 THE CRYSTAL NEWS
February, 2014
Volume XXI Issue I Circulation... Plenty! |
Happy February!!!
Happy Black History Month!
This Month, Pledge to: Learn Something About the Achievements of Black People! Cherish Your Family! Know Your History! Honor Your Ancestors!Cherish Your Challenges and Know That They are in Your path to Teach You! Support Black Businesses! Support the Fair Treatment of All People!Cherish Those Who Have Sacrificed for You! Love and Forgive! Be a Part of the Solution!
This edition of The Crystal News is dedicated to the memory of four people who for me embodied Black history: My aunt, Francis Louise Draper, the matriarch and archivist of the Walker branch of my family, whose warm, sturdy, active, and loyal 92-year-old shoes will not be easily filled, who knew how to cook beans, welcome loved ones and wear a hat, and who I was fortunate enough to interview on tape just before our family reunion last summer; My Delta Sigma Theta sorority sister Marguarite LaMotte, a staunch supporter of youth and education who served on the LAUSD Board with unparalleled bravery, who lived her words as few people do, and whose snazzy outfits, dancing spirit and fierce focus I will happily remember; Amiri Baraka, the prolific poet and activist whose life and works spoke truth without regard to popularity, who put thought before art, with whom I was blessed to share space at an AUDELCO event honoring us and others, and who will always be one of my wordsmith mentors; and of course, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the legendary South African freedom fighter whose death turned many of his former enemies into retroactive friends, whose words I was honored with delivering in a performance with Orbert Davis' Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, who became president of a country he was imprisoned for defending and who was first freed by my character Cryssy ... In Black World!
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Projects in the Spotlightight...
Dawn Kamoche's short film Daughter of Fortune, set in the glamorous and not so glamorous 1940's, in which I play the life hardened Vogel Peterson, the volunteer matriarch of a family held together with mud, fear and well wishes, screens at Rave Cinema Baldwin Hills February 13, 16 & 17 as part of the Pan African Film Festival (see story below).
Projects in the Works... Unsolved, the short film produced by Sarah Lynn Dawson and written and directed by Julia Camara is in post production. You can catch a glimpse of my character, Margaret Hanes at the very end of the Making of Unsolved video... I am thrilled to be playing Rebah in the feature film, Revival, written by Harry Lennix, and directed by Danny Green. We are shooting in Los Angeles. I also joined Lennix andHolly Carter as Co-Executive Producer on the project that boasts a host of stars and talented newcomers, and is produced by David Waite... I also have partnered again with Margaret Laurena Kempto help produce her live / filmed project, The Cleaning Agent. The project is in pre-production now and will be performed and shot in Louisiana. Stay tuned for more on both projects in the next issue ofThe Crystal News...
Dawn Kamoche's short film Daughter of Fortune, set in the glamorous and not so glamorous 1940's, in which I play the life hardened Vogel Peterson, the volunteer matriarch of a family held together with mud, fear and well wishes, screens at Rave Cinema Baldwin Hills February 13, 16 & 17 as part of the Pan African Film Festival (see story below).
WHERE THE ACTION IS: Formerly "T'Keyah Fights City Hall" which was formerly the "Do Something" and sometimes the "T'Keyah's Two Cents" columns of this newsletter, this is what the action should be...
Avaaz.org reminds us that "16 year-old Amina Filali, raped, beaten and forced to wed her rapist, killed herself — the only way she saw to escape the trap set for her by her rapist and Moroccan law. We’ve joined Moroccan activists, campaigning for years to repeal this provision, and now victory is within reach. This week, one last vote could make it happen.
Article 475 in Morocco’s penal code allows a rapist to avoid prosecution and a long prison sentence by marrying his victim if she is a minor. It’s any rape survivor’s worst nightmare, and for Amina, it came true. But now, after hundreds of thousands of us helped to push Parliament, a vote to repeal the provision is within our grasp. If it’s called, insiders say the repeal is certain to pass. We just need one final push to get it to the table." Please join me in signing Avaaz.org's petition to the Moroccan Parliament to repeal this horrific law: Click Here! This is where the action is...
I'm So Glad I'm From FAMU!
Last month, the Trustees of my beloved Alma Mater, Florida A&M University chose Elmira Magnum to be our 11th president. Currently the Vice President for Budget and Planning at Cornell University, Mangum will be the first woman to hold the FAMU's highest post in our 126-year history. Her hiring is subject to confirmation by the Board of Governors of the State University System. A hearty thanks and well wishes go out to our Interim President Larry Robinsonand First Lady Sharon Robinson for their inspired service to our great school, especially during challenging times. I urge every college graduate to support your Alma Mater not just with your money, but with your time and your input as well. I strongly encourage all FAMU alumni to support our school, our new president President,our alumni organization, our new president President, the individual school(s) from which you graduated, and, of course, The T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Endowed Theater Scholarship at Florida A&M University!
Last month, the Trustees of my beloved Alma Mater, Florida A&M University chose Elmira Magnum to be our 11th president. Currently the Vice President for Budget and Planning at Cornell University, Mangum will be the first woman to hold the FAMU's highest post in our 126-year history. Her hiring is subject to confirmation by the Board of Governors of the State University System. A hearty thanks and well wishes go out to our Interim President Larry Robinsonand First Lady Sharon Robinson for their inspired service to our great school, especially during challenging times. I urge every college graduate to support your Alma Mater not just with your money, but with your time and your input as well. I strongly encourage all FAMU alumni to support our school, our new president President,our alumni organization, our new president President, the individual school(s) from which you graduated, and, of course, The T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Endowed Theater Scholarship at Florida A&M University!
Every 1st and 3rd Saturdays through 3/15/14The "Blossoming Beauties" Workshop Series was created to uncover the realistic truths of beauty beyond physical attributes in an effort to mold young women of substance. The series runs every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 10/5/13-3/15/14. Each session features a different guest speaker on topics such as Body Image, The Power of Influence, Reputation & Respect, Vision, Goal-Setting & Self-Efficacy and more!Hazel Crest - Blossoming Beauties for Teens - 10:00a-12:00p - 1st & 3rd Saturdays - Contact: Aaja Corinne Carr, girlexpo@mycharm.org(877) 54-CHARM (24276), Option 5
Park Forest - Budding Roses for Tweens- 12:00p-2:00p - 1st SaturdaysPark Forest - Blossoming Beauties for Teens - 9:30a-11:30a - 1st & 3rd Saturdays
Contact: Eva Robinson,erobinson@mycharm.org (708) 528-8503
For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.mycharm.org/fall-program.htm
Keymáh Joins Go Red Gospel Fest
On Saturday, February 8, 2014, performers T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh and Angela Bassett will be among those scheduled to participate in the Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 's Go Red Gospel Fest. The event will be held from 3-5pm at the New Testament Church of Christ, 1941 W. Florence Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90047. The Go Red Gospel Fest is the second of three major fundraiser events the Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter is producing together for one ticket price of $150.00 person. Hear the joyful noise of gospel music as the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta continue the celebration of 22 outstanding women in the community. Keymáh is a member of the Century City Alumnae chapter of the sorority and Bassett is an Honorary Member. Please contact the Fundraiser Chair, Dr. Carliss R. McGhee at misscarli@cs.com or (310) 930-8686 to purchase tickets or for additional information.
On Saturday, February 8, 2014, performers T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh and Angela Bassett will be among those scheduled to participate in the Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 's Go Red Gospel Fest. The event will be held from 3-5pm at the New Testament Church of Christ, 1941 W. Florence Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90047. The Go Red Gospel Fest is the second of three major fundraiser events the Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter is producing together for one ticket price of $150.00 person. Hear the joyful noise of gospel music as the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta continue the celebration of 22 outstanding women in the community. Keymáh is a member of the Century City Alumnae chapter of the sorority and Bassett is an Honorary Member. Please contact the Fundraiser Chair, Dr. Carliss R. McGhee at misscarli@cs.com or (310) 930-8686 to purchase tickets or for additional information.
WHERE THE ACTION IS: Black Bodies are Not for Sale
Rashad Robinson of ColorOfChange.org writes, "Three months into our monumental campaign to end for-profit incarceration, and we are already seeing real progress. Tens of thousands of ColorOfChange members have signed on to pressure investors, board members, and politicians to end their support for the shameful private prison industry and we've contacted more than 150 corporations demanding divestment. Nearly 50 companies have responded, and many are open to discussing ways to end their financial support.
Please join us today in urging corporations, board members, and political leaders to end their support of discriminatory, for-profit imprisonment. We need a groundswell of voices in order to successfully hold them accountable and continue this exciting work — fueled by the well-known power of members, like you. In the coming weeks, we plan to publicly pressure corporations that refuse to do the right thing and divest. We have a very unique opportunity to weaken the industry’s financial standing and its ability to cause widespread human suffering, we just need your support to make it happen."
To join me in signing the petition to ask corporate leaders not to engage in this exploitative business, Click Here! This is where the action is...
Please join us today in urging corporations, board members, and political leaders to end their support of discriminatory, for-profit imprisonment. We need a groundswell of voices in order to successfully hold them accountable and continue this exciting work — fueled by the well-known power of members, like you. In the coming weeks, we plan to publicly pressure corporations that refuse to do the right thing and divest. We have a very unique opportunity to weaken the industry’s financial standing and its ability to cause widespread human suffering, we just need your support to make it happen."
To join me in signing the petition to ask corporate leaders not to engage in this exploitative business, Click Here! This is where the action is...
of Excellence (NIA)
A Pre-K - 5, Christian school 101 Catalpa Drive, # 104 in LaPlata, MD. 301-392-1848 niaimaniacademyofexcellence@gmail.com ourniaacademy.com Rev. Amina Fola-Rose, Head of School Donate - News on NIA - Take a Tour of NIA |
Above the Fold
Pasadena Playhouse presents the world premiere of ABOVE THE FOLD, directed by Steven Robman, through Feb 23rd, starring Taraji P. Henson, Kristy Johnson, Arye Gross, Kristopher Higgins, Mark Hildreth, Joe Massingill and Seamus Mulcahy.http://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/box-office/mainstage/above-the-fold.html
Growing up, Bernice (LisaGay Hamilton) and Fontayne (Yolonda Ross) could “go for sisters.” Twenty years later, Fontayne is a recovering addict fresh out of jail, and Bernice is her new parole officer. Also starring Edward James Olmos as disgraced ex-LAPD detective Freddy Suárez. GO FOR SISTERS is a welcome return for master filmmaker and two-time Academy Award nominee John Sayles.
http://goforsistersmovie.com/
Dreamgirls
at Stage Aurora Darryl Rueben Hall, Director January 31 - February 9, 2014 (Jacksonville, FL) - Stage Aurora Theatrical Company will present the Broadway Musical Hit Dreamgirls at the Stage Aurora Performance Hall located at 5188 Norwood Avenue inside Gateway Town Center. Dreamgirls tells the story of the up and coming 1960's girls group and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. This hit Broadway musical won 7 Tony Awards including Best Book of a Musical, Best Choreography, and Best Actress in a Musical. Friday Jan. 31 at 7:00pm, Saturday, Feb.1 at 6:00pm, Sunday, Feb. 2 at 3:00pm, Saturday, Feb. 8 at 6:00pm Sunday, February 9 at 3:00pm Tickets: Students & Seniors $15 Advance & Door Adults and General Public $20 Advance & $25 Door. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketleap.com or by calling theStage Aurora Box Office at (904) 765-7372 or (904) 765-7373. |
WHERE THE ACTION IS: Stop Racist Student Behavior
The following story can be found on change.org. "In light of the unfortunate recent news of a series of hate crimes performed against a single African American student by his White roommates, the ladies of Eta Omega Chapter (of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority) would like to inform you about what has been happening at our university.
"San Jose State students Colin Warren, Joseph Bomgardner and Logan Beaschler have been charged with a hate crime for bullying and harassing their black roommate. The black male student, who is a 17-year-old freshman and has not yet been named, alleges his roommates gave him the nickname “Three-fifths,” and later referred to him as “Fraction.” Warren, Bomgardner, and Logan have been accused of tormenting and ridiculing him continuously in a number of ways, including: Outfitted the shared dorm room suite with a Confederate flag; Barricaded the claustrophobic student in his room
Wrote “n-----” on a dry-erase board in the living room;
Put a U-shaped bike lock around his neck and then told him they lost the key; Tried the bike lock trick again a few weeks later; Put up Nazi symbols and pictures of Hitler in the dorm; and Drew pictures of pentagrams to alarm the Christian student. The student says he was terrified of his roommates, locked his doors at night, and was afraid to report their actions. School administrators and other students at San Jose State have come out in support of the student, and hosted a rally to raise awareness." (Colorlines.com) This is not an isolated incident. Something needs to be done to send a message that this behavior will not be tolerated. To join me in asking the leadership of San Jose State to expel these students, Click Here! This is where the action is.
"San Jose State students Colin Warren, Joseph Bomgardner and Logan Beaschler have been charged with a hate crime for bullying and harassing their black roommate. The black male student, who is a 17-year-old freshman and has not yet been named, alleges his roommates gave him the nickname “Three-fifths,” and later referred to him as “Fraction.” Warren, Bomgardner, and Logan have been accused of tormenting and ridiculing him continuously in a number of ways, including: Outfitted the shared dorm room suite with a Confederate flag; Barricaded the claustrophobic student in his room
Wrote “n-----” on a dry-erase board in the living room;
Put a U-shaped bike lock around his neck and then told him they lost the key; Tried the bike lock trick again a few weeks later; Put up Nazi symbols and pictures of Hitler in the dorm; and Drew pictures of pentagrams to alarm the Christian student. The student says he was terrified of his roommates, locked his doors at night, and was afraid to report their actions. School administrators and other students at San Jose State have come out in support of the student, and hosted a rally to raise awareness." (Colorlines.com) This is not an isolated incident. Something needs to be done to send a message that this behavior will not be tolerated. To join me in asking the leadership of San Jose State to expel these students, Click Here! This is where the action is.
 The search for great natural hair care products is still on: For the next few months, as I continue to work on the next edition Natural Woman / Natural Hair, I'll be looking for more products to love and to share.Have a wonderful natural hair product you want me to try? Send samples to me at T'Keyah Crystal Keymah, Inc. 10061 Riverside Dr. #714, Toluca Lake, CA 91602. No mineral oil products please. |
WHERE THE ACTION IS: My Black Year...
As you have read in 2013 issues of The Crystal News,Maggie's Anderson's book, "Our Black Year" inspired me to up my own support of Black business, and I decided to find and champion at least one business per month. I will continue my project in 2014, but for now, here are a few of the business I supported last year: The South Side Community Federal Credit Union (SSCFCU), 5401 S. Wentworth, Suite 25, Chicago, IL 60609 (773) 548-5500 www. southsidecommunityfcu.org. Soul Vegetarian, 879 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 (404) 752-5194 Soul Vegetarian, 1205 South Adams Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (850) 893-8208 soulvegfl@gmail.com, http://www.soulvegtallahassee.com/, Parks and Crump Attorneys at Law, 240 North Magnolia Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (850) 222-3333, 850) 224-6679 Fax, (877) 529-9529 info@parkscrump.com, parkscrump.com/. Harold and Belles, 2920 West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90018 Open 7 days, 11:30AM - 10PM (sun-thu) | 11:30AM - 11PM (fri-sat) (323) 735-9023 www.haroldandbellesrestaurant.com/. Hooper Shell, 11913 Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA. (323) 566-1667, Bowers & Sons Cleaners, 2509 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90011 ~ (213) 749-3237,http://bowersandsonscleaners.com/, Island Fresh (All Natural Grill & Fried Restaurant & Catering), 5101 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019 (323) 936-9778. Mars Caribbean Restaurant, 14008 Crenshaw Blvd., Gardena, CA 90249, (310) 323-5000, Coley's Jamaica's Best Cuisine, 10842 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 (818) 761-4944, Soul Vegetarian II, 652 N Highland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 (404) 875-4641,Simply Wholesome, 4508 W. Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA (323) 294-2144, andDiversified Corporate Supplies (office supplies with great customer service) http://www.dcsoffice.com/ 800.931-1749. This is where the action is...
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Robin Walker, Owner
The Walker Group, LLC TWG - 1431 Huntington Drive Calumet City, IL 60409 *Auditing *Accounting *Management Consulting *Business Information Systems twg@thewalkergrpllc.com rwalker@thewalkergrpllc.com (708) 868-2545 |
The Walker Group, LLC (TWG) is a Certified Public Account & Consulting firm concentrated primarily in performing audits for not-for-profit organizations, local governments and municipalities, and entities regulated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Our professionals take a risk-based approach to each engagement, insuring performance and operating efficiency. We go beyond traditional fundamentals to add tangible value and elevate the audit to an even more strategic and productive role in today’s corporate governance environment.
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Daughter of Fortune at PAFF!
Dawn Kamoche's short filmDaughter of Fortune will be included in the 2014 Pan African Film Festival, which takes place in Los Angeles February 6-17, 2014. Daughter of Fortune will screen at the Rave Cinema, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, 4020 Marlton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90008 · (323) 296-1005 on Thu, Feb 13th @ 1pm; Sun, Feb 16th @ 12:05pm; and Mon, Feb 17th @ 3:40pm. So far, it's gotten rave reviews, and was selected by the Huffington Post as one of the top 10 films in Black Voices Breakthrough Theatre. If you're in Los Angeles, be sure to catch Daughter of Fortune at the PAFF!!! Thank you! -tck
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WHERE THE ACTION IS: Letting Your Money Work for You
As many people gear up for the biggest spending season of the year, please keep in mind that this is also the biggest going into debt time of the year as well. OK, I just made that up but its probably true. My point is, let my money (your credit and your good name) work for you, not against you. Give of your time, spend your money only in places that support you and your community meaningfully. Support businesses that deserve your support and encourage others to do so. This is where the action is...
Thank you!!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!
Thank you to: my agent Karim Muhammed and everyone atThe Polygon Group Talent and Literary Agency for fully supporting my habit of waiting for the right projects; Dr. Larry Robinson for being such a terrific FAMU Interim President; the cast and crew of Revival for making this experience so exciting; everyone who has or will donate to my charitable endeavors, NIA Imani Academy, The T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Scholarship at Meharry Medical College, The T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Endowed Theater Scholarship at Florida A & M University, CHARM Outreach and Mentoring Services and / or The T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Fine Arts Room at St. Sabina Academy; and my goddaughters, Asha and Aliyah, for inspiring me with their bravery and perseverance! MUAH! And I mean it!!!!
KUDOS KUDOS KUDOS KUDOS KUDOS
to: My FAMU Playmaker brother K. Carter Bronson on nabbing the part of Pa in The Color Purple at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre in Jacksonville March 26 through April 27...Thandisizwe Chimurenga on the book, "No Doubt: The Murder(s) of Oscar Grant," scheduled for publication on Jan. 1, 2014, the 5th anniversary of the first murder of Oscar Grant... Kidz Korna Founder Delece Williams on her Lewis Hines Award from the National Child Labor Committee... Retired Theater Professor Dr. Ronald O. Davis, on his jazz infused fundraiser for FAMU Theater students... and Dr. Elmire Mangnum, on being chosen Florida A&M University's new president... Go on woman!
to: My FAMU Playmaker brother K. Carter Bronson on nabbing the part of Pa in The Color Purple at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre in Jacksonville March 26 through April 27...Thandisizwe Chimurenga on the book, "No Doubt: The Murder(s) of Oscar Grant," scheduled for publication on Jan. 1, 2014, the 5th anniversary of the first murder of Oscar Grant... Kidz Korna Founder Delece Williams on her Lewis Hines Award from the National Child Labor Committee... Retired Theater Professor Dr. Ronald O. Davis, on his jazz infused fundraiser for FAMU Theater students... and Dr. Elmire Mangnum, on being chosen Florida A&M University's new president... Go on woman!
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The Crystal News respectfully acknowledges the life and transition of:
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Amiri Baraka, Alberta Bruno, Homer Bruno, Roy Campbell, Jr., Arthur Doyle, (Aunt) Francis Louise Draper, Joe Evans, Chico Hamilton, Ronny Jordan, Margarite Lamotte, Jay Leggett, Larry Lujack, Nelson Mandela, Pierre Martin, Don Mitchell, Juanita Moore, Pete Seeger, Diane Smith, Dr. Edward Spears, and too many beautiful children (lost on the streets of Chicago and other places) to name... We are blessed to have known their warm heart, bright smiles and good works. We are inspired to follow their brave and noble examples. |
Have You Hugged Someone You Love Today?
Stay Tuned... Natural Woman / Natural Hair II - Summer 2014
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