This post is dedicated to that kid. You're sitting on your rooftop in the hood, in the courtyard of your projects, on the curb out side your house in some no name suburb, or even on your front stoop in the middle of...well, nowhere. You see planes flying above you and wonder, "Where is it going?" You watch TV and see far off places and wonder, "How do I get there?"
I'm here to tell you that it's possible. You have it in you to travel and make your world larger than you ever thought. I had the great opportunity to speak to someone who was just like you once. His name is Toshin and he is from Mississippi. Take some time and listen to our conversation. When it's done, go to the library and start planning. You won't ever be the same.
Part 1: It's possible
Part 2: What's it like?
Part 3: Get busy!
Anyone who knows me is aware of the following things:
I'm skinny
I have curly hair
I love to drink
and
I HATE CATCALLS!!!
Any woman who has spent more than 3 days in NYC is familiar with the problem. You're walking down the street and some guy decides to make an unwelcome remark about your body, the expression on your face or what you happen to be eating at the time.
The first time I encountered this form of idiocy was when I moved to my beloved Washington Ave in Brooklyn. Hot summer days often leave me yearning for ice cream or fruit Popsicles. You know, the ones at the bodega? I prefer the strawberry ones, but I digress.
Walking down the street I would hear some guy yell out, "Can I have some?" WTF?!?!? That's annoying. What does he want from me? Am I supposed to be impressed by his witty sense of humor? At this point I'm annoyed, and I keep walking. A block later another guy says to me, "smile!" Are you kidding?!?! Do you say that to the 250lb dude who walks down the block with an ice grill, or is it just me who has to have a pleasant look on my face?
I tried to talk to some of my guy friends about it and the only thing they could say is that the "Can I have some?" line is a joke. Oh, really? Then they say, "It could be worse. They might not say anything at all." And therein lies the problem. These guys think that it's a way to compliment a woman and show her that they think she's fine. If she doesn't react with a smile or some sort of giggle than she's a stuck up b!tch.
Fellas, believe it or not, I don't need you to tell me I'm fine. I am not so insecure that I need constant reminders that you could "do me." Especially when I'm walking down the street thinking about the health of my friends' mothers (love you Jackie and Tiff!) or how the hell I'm going to finish all the reading for my Digital Communications class.
Overall there's a time and a place for everything and the same goes for compliments. You give them like you would a present to your mother - a woman you respect. Do you throw it at her as she's walking down the sidewalk? "Hey ma! Happy Mother's Day! Here's a cake for ya!" SPLAT!! or do you sit her down, talk to her and let her know that she's special and you appreciate her?
For the ladies, I've found a couple of sites that help you cope with the "joys" of being a woman walking down the street in NYC.
The Street Harassment Project - This site actually provides flyers for women to give to unwanted "sidewalk suiters."
Holla Back New York - Women post pictures of men who make unwanted comments and advances to them on the street.
Overall I like what Judy Brown wrote in her 6/18 guest blog post on Holla Back, "I don’t believe that guys on the street hollering at women believe they’re going to get a date: it’s definitely about entitlement, if not harassment."
I think she's right. Back when I was on Washington Ave, I naively thought that I had to have a good sense of humor about the unwanted advances. "I'm down," I would think, "I have a sense of humor." It wasn't until one of the local vagrants (read "crackheads") decided to harass me as I walked down my street. Reaching my block I realized that I didn't want this guy to know where I lived, so I ducked into my corner bodega. Almost immediately, the guys who worked there chased him away yelling, "You leave her alone! She's a good girl!" It was the first time that I realized that I didn't have to put up with the bullsh!t!
Unfortunately, the next time I had an unwelcome comment was in that same bodega (but not by the same guys). This man would always blow a kiss at me whenever I walked into the bodega and say hello. I didn't like it because I just wanted to be treated like a regular customer.
This particular day I was looking for some Vitamin Water, but they did not have any. I was annoyed, because it was the third store I had been in. He said, "What are you looking for, mami?"
"Vitamin Water," I replied, "You don't have any?"
He said, "No, but I have some vitamins for you." He grabbed his crotch.
I glared at him with a stare that would stop the heart.
He said, "Why are you looking at me like that, mami?"
I yelled at him, "Don't talk to me like that!" I have a deep voice so it was boomin'!
He was shocked because I was normally very respectful when I walked into the store.
Needless to say he never bothered me again.
That day I had the choice of being treated like I was "pretty" or like I was respected. Obviously, I opted for respect.
Love,
Brooklynslim
I'm skinny
I have curly hair
I love to drink
and
I HATE CATCALLS!!!
Any woman who has spent more than 3 days in NYC is familiar with the problem. You're walking down the street and some guy decides to make an unwelcome remark about your body, the expression on your face or what you happen to be eating at the time.
The first time I encountered this form of idiocy was when I moved to my beloved Washington Ave in Brooklyn. Hot summer days often leave me yearning for ice cream or fruit Popsicles. You know, the ones at the bodega? I prefer the strawberry ones, but I digress.
Walking down the street I would hear some guy yell out, "Can I have some?" WTF?!?!? That's annoying. What does he want from me? Am I supposed to be impressed by his witty sense of humor? At this point I'm annoyed, and I keep walking. A block later another guy says to me, "smile!" Are you kidding?!?! Do you say that to the 250lb dude who walks down the block with an ice grill, or is it just me who has to have a pleasant look on my face?
I tried to talk to some of my guy friends about it and the only thing they could say is that the "Can I have some?" line is a joke. Oh, really? Then they say, "It could be worse. They might not say anything at all." And therein lies the problem. These guys think that it's a way to compliment a woman and show her that they think she's fine. If she doesn't react with a smile or some sort of giggle than she's a stuck up b!tch.
Fellas, believe it or not, I don't need you to tell me I'm fine. I am not so insecure that I need constant reminders that you could "do me." Especially when I'm walking down the street thinking about the health of my friends' mothers (love you Jackie and Tiff!) or how the hell I'm going to finish all the reading for my Digital Communications class.
Overall there's a time and a place for everything and the same goes for compliments. You give them like you would a present to your mother - a woman you respect. Do you throw it at her as she's walking down the sidewalk? "Hey ma! Happy Mother's Day! Here's a cake for ya!" SPLAT!! or do you sit her down, talk to her and let her know that she's special and you appreciate her?
For the ladies, I've found a couple of sites that help you cope with the "joys" of being a woman walking down the street in NYC.
The Street Harassment Project - This site actually provides flyers for women to give to unwanted "sidewalk suiters."
Holla Back New York - Women post pictures of men who make unwanted comments and advances to them on the street.
Overall I like what Judy Brown wrote in her 6/18 guest blog post on Holla Back, "I don’t believe that guys on the street hollering at women believe they’re going to get a date: it’s definitely about entitlement, if not harassment."
I think she's right. Back when I was on Washington Ave, I naively thought that I had to have a good sense of humor about the unwanted advances. "I'm down," I would think, "I have a sense of humor." It wasn't until one of the local vagrants (read "crackheads") decided to harass me as I walked down my street. Reaching my block I realized that I didn't want this guy to know where I lived, so I ducked into my corner bodega. Almost immediately, the guys who worked there chased him away yelling, "You leave her alone! She's a good girl!" It was the first time that I realized that I didn't have to put up with the bullsh!t!
Unfortunately, the next time I had an unwelcome comment was in that same bodega (but not by the same guys). This man would always blow a kiss at me whenever I walked into the bodega and say hello. I didn't like it because I just wanted to be treated like a regular customer.
This particular day I was looking for some Vitamin Water, but they did not have any. I was annoyed, because it was the third store I had been in. He said, "What are you looking for, mami?"
"Vitamin Water," I replied, "You don't have any?"
He said, "No, but I have some vitamins for you." He grabbed his crotch.
I glared at him with a stare that would stop the heart.
He said, "Why are you looking at me like that, mami?"
I yelled at him, "Don't talk to me like that!" I have a deep voice so it was boomin'!
He was shocked because I was normally very respectful when I walked into the store.
Needless to say he never bothered me again.
That day I had the choice of being treated like I was "pretty" or like I was respected. Obviously, I opted for respect.
Love,
Brooklynslim
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While the Afro-Punk street kids are picking out their outfits for the festival, figuring out their hairstyles, and working on their best tricks and dance moves, I got the chance to meet some of them and learn what they’re about and how they live their passions.
One exceptionally fine June day, a bunch of us converged at Jazz Tattoo, 212 Greene Ave in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.
Here’s how it went down:
I first met Monique McWilliams, Miss Mo, at Jazz Tattoo in Clinton Hill Brooklyn. She is a freelancer in the art world who has worked for Spike Lee and Sesame Workshop. When I asked her what Afro-Punk meant to her, she said, “Being young and growing up in an all white neighborhood and being picked on for talking “too white” or “acting too white” or listening to “too white” music and now I can just be myself as an individual as I’m older. [Afro-Punk is] a cool movement. I really enjoy the people of the movement more than anything else. I think this movement is bringing out really good people and opening other people’s mind to the bigger picture of life.”
Tattoo Slim is one of the artists at Jazz Tattoo. Born and raised in Clinton Hill and joined the shop in January. A member of the growing number of black tattoo artists, Slim says that they all are definitely trying to make it into the industry, which is not that black friendly. They are becoming part of the mainstream thanks to Urban Ink, which is showing more black tattoo artists. Jazz is one of the top guys in the industry and he’s trying to make a way for everybody else here.
What would the AP Movement be without tattoos? Slim thinks the movement is cool. “It’s cool to see everybody get together and try to develop something and build. It makes people understand that there is more than what’s out there. I just like how it networks the young black minds together. We don’t really have that many things that will show what we’re really trying to do. And we’re trying to do something.”
James Blackmon! (Queue music)
He’s just another cat in the world trying to struggle and make it up that ladder. He’s originally from Connecticut, but now he’s in Brooklyn, also working at Jazz Tattoo. He’s a singer, model, actor, and manager of Jazz Tattoo.
Afro-Punk is showing our community that there are other things out there, says James. We shouldn’t be limited to the things that people around us are just showing us. Expand our horizons, our knowledge of music and art…and the world!”
James will be at AP Fest 2010 and he’s looking forward to every minute of it. “It’s like sensory overload! I’m looking forward to the energy. The artists are connecting to each other too. We’re finding a common bond, and it’s a great thing because we can help each other out.”
Daoud Abeid is a co-owner of coup d’etat BROOKLYN, the graphically bold company that is well known for the t-shirts reminding us to “TEACH THE BABIES.” Their brand philosophy follows the principle “live to change something.”
“Afro-Punk is churning up the sediment in a lot of ways. I have a lot of new friends and cool people that in a lot of ways happened through Afro-Punk. Going to someone’s show and seeing Game Rebellion. I’d see them around Brooklyn, then I saw them perform and we became more acquainted through Afro-Punk shows. Now that’s family! Those are brothers of mine. There are a lot of other people who I have discovered, being attached to this movement. I know a lot of people now who are friends who were just at Afro-Punk festival and now they are best friends. It’s a true story!”
So as you can see. The Afro-Punk Festival is about more than just good music. You may meet your next best friend, your next band mate or your true love. So. Don’t. Sleep!
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The Afro-Punk Festivals bring skate, bmx, music and art together in one exciting venue. I had the chance to meet up with this year’s artists – some of the biggest artists from the Brooklyn underground scene and …"ask them what their interests are, who they be with, things that make them smile, what numbers to dial”…(Biggie!). But really, read on as I rap with them about life, love, art and all things Afro-Punk.
This much genius in one place could disrupt the space/time continuum.Rob Fokused
Typography, lettering art, painting and prints.
He’s that dude who’s good looking – but not too pretty, way down-to-earth, and just mad cool, with a French bulldog named Hugo. How does he feel about being a part of the Afro-Punk Festival?
“It’s my second time being involved with something that’s such a huge event out of Brooklyn. I think it’s a beautiful thing because it lets people know that Brooklyn is still on top.”
Chicka chicka chicka spraaaay.
Coby Kennedy
Murals, illustrations, cars, video installations, graphic design, animation, interior design, fashion design
Well, they outlawed BMX on the ramps this year, but that’s not a bad thing. Coby Kennedy will have to focus his energy on other things…like painting! Yay!
When I asked him about the Afro-Punk festival he said, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s like at the end of The Dark Crystal when the Mystics and the Skeksis all came together and it was like Boom! And there was the convergence and the planets aligned. That’s what Afro-Punk every year is for me.
I would describe the Afro-Punk Festival as a gumbo and a mash-up of all things dope. The unifying element being that we’re all Afro.”
Coby had more to say, but he couldn’t put it into English words. I asked him to put it in Klingon, but that only brought back memories of when he dated that Klingon chick. “She kept head butting me! It was rough.” So you’ll have to come out and see for yourself.
jIyaj, Coby. qabang!
Lichiban
Portraits, murals, graphic design
Picture this: You’re hanging out on a rooftop in Brooklyn. It’s just you and some friends. There’s a knock on the rooftop door and you swear it’s your landlord coming to chase you off the roof and take all your beer. The door opens and up pops a fox head, followed by a pair of mischievous clear blue eyes. You’ve just encountered Lichiban.
I call it an encounter, because you don’t just meet someone like Lichiban. She’s an experience. You want to be a part of her world and bounce around Brooklyn dressed as your own personal power animal. She’ll be at the Afro-Punk Festival. Don’t be surprised if you have an inner evolution and leave wilder than you came.
“When I go to a show like Afro-Punk, there is so much energy being circulated and that is a collective healing experience and liberating. I think music is the most direct connection to our own emotions and to the cosmos. It’s pure vibration.”
See One
Menswear apparel, fashion illustrator, cartooning, tattoo, design layout, mural design
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He’s shown at Sole Foods NYC, Brothers Brooks Showroom, Wealthy Hostage, 2009 So Live Arts and Education, Gimmie Art, Antagonist Art, and the Nike World Tour. What can I say? The dude’s just dope. He collects money, t-shirts, comics and spray paint. He rocks a size 14 sneaker, so forget about gettin’ them through some skinny jeans. He’s getting ready to be the creative director of his own street wear label.
“I’m really excited. I love the Afro-Punk Festival! I’ve been involved with a few of their past events. They’re always really dope they have this ill independent vibe about them. Those are the homies! I’m really excited. I think it’s a great way to kick off the summertime. Personally, I can’t wait. I appreciate getting to spend this time around likeminded people, and getting to talk to them more and see what’s in their head. At least we’re all on the same wavelength and that’s the most important part.”
Love, BrooklynSlim
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There are many images and characteristics associated with the rock scene. People may think of piercings, tattoos, crazy hairstyles and handmade clothing, but rarely do they include people of color in that image. It turns out that black Americans have had a strong history in the genre and still do today. The term “Afro-Punk” originally referred to these people of color (usually African Americans) who existed in the punk scene. These individuals were often marginalized for identifying with a predominately white culture, rather than their own black culture. Filmmaker, James Spooner created a documentary entitled “Afro-Punk” which explores the lives of four of these individuals and how they cope with issues of race, loneliness, interracial dating and black power.
In 2005 James Spooner and Matthew Morgan curated the first annual Afro-Punk festival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) in downtown Brooklyn. The festival showcased what became known as the cultural cornerstones of Afro-Punk: music, film, skate, bmx, art and the fans - individuals who are active parts of the Afro-Punk community.
Over the years the Afro-Punk festival has been the venue for ground breaking acts like, Saul Williams (beat poet), The Negro Problem (Passing Strange), Afrika Bambaataa, and Janelle Monae.
This year the Afro-Punk festival will feature acts including Bad Brains, k-os, The Bots, and Ninja Sonic. If you haven't already heard of these bands, trust me, you will.
Let’s take a look at the history of the festival. Sit back, sip on your coconut water and “ease on down the road” of Afro-Punk festivals past.
2005
Kelly was rockin,’ Gwen was hollerin,’ George Lucas was pushing “Revenge of the Sith,” and someone told a bunch of people that Ugg boots and ponchos looked good.
More importantly, the first Afro-Punk festival took place from July 1st – 3rd. For those who were in the know, it was about time. For those who didn’t know, they came, looked around and said “Oh, word?!?!”
The very first Afro-Punk Festival flyer. If you have one, keep it for Antiques Roadshow!
James Spooner, BAM, and the Afro-Punk Team curated a lineup of movies and performers that rocked downtown Brooklyn like never before. Downtown 81, Afro-Punk, The Cry of Jazz and Bad Brains Shorts were on the screen. Apollo Heights, KUDU, Cutlery, and Keziah Jones were on the stage.
KUDU - She took
her shoes off 'cause
they hurt her feet.
I've been there!
they hurt her feet.
I've been there!
2006
Paris Hilton dropped the tragically misunderstood “Stars Are Blind.” The Enron executives were (officially) found guilty. Shakira’s hips didn’t lie, Gnarles Barkley was Crazy and Justin Timberlake wanted his sexy back – or something like that. Beyonce launched her House of Dereon clothing line (which can be found at upscale stores like Burlington Coat Factory and PayHalf) and that Uggs memo was still being circulated.
Another Afro-Punk flyer.
Blue hair never looked so good!
Afro-Punk kept right on rockin,’ this time at Southpaw, Delancey and CBGB. DJ Legends Don Letts and DJ Spooky made memorable appearances. We rocked with Game Rebellion, Cipher, Nouveau Riche, Building Better Bombs. Afro-Punk the documentary was released on DVD with never released scenes and live footage.
I remember it like it was yesterday.
2007
Someone realized that loaning people money when they might not be able to pay it back was a bad idea. We finally learned what happened to Harry Potter, and iPhone reminded us that we were not cool because we couldn’t afford a $600 phone.
Lookin’ like a fool with your pants on the ground? Not us! We rocked the high waist skirts and jeans. I tripped a girl wearing Uggs when I was walking down the street in Soho…just for the hell of it.
This time Afro-Punk brought us Taylor McFerrin (you know, Bobby’s kid), Mighty Fine, DJ Rich Medina, Suffrajett and Apollo Heights (I love those guys!). The festival ended at First Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum with The Exit, Dragons of Zynth and The Smyrk.
Apollo Heights
They're so ironic. Don't you think?
Another fly poster.
2008
Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama!
Uggs.
Afro-Punk introduced us to Janelle Monae. We saw baaadaass tricks at the Pro Skate Demo and BMX Demo. DJ Afrika Bambaattaa and DJ Prince were on the ones and twos.
Uggs.
Afro-Punk introduced us to Janelle Monae. We saw baaadaass tricks at the Pro Skate Demo and BMX Demo. DJ Afrika Bambaattaa and DJ Prince were on the ones and twos.
Janelle Monae, rockin' in the free world.
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I've always had a soft heart for skaters.
2009
RIP Michael Jackson. Obama started fighting the good fight for health care. We all became unemployed and Elin Woods showed us all that “she is NOT the one!” Sorry Tiger! People get ripped off for buying Uggs from a disreputable retailer online.
Personally, this was my favorite AP fest of all time. Janelle Monae returned to the stage, with her cute self, Saul Williams rocked as Niggy Tardust, and Apollo Heights came back (yay!) The dude from American Fangs can saaaang! Overall everyone held it down. In case you were there, I was that skinny girl dancing her arse off stage left.
So that ends our romp down memory lane. I’m sure you all have your own AP Fest memories, so post them and share! As for me, I’ll be at AP Fest 2010. It’ll be my birthday on June 26th. See you there!
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