA_mUbT0F/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodv8LYyy_HaLqMwjHjljzPZztJAYOuZneBVmW2VNd56NO04Z6K-fHsX9osOBuJcJyGc6VmBBd-YO_fk4LvSnHS8DzWqpWcRNJKtuIGNPJe164KyojygeoWNMAwkbhR8OJU1UWA_mUbT0F/s320/Picture+5.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377641159950799170" border="0" /></a>
<br />----
<br />
<br />You can learn more about M and madwoman by visiting: www.Madwoman2.com/members
<br />
<br />Magazine pics from Elle Germany and Maxim are (respectively) below.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3eYb3zSSOGPvYnWnRLGxHbdgxQhfiavW0eZpyOqlxzcvHR0YTCIce8sosQp_stwpRW3ngqMdaJZoJkePli68dmWuuxYnUh2WZUhjLOlnnC0MSzbi0sbfE5mm2uRMRlTl_cIedKqHiLqz/s1600-h/M+Elle+Magazine+Germany.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3eYb3zSSOGPvYnWnRLGxHbdgxQhfiavW0eZpyOqlxzcvHR0YTCIce8sosQp_stwpRW3ngqMdaJZoJkePli68dmWuuxYnUh2WZUhjLOlnnC0MSzbi0sbfE5mm2uRMRlTl_cIedKqHiLqz/s320/M+Elle+Magazine+Germany.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377642291840673554" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprE8issMldNzwQcrAvx4X4zXMhiE8yBW8D6XW2kU9TOV-fDw87o9qNcgwFcTmc3VjWoFyGmz4yF8iJNfr7BoP5W-kP8S5LsFQT40It_47dTCRF5rg9v5K0EV4PGcal1-V_5t8zTpSnN_z/s1600-h/M+Maxim.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprE8issMldNzwQcrAvx4X4zXMhiE8yBW8D6XW2kU9TOV-fDw87o9qNcgwFcTmc3VjWoFyGmz4yF8iJNfr7BoP5W-kP8S5LsFQT40It_47dTCRF5rg9v5K0EV4PGcal1-V_5t8zTpSnN_z/s320/M+Maxim.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377642761812337170" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p></o:p></span> <!--EndFragment--> <meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/bobmarley/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>993</o:Words> <o:characters>5661</o:Characters> <o:company>University of Maryland-College Park</o:Company> <o:lines>47</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>11</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>6952</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Courier New"; panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4; mso-font-charset:77; mso-generic-font-family:modern; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; panose-1:5 2 1 2 1 8 4 8 7 8; mso-font-charset:2; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 65536 0 -2147483648 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:242566186; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:1875124282 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:81.0pt; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:81.0pt; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Symbol;} @list l1 {mso-list-id:345133153; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:-128535226 1249250740 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l1:level1 {mso-level-start-at:10; mso-level-tab-stop:66.0pt; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:66.0pt; text-indent:-30.0pt;} @list l2 {mso-list-id:362370525; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:2095601252 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l2:level1 {mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.75in; text-indent:-.25in;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-47343111357688255522009-08-31T20:48:00.000-07:002009-09-20T07:14:45.479-07:00Discover, Explore, Unleash: TaMara Campbell Discusses Beautifully Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2x2PG-e-eKcpcpWnX-MI4LwJMGX_CFNolyEaycu3D1VwHojbErrQ2BB1y9yl9ZqLZJNjsZDmOPTV5QM3Wc5FEBBS3LiDKfHwspT5aa3_3gfUYTbOyoZRRffS0-O8a_F_h74neb5TOXYT/s1600-h/tc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2x2PG-e-eKcpcpWnX-MI4LwJMGX_CFNolyEaycu3D1VwHojbErrQ2BB1y9yl9ZqLZJNjsZDmOPTV5QM3Wc5FEBBS3LiDKfHwspT5aa3_3gfUYTbOyoZRRffS0-O8a_F_h74neb5TOXYT/s320/tc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376356948785297202" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Live Unchained</span> had the opportunity to ask TaMara Campbell a few questions about her business <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span>. TaMara describes <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span> as a company that offers empowering, creative and innovative services that include: The Art of Pole Dancing, eXotic Dance & Sensual Movement,the trademark class SEXYROBICS®, SeXy Education classes including HIV and STD workshops Women's Wellness and Education among several others.<br /><br />TaMara's business and other initiatives inspire women to embrace their sexuality, beauty and femininity in an un-apolagetic way. With the alarming rate of HIV and STD’s in our communities, TaMara’s efforts are significant as <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span> empowers and inspires women to make safe choices about their sexual encounters and sexuality.<br /><br />I'm honored that TaMara has shared some of her thoughts on <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span>, Sex and femininity, with <span style="font-style: italic;">Live Unchained</span>. In addition to the interview below, you can find out more about her and her project at: <a href="http://www.beautifully-me.com/">www.beautifully-me.com</a>, and her blog at: <a href="http://beautifullymellc.blogspot.com/">http://beautifullymellc.blogspot.com</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Can you tell us about <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span> and your blog? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span> is dedicated to creating experiences to empower women with the knowledge and skills necessary to embark on a journey of self-discovery, self-love, and self-efficacy, hereby increasing confidence which will enable women to feel good about making safer and healthier decisions that will increase the quality of life in the five dimensions of wellness, increase the value of reproductive health, and reduce risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). It was important to me to create a place where women could feel safe, supported and free of judgment. We offer a variety of empowering, creative and innovative services that include: Our Blog, The Art of Pole Dancing, eXotic Dance & Sensual Movement, our trademark class SEXYROBICS®, SeXy Education classes including HIV and STI workshops, adult novelty home parties, "girls, night out" and our Savior-La Femme Pleasure Series, Women's Wellness & Education and much more!<br /><br />Our Blog is dedicated to addressing women’s most intimate questions and providing sexy and sassy practical educational information to empower women with knowledge, skills and tools needed to become a sexy, empowered and confident woman in and out of the bedroom.<br /><br />It’s important for women to have a safe space to discuss sexuality, sensuality, love, relationships & much more. The <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me </span>Blog serves as this place. Here, women can express themselves openly and honestly without fear of judgment and/or conditions.<br /><br />The sharing of knowledge is invaluable! We as women embody a unique voice and wealth of experience from which we can all learn and grow. I respect and appreciate your input and invite you to share your thoughts, ideals, adventures and experience by becoming involved in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span> Blog!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />What inspired you to create <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span>? </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EGWaX2d5udIBtMdRrMKgXk62yL5ohNiLnm_HSCzkVlMnjzKu3J7Zo8G74x86hy-UEXsWIU1NfLkiKoKId4KNaOwgSKanKLmGPSPGCFLs8vqz_39IAS3kDxdEJZWRqFTKtRRZn8xFcjw2/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EGWaX2d5udIBtMdRrMKgXk62yL5ohNiLnm_HSCzkVlMnjzKu3J7Zo8G74x86hy-UEXsWIU1NfLkiKoKId4KNaOwgSKanKLmGPSPGCFLs8vqz_39IAS3kDxdEJZWRqFTKtRRZn8xFcjw2/s320/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376549306647392034" border="0" /></a><br />I have always been about women’s empowerment even from a very young age. But the inspiration for creating <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span> was very different and very personal! <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me </span>grew out of my journey to self empowerment. I was at a very interesting yet challenging place in my life. I had just lost my job. I wasn’t happy in my marriage and I was in a new city where I didn’t know many people. I felt isolated, alone and I was unhappy. I knew I needed to make some serious changes in my life because I was on the edge of losing myself.<br /><br />One morning, I woke up and decided that enough was enough! If I didn’t take back control of my life, I was going to spiral downward into a depression that I may not have been able to overcome. I made up my mind that morning that I was going to do something about it.<br /><br />I began searching for classes that I could take to strengthen my mind, body, spirit and soul and also to meet some other ladies. I just so happened to come across a listing for pole dancing classes. At first, I thought what the heck? They’re really classes for this? Nevertheless, I decided to give it a try. Although I didn’t make the initial deposit when I originally was suppose to because I almost allowed myself and other people talk me out of it, I’m so glad that I did because from the very first night of the class I was hooked.<br /><br />By the end of the six week class, I began to notice the transformation taking place, my body was more tone, my walk was a little taller and I was feeling more confident. I thought to myself, if this class has had this type of effect on me, I know other women could benefit from this amazing feeling, empowering feeling. Right then and there <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span> was born.<br /><br />My vision was to create a one-stop-shop business for women’s sexuality education and empowerment. I already had 15+ years experience in the field of HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health, so I decided to add a pole dancing component to compliment the experience and work that I had already done.<br /><br />When I began <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span>, keep in mind that pole dancing as a class was a very new phenomenon, so no one knew whether or not it would last long. So with that in mind, I never used pole dancing as the foundation of <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span> but rather as an innovative tool to empower and educate women on all aspects of sexuality.<br /><br />As we approach our 5th year of business in September 2009, <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span> is still remaining true to our vision. The beautiful thing about <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span> is that I take pride in the fact that it is a lifestyle company that grows and changes with life. The more I grow and mature, the better <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span> becomes. <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span> is Love and there’s nothing in this world that I love more than helping to empower women!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">You promote the celebration and power of being a woman unapologetically—confident, expressing our sexual desires. Do you think aspects of American and Global societies create an environment that makes that expression difficult? What is your advice to women in navigating these environments? </span><br /><br />In many aspects yes, I do think that some societies make it difficult for women to express not only their sexual desires but sexuality as a whole. One of the reasons being is that sexuality is still taboo among many cultures and societies. In addition, society has over-glamorized and over sexualized women in such a negative way by displaying images of scantily clad women behaving in such a degrading and disrespectful manner that disempowers women.<br /><br />However, in some societies, sexuality is positively embraced from a much earlier age. It’s normalized as a part of their culture and/or society. Women are taught to appreciate their sexual self. Transition into womanhood is a celebration of honor and respect. I think that if the Western world would open their hearts and minds to understanding sexuality as a normal and healthy part of life, then that would help to create opportunities for open and honest conversations about sexuality, reduce teen pregnancy and transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.<br /><br />My advice to women in those environments is to first love and empower themselves regardless of their current circumstances because the love that they generate from within is the love that will transcend time and circumstances.<br /><br />There are so many misconceptions, societal taboos regarding sex that often times people fear what they don’t know. Knowledge is power! Educate yourself on all aspects of sexuality and use it to empower yourself and your community. Be become an advocate for healthy sexuality for individuals and communities! Many people don’t realize the socioeconomic impact of sexuality on a community. I believe that if we begin to stop looking through judgmental lenses and begin to see past the moral aspect of sexuality and start to focus on the emotional, social and financial encumbrances, societies will begin to take more of a proactive role in creating an environment that supports development of healthy sexuality.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Why do you think it is so important for women to embrace their sexuality? What does that mean to you? </span><br /><br />Women must embrace their sexuality in order to save their lives! In addition, in order to facilitate safer, healthier and more fulfilling sexual experiences, women must begin to take their sexuality into their own hands.<br /><br />Embracing sexuality is a lifestyle. It’s being aware of your needs, wants and desires. It’s being able to communicate with your mate. It’s intimacy. It’s feminine. It’s vulnerability. It’s strength. It’s a power that women posses to give life or destroy it if used incorrectly or irrationally. It’s art of giving and taking. It’s pleasure undefiled. It’s unconditional. It’s who we are and were created to be.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span> works to empower women to make safer, healthier sexual choices. Often discussions about safe sex and sexuality are discussed separately. Do you think it is important to talk about these two issues side by side? If so, why? </span><br /><br />Sex and sexuality are often times used interchangeably when in fact; they are two very different concepts. Sex is only but a small part of sexuality. The term sex usually refers to the biological and physiological aspects of sexuality i.e. reproduction and intercourse. While sexuality is the larger term that refers to how individuals experience and express themselves as sexual beings. Sexuality has many aspects:<br /><br />* Biological and physiology includes hormones, reproduction, pleasure and physical aspect such as intercourse,<br />* Psychological includes emotional response, sexual attitudes and behaviors,<br />* Sociological includes cultural, political and legal aspects,<br />* Philosophically includes the moral, ethical, spiritual or religious aspects.<br /><br />I think it’s important to discuss these issues not side by side but rather as one because you can’t have one without the other. It’s important for women to have a true understanding of sexuality in order to facilitate and experience a healthy sexual life. Additionally, this empowers you to advocate for issues of sexuality that matter most to you. It also helps to provide a platform for healthy discussions around sexuality.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">At what age do you think it is a good idea for women to start learning about not just sexual behavior, but their sexuality as well? </span><br /><br />I think discussions about sexuality can happen at any age just as long as it is done in an age appropriate manner. But I would definitely say prior to the time a young woman begins her first menstrual cycle and budding breast. It’s important for her to know, to understand and to be comfortable with her body. She should also be taught that the changes that are taking place in her body are normal and natural. She should be taught to embrace her entry into womanhood. Discussions also should be open and honest. She hould be allowed to ask any questions. The discussion should focus on all aspects of sexuality not just sex/intercourse. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation discussing sexuality, then you always can refer to a professional who is more experienced dealing with this. Please do not attempt to answer questions that you are unsure about or do not have the answers to, as this only helps to contribute to an already confusing time. Providing partial and/or inaccurate information can actually end being more harmful.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What are your future goals for <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span>? </span><br /><br />As <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me </span>approaches year five in September 2009, we are undergoing some amazing changes. We are taking this time to reflect, reconnect and renew in an effort to continue to provide the most effective, purposeful and empowering services. We are very excited and hope that women will continue to support us in our growth. Visit our website frequently or join our online interactive community to stay abreast of all the upcoming activities. We will be making major announcements after September 16, 2009.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Finally, What does living unchained mean to you? </span><br /><br />Living unchained is living life to the fullest without allowing self-defeating behaviors and societal constraints to limit your potential. It’s self-awareness! It’s a respect and an appreciation for where you are at this moment in time. It’s being fully present in the moment. Letting go of all regrets and moving forward. In essence, it’s love just the same as <span style="font-style: italic;">Beautifully Me</span>.<br /><br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid264.photobucket.com/albums/ii166/bmllc/eXpressionsofMovement.flv" height="361" width="448"></embed>Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-86270386046123703732009-08-24T05:42:00.000-07:002009-08-24T07:59:39.592-07:00Africa HuNa--Black Political and Social Networking Site, Entirely in Spanish!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7baLHuYKRMwjL7m32YDwO1fzqZTjXXjJMBjbr2IZfSfoL6gKDt5pd_Rr0AH6nov6SdgugcGGfOJBwG1kYNfiJ4kvpP46qnpJu-es5PEELXIeOr08Cwba9JpzPH9Z8aViU2IDjLowSHc/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7baLHuYKRMwjL7m32YDwO1fzqZTjXXjJMBjbr2IZfSfoL6gKDt5pd_Rr0AH6nov6SdgugcGGfOJBwG1kYNfiJ4kvpP46qnpJu-es5PEELXIeOr08Cwba9JpzPH9Z8aViU2IDjLowSHc/s320/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373521471416685330" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://africahuna.ning.com/">Africa HuNa</a> is a political and social networking site, which was created in Spain. The network has grown to include people interested in issues affecting Africans and people of African descent throughout the world, who prefer to communicate in Spanish.<br /><br />The title, <a href="http://africahuna.ning.com/">Africa HuNa</a>, has a couple puns. HuNa represents <span style="font-style: italic;">Hu</span>-Humanidad and <span style="font-style: italic;">Na</span>-Naturaleza; the unification of Humanity with nature or, in other words, roots. Also, an alternative spelling of Africa is Africah, to emphasize the last syllable and show reverence. The spelling of Africah Una, translates to Africa Unite (like the Bob Marley song).<br /><br />Sese Site, a sociologist and co-creator of the site, explains and shares her thoughts on the project.<br /><br /><object height="450" width="600"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6247198&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ff0066&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6247198&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ff0066&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="450" width="600"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/6247198"><br /></a></p>For those of us who did not learn Spanish as a first language, the site is a great place to practice your Spanish, while keeping up with current topics and events in the world. People of various races, ethnicities and nationalities are communicating in Spanish regarding activism, music, politics, literature and many more topics. When I see that someone has posted something interesting, I leave a message directly for that person. Whenever I have a question about an issue related to Africa and I want quick feedback, I visit <a href="http://africahuna.ning.com/">Africa HuNa</a>.Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-51348614280132505812009-08-21T07:46:00.000-07:002009-09-02T15:21:46.791-07:00This is a MOVEMENT: Alicia Anabel Santos on Afro-Latinos, The Untaught StoryThe documentary film series Afro-Latinos, The Untaught Story, developed by the independent production company, Creador Pictures, broadens our notions of movements and the experiences of blacks in the Americas. Afro-Latinos brings to fore the history, culture and contemporary challenges facing blacks in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.
<br />
<br />Here is the English version...
<br />
<br /><object width="580" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ny0M6QOVTIg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ny0M6QOVTIg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object>
<br />
<br />...and here is the Spanish Version.
<br />
<br /><object height="360" width="580"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2RXsNQ122CM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2RXsNQ122CM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="360" width="580"></embed></object>
<br />
<br />Clearly, the team recognized that such an ambitious and important project could only be complimented by an incredible website. Afrolatinos.tv (designed by Magdalena Medio) is the perfect blend of style and substance. There you can learn the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that received the enslaved Africans and from where in Africa they came. Each country the crew visited or plans to visit includes an historical and cultural overview of the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0V7RTcOhvnRc64CSOc2GpZIqn1xixDjiLiRWUbUe4AfroEgDEfyi0LBulHU5qqwS1LK5cqmfR2zq6dtB1ero6ky85m0cjGBmjMrESm33q-KsEOiy_MGUtx2Z14QHCPqeiOhxwcujc2Ez/s1600-h/Afro-Latinos+Screenshot+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0V7RTcOhvnRc64CSOc2GpZIqn1xixDjiLiRWUbUe4AfroEgDEfyi0LBulHU5qqwS1LK5cqmfR2zq6dtB1ero6ky85m0cjGBmjMrESm33q-KsEOiy_MGUtx2Z14QHCPqeiOhxwcujc2Ez/s320/Afro-Latinos+Screenshot+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372432984628896802" border="0" /></a>African populations there. Also, you can share facts or stories with the team for a given country. You can also learn the personal perspectives of the creators, Renzo Devia, Alicia Anabel Santos, Camilo Mendoza and Leonardo Reales. There are several hours of their very intimate and personal reflections and conversations throughout the filming process.
<br />
<br />I am so happy to have had the opportunity to speak with Alicia Anabel Santos, one of the series co-creators regarding the project. Alicia explains that this project represents not only a tribute to African ancestors and their descendants currently living in Latin America and the Caribbean, but a movement.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">How did you become involved with the Afro-Latinos project? How did the idea for the project come about? </span>
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-Qb-LIgPkgWWv8b8OjuBOOehCz1nZtTA9oq0NuHrfUGLd1klYgP-enngNA4Xythzg70gLuZjizz37tk8WPJZYYmTIIqI4VYa8jd1623F_kcmUiMxmvStEdY3Enjs1-0liK-V3AH2RKmw/s1600-h/alicia+y+renzo+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-Qb-LIgPkgWWv8b8OjuBOOehCz1nZtTA9oq0NuHrfUGLd1klYgP-enngNA4Xythzg70gLuZjizz37tk8WPJZYYmTIIqI4VYa8jd1623F_kcmUiMxmvStEdY3Enjs1-0liK-V3AH2RKmw/s200/alicia+y+renzo+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372440625985828450" border="0" /></a>I became involved in the Afrolatinos documentary after writing an article published in Urban Latino magazine entitled, “Two Cultures Marching to One Drum,” which honors the contributions of Africans in both the Black and Latino community, our shared history, and define what it means to be Afro-Latino—aiming to unite these two communities. Renzo and I were both on a journey of self-discovery searching for the answers to very specific questions-- Why have Latinos rejected their African ancestry? Why are we denying our African roots?” Renzo invited me to join him on this investigation to learn more about Afrolatinos throughout Latin America.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Let’s talk about the title. The full title of the documentary is Afro-Latinos, The Untaught Story. Why was it important for the project to be titled Afro-Latinos—a term many people criticize or do not take seriously? </span>
<br />
<br />The title AFRO-LATINOS is intentionally used to highlight a group of people that have barely been written about. We wanted to tell the untaught story of Afro-Latinos… to take people on a journey as we discover who Afro-Latinos are and how the African influence mixed with Spanish culture has made Latin America what it is today. In countries such as Mexico and Peru the focus has always been on the Indigenous and Spanish contributions in history… what about the African part. It was important for us that this story be told.
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Why do you think the experiences and history of Afro-Latinos has received insufficient attention? </span>
<br />
<br />There are many reasons why the Afrolatino population has received NO attention. Some of it has to do with race, class, and economy, but mostly it has to do with education. There are many people who do not know where they come from. Countries throughout Latin America aren’t teaching a COMPLETE and INCLUSIVE history. Yet another reason Afro-Latinos are not acknowledged or seen has much to do with the color of their skin. There is a reason why most of these communities are still undeveloped and receive very little resources or economic attention and it has much to do with being black. Discrimination is alive and well throughout Latin America.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Covering a large span of time, the documentary includes a review of enslaved African uprisings. Why was it important to include enslaved African rebellions in the documentary? </span>
<br />
<br />We have found that in the history books throughout Latin America people are only being taught a particular version of a story… not the ENTIRE story. Not the TRUTH… there is something missing throughout Latin America a pride in their history and where that history started… most of the versions of history we are taught even in the United States about Latin America, is that “Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492” and that he came and saved us. But we were not taught about the millions of enslaved Africans that were taken against their will and brought to the Caribbean, Central and South America by force or how our people were brutally killed. We were not taught about the many rebellions throughout Latin America where men and women escaped and formed their own communities called Palenque’s… it was important to include these warriors so that afrolatinos understand who they really are and the rich history that lies in their blood.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">I think it is great that you and Renzo are very honest and candid when sharing your personal reflections throughout the making of the documentary. You reflected a lot on identity—national, cultural and racial. What have you learned about your own identity? Has working on this project complicated earlier ideas you had about identity, in general? </span>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeoruCChglhElignwTchGoAiz2gLZBTrmQlqVbivIKjO3UV0RqOmJvgTaP90gMBgTQq1yrK89CT0157tFqefY7k6tl5d5EiN3JC411qK_Pq1vL9oJ24SUkzdGK56_wfmYJ1Yr70GbU942/s1600-h/Afro-Latinos+Screen+Shot+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeoruCChglhElignwTchGoAiz2gLZBTrmQlqVbivIKjO3UV0RqOmJvgTaP90gMBgTQq1yrK89CT0157tFqefY7k6tl5d5EiN3JC411qK_Pq1vL9oJ24SUkzdGK56_wfmYJ1Yr70GbU942/s320/Afro-Latinos+Screen+Shot+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372433280639960514" border="0" /></a>
<br />Renzo and I would both agree that the MAIN gift we have gained throughout this journey is an appreciation of people, culture and differences… about my own identity I wouldn’t say that this discovery has complicated anything… but solidified who I am… I feel more grounded…more proud of my culture… I am still learning what identity means for me—but this journey has certainly brought me closer today than I ever was. I can identify myself as Afro-Latina, Afro-Dominicana, a label and title that I am proud to wear… Not only am I Latina, Dominican, Hispanic but I also share a bloodline with Africa and that only makes my identity stronger.
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Race is considered, by some, a political identity. Outside of politics, however, is there any other connection you feel with people of African descent across the African Diaspora? Spiritual or personal, for example? </span>
<br />
<br />Besides race and history… the spiritual connection is incredible… religion is what connects us to Africa… our Santa Marta, Yemaya, I think people have a misconception about religions such as vudu or Santeria… some people get frightened believing that these religions are to cause harm when it is the total opposite when you go to a fiesta de palo event… you find that the music and rituals are to connect with the ancestors, to communicate to celebrate life and death… that cycle. My personal connection is not only racial and political but absolutely a spiritual one. This journey has brought us closer to the answers Renzo and I have been searching for…
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">You say that Haiti was the country that most impacted you. Why? </span>
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eUV190Xw4zmGv4spjAZuLN3oo4bBDvPwaOJx0ZjYbVlRKWenGtWge12UthtjV116N-RMF1WknXEFI-oxEPl4rq1dyaCzNFtFBMq7TI2Bp2B9tOwBeyiX6VrxYyYFhQ5PvP-D8YOqv4i_/s1600-h/Picture+6.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eUV190Xw4zmGv4spjAZuLN3oo4bBDvPwaOJx0ZjYbVlRKWenGtWge12UthtjV116N-RMF1WknXEFI-oxEPl4rq1dyaCzNFtFBMq7TI2Bp2B9tOwBeyiX6VrxYyYFhQ5PvP-D8YOqv4i_/s200/Picture+6.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372441577874346578" border="0" /></a>Haiti was a profound experience for me. Mostly because I wanted to understand and see for myself what the other side of the island that my family is from was like. Haiti needs help. Haiti needs support. We did not visit the tourist areas, which we are told are breathtaking. We decided to stay near Port-au-Prince and learn about everyday life and what we discovered was that Haitians work incredibly hard yet incredibly poor. Renzo and I are looking forward to returning to Haiti and all of the countries we have visited to help DO MORE.
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Why is the term African Diaspora important to you? What do you think the term African Diaspora captures that would be lost if we simply used terminology like “black populations in different countries,” for example? </span>
<br />
<br />The term African Diaspora is very important because it includes the descendants of Africans who were dispersed throughout the world. Using terms like “black population” puts people in a small group… it’s limiting and isolates a group of people. African Diaspora groups us with a larger more inclusive group and honors where we all come from.
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">You consider one of the most important chapters in the documentary the contemporary challenges facing Afro-Latinos. One of the common challenges you saw in Afro-Latino communities was the lack of government support. What are some examples of this? What are other common challenges facing Afro-Latino communities? </span>
<br />
<br />CORRUPTION is my fast answer… but it is much more complicated than that… U.S. Agencies send money to countries like Colombia for example who receives over 10 million dollars from the U.S. and you assume that this money is getting into the right hands and is being used for the purposes intended, which is rarely the case. Renzo traveled to Chocó where funds were provided to restore or create plumbing and fix roads this work has not been done. This is just one example but a common problem throughout Latin America.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">What are examples of the changes you would like to see people working towards to improve the life changes of people of African descent in Latin America? </span>
<br />
<br />Renzo and I have discussed in great detail the importance of INDIVIDUAL involvement not just government agencies sending money, but regular people like you and I going into these communities and seeing for themselves what is needed and then they can determine what resources they can provide to assist us… we would like to see more people going to visit these countries and donating their TIME, teaching students skills, bringing educational resources, computers and books. Go see how your money is being used! If you own a construction company send family and friends to communities like… Haiti and the Dominican Republic to help build schools…
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynxVJRvBfS8pCyEmfSHCY4eItJCV9L2FGUtScEiv9pA4xKFAj164glNcvF7Kr5fXRYUGVZ3qTR0oBjLJdbFn6REGgifXDOZQdSR0dQGg61coajWX1tOKFKyqZ5GX8Qu6Icy20hTUuw-mR/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 348px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynxVJRvBfS8pCyEmfSHCY4eItJCV9L2FGUtScEiv9pA4xKFAj164glNcvF7Kr5fXRYUGVZ3qTR0oBjLJdbFn6REGgifXDOZQdSR0dQGg61coajWX1tOKFKyqZ5GX8Qu6Icy20hTUuw-mR/s320/Picture+7.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372443383159413746" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Finally, what does activism mean to you? Would you consider this an activist project? Would you consider yourself an activist? </span>
<br />
<br />Activist to me means fighting for the rights of those who don’t know how to or are afraid to fight for themselves… to me it means being ACTIVE - - doing something… working with others towards change and for the greater good. Is this an activist project—ABSOLUTELY… but we see our selves as recruiters… Renzo and I need more people joining us to help these communities.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Anything else you want to share… </span>
<br />
<br />Lastly, I would add that THIS IS A MOVEMENT… the Afro-Latino’s documentary is a call to service. We are asking people to join us as we work towards educating and helping these communities. Please visit us at www.afrolatinos.tv.
<br />
<br />...
<br />
<br />After reading Alicia’s last comment, I considered e-mailing her to ask for clarification about what it means to "do more." Now, however, I think this is something we should decide for ourselves. I'm reminded of poet Antonio Machado's words: "Caminante, no hay camino, se hace camino al andar." This line translates to, "Traveler, there is no path; you make the path by walking." No one can tell you the form your activism can take and no one can decide for you what activism <span style="font-style: italic;">isn't</span>.
<br />
<br />The Afro-Latinos project shows that the challenges facing people of African descent across the world is global in scope with a long and complex history.<span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>36</o:Words> <o:characters>210</o:Characters> <o:company>University of Maryland-College Park</o:Company> <o:lines>1</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>257</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><span style=";font-family:Cambria;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>It is easy to feel like such matters are too big to resolve.<span style=""> </span>As a result, we may become so discouraged that we make <span style="font-style: italic;">no</span> effort to resist.<span style=""> </span>Or, conversely, we try to take on a problem in its entirety and wonder why we’re more irritable and exhausted than normal. </span><!--EndFragment--><span style="font-size:100%;"> We</span> can contribute to this movement in a variety of ways given our interests and resources. We can at least show the seven minute trailer for Afro-Latinos and/or introduce the website to at least one person. We don’t have to do everything, but as Alicia said, we can all do more.
<br />
<br />Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-58669049473783249962009-08-13T03:16:00.000-07:002009-08-24T07:19:07.130-07:00Flamenco and African Rhythms, Jazz, Rock and Gospel: For Astrid Jones it's all in the mix<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwkdICOlGjkzsu_OIl1nqb1PIauqeK3UWfISAXNVQRUyjitd8DTZWjGuFU7yAo-oFrlAuwG3iqlmsIMkZVfVNygC0IhW129Ba1Ur3HMJVZLBgQPz2ePdP2cudN5wptvCK2QX87kqiJQxo/s1600-h/Astrid,+Nacho+y+Alex"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_PtyziIeZIOsxCar1rnnTDqE_p9Wf9Bq31pkOeyUewCCGd3aV8yZ-bNyc4DYQzUhYyI9G5tI2y8blLhksJkwLLtPuxnHQXMiPIBuO7xlyApupu2U22f1RgbPesrbUWnBjT9Kz1kNRGbR/s1600-h/Astrid+Peforming+Smiling"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 169px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_PtyziIeZIOsxCar1rnnTDqE_p9Wf9Bq31pkOeyUewCCGd3aV8yZ-bNyc4DYQzUhYyI9G5tI2y8blLhksJkwLLtPuxnHQXMiPIBuO7xlyApupu2U22f1RgbPesrbUWnBjT9Kz1kNRGbR/s320/Astrid+Peforming+Smiling" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369390997864943730" border="0" /></a></div>I came across the photo to the right while playing around on MySpace. When I visited her page and put a voice to the face, I knew I had to contact her. Initially, I just wanted to say hello and that I liked her songs. However, I also wanted to share it with others who I knew could appreciate it. When I told her about Live Unchained she was eager to contribute to the anthology. Writing back and forth, we said that if we ever had the chance to meet in Spain, we would connect. We both followed through and I am so happy that the supporters of Live Unchained will get to know her voice. If you like fusions, especially with African roots, as band member Alex Ikot says, Astrid Jones Ndjoli is a musician you should know. After meeting Astrid in person, I think this photo reflects her well. Her smile is big and sincere, she is as confident as she is humble, and really is that beautiful in person.<br /><br />Astrid writes and sings for a group that combines soul, jazz, rock, flamenco and African rhythms. Although Astrid, Nacho and Alex have been together for over three years, they are not rushing to decide on a name for the band. For now, you can look them up online as just that: Astrid, Nacho and Alex Ikot.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-4neF2u_Vhs&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-4neF2u_Vhs&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />In this performance for Repertorio on Solidaria TV Astrid, Nacho and Alex Ikot share original songs, covers and jazz standards. I had never heard The Police's "Roxanne" and Barry White's "Never Never Gonna Give You Up," interpreted with both Flamenco percussion and skat. I loved it! They truly have a special and distinct sound. The group gives concerts about twice every month. If you are in Madrid, you should visit their MySpace page to see when they'll be performing.<br /><br />Astrid also sings with a gospel choir in Madrid called Gospel Factory. I heard them sing and felt like I was at a Sunday morning service in Chicago.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pQXeYrfzrZU&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pQXeYrfzrZU&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />Although music is such an important part of her life, Astrid says: "If I say I want to be a singer and that's it...It's not enough." Astrid's parents came to Madrid from Equatorial Guinea over thirty five years ago. Although she was born and raised in Spain, people, including the police, often assume that Astrid is an immigrant. "I go to work and a police man asks me for my identity card...it's a very common thing." Such experiences, in addition to the relationships she has with other people of African descent here, have made her conscious and concerned about the situation facing the black population.<br /><br />To Live Unchained, Astrid is contributing "Mujeres" and "Life Happens Everyday," which you can hear on<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/astridjonesmusic"> her MySpace </a>page. You'll be able to hear her songs and contributions from other women on our website at www.liveunchained.com soon.<br /><br /><object height="450" width="600"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6167442&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ff0179&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6167442&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ff0179&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="450" width="600"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/6167442"><br /></a></p>Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-421005137650327812009-08-10T14:31:00.000-07:002009-08-24T07:21:59.052-07:00Lucía Asué, Living Unchained in Madrid...<object height="345" width="600"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6167242&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ff0066&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6167242&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ff0066&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="345" width="600"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/6167242"><br /></a></p>Live Unchained brought me to the best part of Madrid, the terrace of Lucía Asué Mbomio Rubio. A place where I had a wonderful welcome party, great conversations and filmed the video you see above.<br /><p></p><br />One day, many months ago, I decided to promote Live Unchained via facebook and came across a page posted in Spanish for an organization called <a href="http://www.altoconsejodelascomunidadesnegras.es/esp/">Alto Consejo de las Comunidades Negras</a>. I contacted every member that was on Facebook at the time, including Lucía, the director of Communications and Media. She sent me back a beautiful and encouraging response--the last line of which read: "Vuestra lucha es también la mía," Your fight is also mine. True to her word, she has been eager and generous in supporting and promoting Live Unchained.<br /><br />To Live Unchained she is contributing a documentary, "The Invisible City: Voices in the Cañada Real Galiana." The documentary portrays the largest illegal settlement in Europe. Lucía artistically captures the challenges facing the forty thousand residents that occupy the Cañada Real. Diversity and contrasts characterize this zone; One can see, "chalés of luxury and shacks, addicts and volunteers, businessmen and pariahs...without access to a hospital, nor a school" (for a more detailed description see <a href="http://www.antropodocus.com/produccion/laciudadinvisible/imagenes/dossier.pdf">this PDF</a>). The documentary has been shown at the World Social Forum in addition to receiving various accolades in different countries. Here is a teaser.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dqUG7lIAYkc&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dqUG7lIAYkc&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />Aside from her art, she has one of the most enviable jobs in Madrid. She is a television personality for<a href="http://www.rtve.es/television/espanoles-en-el-mundo/"> </a><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.rtve.es/television/espanoles-en-el-mundo/">Españoles en el Mundo</a>, which airs on</span> the national channel, <a href="http://www.rtve.es/">RTVE</a>. As a reporter for this program, she has had the opportunity to travel all over the world including my hometown Chicago and her Father's homeland, Ecuatorial Guinea. You can see the full episode of Ecuatorial Guinea <a href="http://www.rtve.es/mediateca/videos/20090511/espanoles-mundo-guinea-ecuatorial/503034.shtml">here</a>.<br /><br />Fluent in Spanish, French and Portuguese, her language skills have served her well. Her most recent trip for Espa<span class="description">ñ</span>oles en el Mundo was to Lisboa, Portugal. On Friday, she will visit Montreal.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_jnKTlWoJbA&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_jnKTlWoJbA&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />Lucía's Fall trip, however, is for her own interests. In October, Lucía will travel to Paris, France to conduct an interview and research for her next documentary. Her next project is about the life of José Carlos Grey Molay, also known as Carlos Greykey. A black man who fought in the Spanish Civil War and served in a concentration camp during World War II. (Lucía is still in the documentation phase and if you have any information you would like to share with her regarding this project, you can reach her at: luciambomio@hotmail.com.)<br /><br />A major goal for Live Unchained is that it be a platform where women from various and, in some cases, very distant places, can share ideas and resources; to be what it has been for me and my new friend. I am so happy to have met Lucía, to have learned from her and to have eaten her food (she's a great cook). She has encouraged Miriam and I to follow our dreams for this project. Given her boldness and the many things she puts her energy into, Lucía continues to lead by example. She Lives Unchained.<br /><br />...<br /><br />Here is a picture from the party Lucía threw on her terrace in June. The women depicted are from, in no particular order, Columbia, Russia, Guinea, Chile, Spain and the U.S. (of course). We had the BEST tortilla Espa<span class="description">ñola and sang along to "Me and Mrs. Jones."</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-ft9V7mQlBr5PvTiQhDSMc6v7InbE6WCS0H57u_UyqgniwRdcmPY8M3acr8ruTei_27kjPHvmfZZkSgmQkRAjVL70S4weTj64CgAxVTbpDH_ItTK8JgB0RSSmeOe8tBuxi8nDyFZCNpV/s1600-h/100_0067.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-ft9V7mQlBr5PvTiQhDSMc6v7InbE6WCS0H57u_UyqgniwRdcmPY8M3acr8ruTei_27kjPHvmfZZkSgmQkRAjVL70S4weTj64CgAxVTbpDH_ItTK8JgB0RSSmeOe8tBuxi8nDyFZCNpV/s320/100_0067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368689285099159442" border="0" /></a>Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-64049630041252877112009-08-02T07:29:00.000-07:002009-08-02T08:06:56.739-07:00Calling All Journalists...Creative Opportunity!Hello journalists, newsies and information lovers! Enter the International Center for Journalists' (ICFJ) competition to win a Flip Cam and share your opinion with the committee and followers of ICFJ. Submit a video in any language (if not in English, you'll need subtitles) that shows why you think quality journalism matters. You have creative license to submit whatever you want--a song, music video, poem, etc. I suggest you Live Unchained, plan and bring it!<br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2ZkrcZgRQ4c&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2ZkrcZgRQ4c&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-57973284937858898392009-07-22T06:34:00.000-07:002009-07-22T07:24:05.592-07:00The International King of PopIt is always difficult hearing sad news—especially when you are away from home. I heard about Michael Jackson’s passing while in Madrid, Spain (where he is popularly known as “Miguelito”). At the time I was among (mainly new) friends from different parts of the world—Russia, Spain, Guinea, Columbia. We all shared our favorite songs and dance moves with varying degrees of nostalgia, disbelief and sorrow.<br /><br />Many musicians, dj’s and nightclubs across the world paid special tribute to the timeless “King of Pop.” My friend Candice and I met some kindred spirits from Chile while looking for a place to dance in Via Testaccio, a center in Rome with a lot of nightlife.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQk6jpsHrD9IT0qs00IrO42oozJYnRIz36nzB2Cn4VrGYLiU3B5MQlGAD9ugvu8jD2OWFx0a2PUMbVD6LJtHxahho9F0GH6VQodJ87U64JQXSE6CN61k_6-20eqb2MXzEFRlbn4gzTqxzQ/s1600-h/100_0190.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQk6jpsHrD9IT0qs00IrO42oozJYnRIz36nzB2Cn4VrGYLiU3B5MQlGAD9ugvu8jD2OWFx0a2PUMbVD6LJtHxahho9F0GH6VQodJ87U64JQXSE6CN61k_6-20eqb2MXzEFRlbn4gzTqxzQ/s320/100_0190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361289214301549442" border="0" /></a><br /><img src="file:///Users/bobmarley/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/Modified/2009/100KC180/100_0190.JPG" alt="" />We all talked about many things, including, of course, Michael. Later that night we had the opportunity to see an appreciation performance while in Rome. We all danced and sang: “You can be my baby, it don’t matter if your black or white…dooooodoodoodoodooooodooooo…”<br />Here is a piece of the performance.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy6PgO3UZK57qRsZbVSx0CVVcfjKJ5l9wPBd-S6E0MZMuM3dNwZ80ah4YOlm-WiRT_Yv7Eu6qgm2SZsKDo9XA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />My favorite songs by Michael Jackson are “Man in the Mirror” and “Bad.” My favorite music videos are <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDxsM5jLNxM">“Remember the Time”</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDUbAgfrvU0">“Smooth Criminal.”</a> Michael always danced like his life depended on it! He sang about what was in his heart. The world has lost a king, but Michael left a precious legacy. I love looking around the globe and seeing his style, energy and spirit.Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-22758898645658959372009-06-23T22:54:00.000-07:002009-06-23T23:08:04.458-07:00The Most Valuable Thing You Can Pack On The Journey: Guest Blogger Lola Akinmade<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Nigerian-born Lola Akinmade’s photography and travel writing are characterized by vibrancy and hope. Her work has appeared in Vogue, National Geographic Traveler’s Intelligent Travel, Travel Channel’s World Hum, Forbes Traveler, Sherman’s Travel, Fodors.com, Guardian UK’s Been There, Smithsonian.com, CITY Magazine, Pology, GoNOMAD, The Away Network, Transitions Abroad, The Matador Network, amongst others. (source: www.lolaakinmade.com)<br /></p><p> Lola has contributed to many online travel resources such as Matador Travel, Common Language Project, Black Travels and magazines. She was also a winner in the M.I.L.K. photography competition and has work featured in the forthcoming book <em><a rel="related" href="http://www.freshmilkphotos.com/thebook1.html" target="_blank"><strong>Friendship, Family, Love & Laughter</strong></a>. </em>You can learn more about her and see more of her photography at her personal website: <a href="www.lolaakinmade.com">www.lolaakinmade.com</a>.<br /></p><p>---------</p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Most Valuable Thing You Can Pack On The Journey</span></span></p><div class="subtitle">You may fill your backpack, but have you remembered to bring an open mind?</div> <div class="captionright"><img src="http://matadornetwork.cachefly.net/bravenewtraveler.com/docs//wp-content/images/posts/20080501-faces.jpg" /> <p>Photo by Lola Akinmade</p> </div> <p><strong>I wasn’t sure</strong> I heard her right the first time.</p> <p>“I said leave my store! I have many windows you can look in from!” she yelled, probably mistaking me for an impoverished immigrant she didn’t want in her shop. </p> <p>Visibly stunned, I vowed never to return to culturally diverse Luxembourg. As I marched off, the words “Mademoiselle! Mademoiselle!” stopped me. </p> <p>Another middle-aged woman was chasing me uphill with a bag of groceries. She finally reached me, panting to collect her breath. This perfect stranger had also been a customer in the store. </p> <p>“Je suis désolée! I’m so sorry!” She apologized on behalf of the shopkeeper. </p> <p>I could have stereotyped the shopkeeper as a rude Frenchwoman, but I chose not to do so - based on the actions of another French woman. Instead, the rude woman remained only a rude woman.</p> <p><strong>Practicing Tolerance</strong></p> <div class="pullquote">“Just keep an open mind,” is a phrase that’s easier said than done. </div> <p>Just keep an open mind,” is a phrase that’s easier said than done. Even the most intrepid of travelers morph into creatures of habit, reverting back to their comfort zone when faced with challenges.</p> <p>Keeping an open mind does not mandate that you ditch your core values and spiritual beliefs. On the contrary, it implores you to acknowledge that others have their own beliefs as well.</p> <p>An open mind allows us to ask questions of other cultures and of ourselves, evaluating the possibilities that there might be answers different from ones we’ve always held.</p> <p>Clifton Fadiman, a writer and critic, eloquently explains that “…when you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.”</p> <p>Though years of immersion can draw you closer into the true belly of a culture, on many levels, you’ll always remain a foreigner.</p> <p><strong>Facing Rejection</strong></p> <p>Locals may reject your notions of what you think is important. While many Western cultures view time as money, a large portion of the world views time as something to be savored. </p> <p>When dealing with “island” time or other cultural norms, constantly remember that you are the stranger. Locals are not required to adapt their lifestyles to accept you. If they do, you should consider their flexibility a privilege.</p> <p>On the opposite end, being accepted too quickly might mean that locals are treating you differently as a foreigner, giving you false insight into their true culture. </p> <p>The key to keeping an open mind is to evaluate if they’re giving you preferential treatment because of your physical attributes or what you represent, rather than you as an individual. Use keen observation to view how locals interact with each other to get a truer sense of their daily lives.</p> <p><strong>Assessing each situation independently</strong></p> <p>The key to organically experiencing a different culture is to assess each situation independently. One tends to fall back on widely known stereotypes and overvalue one’s culture when suddenly faced with unpleasant encounters. </p> <div class="captionright"><img src="http://matadornetwork.cachefly.net/bravenewtraveler.com/docs//wp-content/images/posts/20080501-jumping.jpg" /> <p>Photo by Lola Akinmade</p> </div> <p>Maybe that Luxembourg shopkeeper was having a bad day or just had deep-seated prejudices. I’ll never know, but I’ll always remember the stranger who apologized. I’ve since been back to the Benelux area multiple times.</p> <p>Stereotypes are born when we take the actions of an individual and apply them to an entire culture, race, or generation. It is important to understand that a culture, though vastly different from yours, is innately logical to locals. </p> <p>For example: Swedes freeze sliced bread to preserve the freshness. For centuries, the Aztecs and Chinese have dealt with stress and anxiety through simple meditation and breathing techniques to more “controversial” methods like acupuncture. </p> <p>Some cultures view sleep as that unnecessary period deterring us from getting work done, while others welcome sleep with open arms.</p> <p>Observing how others handle similar issues can both teach and enrich us. </p> <p><strong>Dealing with more controversial practices</strong></p> <div class="pullquote">Solutions from within different cultures should not be automatically deemed nonviable because we don’t completely understand them.</div> <p>For altitude sickness in higher altitude locations such as Cuzco, Peru, you could spend time popping pills to combat altitude sickness - or you could do as the locals do: chew coca leaves or drink coca tea. </p> <p>The indigenous cultures of the Andes and Altiplano have lived in the region for decades and know how to suppress symptoms naturally and very quickly. Taking coca leaves outside of South America is prohibited because, in very large quantities, coca is the underlying raw material used to manufacture cocaine.</p> <p>Eating poppy-seed bagels does not equate to using opium, neither does eating grapes equate to drinking alcoholic wine. We usually evaluate alternate solutions when solving problems. </p> <p>Solutions from within different cultures should not be automatically deemed nonviable because we don’t completely understand them. </p> <p>There isn’t a clear line to cross when absorbing other cultures into your lifestyle. You draw the line where you want to cross based on your own personal convictions and beliefs. </p> <p><strong>Challenging yourself to try new things</strong></p> <p>You don’t have to bungee-jump off a bridge over Waikato River in New Zealand to prove open-mindedness if you know you’ll go into cardiac arrest. </p> <p>Nor should you eat fried tarantulas in Cambodia if the sight alone invokes violent retching. </p> <p>However, travel demands you step outside your comfort bubble. Challenging yourself to sample facets of a culture is the underlying purpose of travel. Whether it’s trying local cuisines or undertaking a new activity, the only way you can truly enrich your life through travel is to participate. </p> <p>“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home,” said the popular American Author, James Michener.</p> <p>As you open up your mind, you will notice your heart expanding in parallel. You’ll find yourself more forgiving and your own prejudices slowly chipping away over time.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Originally Printed in bravenewtraveler.com</span><br /></p><p><br /></p>Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-45568516038215620892009-06-18T20:04:00.000-07:002009-08-22T07:49:52.375-07:00Welcome to the Live Unchained Blog!...What does "living unchained" mean to you??Thanks for visiting!<br /><br />If you are viewing this blog, you have probably visited our website, www.liveunchained.com, which has more information about project Live Unchained.<br /><br />Live Unchained is a multi-media anthology created for and by black women across the African Diaspora. As the project has grown we've learned that women from different parts of the world want a space to share opinions and ideas with each other; we hope this blog can help.<br /><br />We'll be posting regularly about topics we think the contributors and supporters of Live Unchained would be interested in and can benefit from. Every blog will end with a question of the day for you to respond to. Your opinions mean a lot to us--we look forward to hearing from you!<br /><br />Question 1: What does "living unchained" mean to you?Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-55735355291061860782009-02-26T12:42:00.000-08:002009-02-27T09:54:55.201-08:00Chat with Co-Creator of Women of the African Diaspora and World Traveller Adrianne GeorgeWe were so honored to have the opportunity to chat with Adrianne George.<br /><br />Adrianne is originally from Washington, D.C. and is an American ex-patriate currently living in Stockholm, Sweeden. She has lived in London and Brussels and traveled to over 100 cities in 30 countries. She is a social media marketing communications consultant, an award winning blogger, and avid social networker. She is involved in several Internet projects including the Black Women in Europe Blog, EurObamaBlog, BlackExpat.com, StockholmExpat.com, JobsinStockholm.com Blog, and the Women of the African Diaspora website. She has also been featured in a <a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIrYtJPEoG0">web exclusive</a> for the Tavis Smiley show.<br /><br />We asked Adrianne about her interests in the African Diaspora, her website and her life experiences. Here is what we learned...<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgilWZPWXEp2Z9-kE2WeyFE0Y8tm1YRWL5lbLfysRxhFIOW3tjaFh-VDvRZYOpcfXIPDM5d-kZV_vK5yxBFqwoQNPXXSv0VB8qIj79o0Jgyp3P6BYjEd8FPDYUWEHKnNBPcLFel3rPaFd/s1600-h/Adrianne+George+WAD+600_1000.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307215613559670274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgilWZPWXEp2Z9-kE2WeyFE0Y8tm1YRWL5lbLfysRxhFIOW3tjaFh-VDvRZYOpcfXIPDM5d-kZV_vK5yxBFqwoQNPXXSv0VB8qIj79o0Jgyp3P6BYjEd8FPDYUWEHKnNBPcLFel3rPaFd/s320/Adrianne+George+WAD+600_1000.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)">Live Unchained (LU): How did you become interested in the African Diaspora?<br /></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51)">Adrianne George (AG): I can’t remember not being interested in the African Diaspora. I became fascinated with the Black European experience after reading about American ex-pats in Paris during the Harlem Renaissance. </span><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)">LU: Why did you want to start Women of the African Diaspora (</span><a style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)" href="http://womenoftheafricandiaspora.com/">http://womenoftheafricandiaspora.com/</a><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)">)?</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51)">AG: I thought that starting the Women of the African Diaspora website was a good way to combine my resources with Sandra’s (co-creator of Women of the African Diaspora website). I wanted to keep a focus on Europe and she wanted to continue her outreach to Amercan sisters. And we both wanted to connect with sisters on all continents in the process. That is why the welcome page of our social network is written in several languages. I was able to find sisters on the Black Women in Europe social network to translate for us!</span><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)">LU: How long has the website been up?<br /></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51)">AG: We celebrated our 1st anniversary in November 2008.</span><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)">LU: What are some of the things women use the website for?</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51)">AG: The site is a source for books, artists, musicians, advice, news, etc. I think women use the website for inspiration and information.</span><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)">LU: What modern day men and women inspire you? How?</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51)">AG: My family has always inspired me. I am fascinated with my famliy history. The other expats I meet inspire me as they have created such wonderful lives for themselves. And of course the Obamas inspire me!</span><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)">LU: Why do you think it is important to understand that the black community is global in scope?</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51)">AG: I think it is important to understand that we are all one on this planet and particularly important to recognize the global Black community because we are so disconnected in ways, yet we aren’t. For example, it is absolutely wonderful to travel to different continents and see beautiful brown faces like yours. Yet if you never leave your front yard, often you are unaware that you are part of a huge community.</span><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)">LU: What does activism mean to you? Would you consider yourself an activist? </span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51)">AG: Activism to me means letting your voice be heard for someone without a voice or unsure of how to use their voice. I think I am an activist for raising the positive profile of Black women, particularly in Europe.</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51)"><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)">LU: Are there any thinkers who have been influential in your politics? Your global perspectives?</span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51)">AG: I was taught to think for myself. Everyone has an opinion, why not trust your own? But my grandparents, uncle and parents have travelled extensively. My mother is an ethnomusicologist so respecting different cultures was the norm.<br /><br /></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)">LU: Outside of politics, is there another connection you feel to women of the African Diaspora? Spiritual? Intellectual? Personal? (We aren’t trying to suggest that spiritual, intellectual and personal motivations can’t also be political…).</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51)">AG: I don’t feel connected to every sister I know on a deep level. You connect with some people and others you don’t. But on a large scale I feel connected to my sisters everywher because their experiences are mine. All it would take is a different set of circumstances and I would be in their shoes, and vice versa. Oursiders don’t look at me and think: oh she’s American. They look at me and think, wow, what a beautiful Black woman! At least in my mind they do. That is the same for all Bl</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51)">ack women.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhty8MPZyB-E1Sb-KLYeeRq5Wacl7ZlSt0w5jhxVpEHwqgrxrarBywZ9gLUNLSDxME7ACq773G_vt4htzYWffBDvAZlIHu_AqP15N7BIYA2kb-PLz5PadxnJd1rBmxdhwQAf_hpM_Sl3mk8/s1600-h/facebookad.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307215877767133234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 26px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 36px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhty8MPZyB-E1Sb-KLYeeRq5Wacl7ZlSt0w5jhxVpEHwqgrxrarBywZ9gLUNLSDxME7ACq773G_vt4htzYWffBDvAZlIHu_AqP15N7BIYA2kb-PLz5PadxnJd1rBmxdhwQAf_hpM_Sl3mk8/s320/facebookad.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Watch Adrianne George for Tavis Smiley:<br /></span><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QIrYtJPEoG0&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QIrYtJPEoG0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Live Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6338811534809076549.post-25686973722538191382009-02-26T12:20:00.000-08:002009-02-26T12:39:19.385-08:00Hello world...Welcome to our <span class="nfakPe">blog</span>!<br /><br />We will use this section of the site to write you all love letters ;) sharing our goals and visions for Live Unchained and give you information on what goes on behind the scenes-and in our heads.<br /><br />We are also excited to use this blog to feature interviews with women who Live Unchained! We want you to be a part of this. In the spirit of Live Unchained's multi-media approach, this site will include audio and visual media. Please submit interviews that you have conducted or taken part in with women who reflect Live Unchained's <a href="http://www.liveunchained.com/en/about.html"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">mission</span></a> to liveunchained@gmail.com. Also, please contact us if you would like to participate in an interview with us.<br /><br />You will also find general information on women who are living unchained as well as links or direct access to some of their works.<br /><br />We look forward to reading responses to our posts to get your feedback, suggestions and learn how to make Live Unchained as amazing as possible.<br /><br />Much love,<br />Kathryn and MiriamLive Unchainedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05048721940885714901noreply@blogger.com1