Somebody Wake My Brother Up

So today I had a poetry workshop at the jail 

and read from my friend and mentor

Abiodun Oyewole book

Branches of the Tree of Life

The inmates enjoyed a few of the poems I selected.  As I was reading Dune pointed out Black Wall Street in one of his poems and one of the bruthas was curious to find out the name of the book so he can read it.  I am always happy to hear when individuals are excited about learning something new.  Dune has so much embodied in one poem that the inmates had to take time to digest what I read.  We had a good poetry session today hopefully we can get some donations before the holiday so I can print out some poems for them to read.  I go every week and need help with gas and printing so if your able please feel free to donate online.

Poems I read today:

The Cycle

For The Millions

A Picture

Party and Bullshit

When the Revolution Comes

Rain of Terror

*One of the inmates read his poem here it is below*

"Somebody Wake My Brother Up"

By Mike Holloman

"Somebody wake my brother up"

They tried but he just wouldn't go to school

Uneducated with no job, no skills, he played his self like a fool

"Somebody wake my brother up"

See you man sagging on the block with the crew, you told me you were a leader not a follower

Now you on the block with your pants down too.

"Somebody wake my brother up"

Cause you got a little cash in your pocket just like you wished it...

But you got it by pushin, posing on your own people...

Man have you got life twisted.

"Somebody wake my brother up"

Sitting on 20's, carrying quarter pound of weed, ain't seen baby momma, done forgot about your seed.

"Somebody wake my brother up"

Gold all in your mouth,  chains hanging like an Egyptian Pharoah, come time to help another brother out, you got the mentality of that crab in the barrell.

"Somebody wake my brother up"

They told you it was all love, But you've been hoodwinked, flimflamed & bamboozled now your in the county, crushing cheese crackers over a dry ass ramen noodle.

"Somebody wake my brother up"

Gloomy Sunday morning and we've seen these days many to often.. Ma Dukes and baby moms got their head down crying...Cause your ass lying in a coffin.

"Now nobody can wake that brother up"

We had a good day our group and look forward to building more with the woman in lock up when I return in two weeks.  If you have any inspiring poems or suggestions you would like to donate for me to read feel free to email me.

Nicholle La Vann

Blessingz...

Gandhi Institute is Conscious...

Our new sponsor for "Bringing Conscious Back" 

The M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence

The M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence is a nonprofit that works to realize the vision of its historic namesake by helping individuals and communities create public awareness of nonviolence as knowledge critical to human thriving. The M.K. Gandhi Institute collaborates with local organizations, academic institutions, students and committed peacemakers in the following areas: nonviolence education,sustainability and environmental conservation, and the promotion ofrestorative justice. The Institute continuously offers groups and individuals trainings in skills such as nonviolent communication (NVC), self- reflection, meditation and experiential interconnectedness, and fosters sustainability practices in the Rochester area such as community gardening, urban agriculture and restorative approaches to conflict.

We are pleased to announce our next event will be at the 

M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence

December 12, 2013

7 - 9 P.M.

929 South Plymouth Avenue

Rochester, New York 14608

EDUCATE

To create public awareness of nonviolence critical for humans and the planet

EMBODY

training individuals in skills such as non violent communication, self reflection, and meditation.

SERVE

Fostering practices such as community gardening, urban agriculture & restorative justice projects

Bringing Conscious Back 

mission

Our purpose is to engage individuals in the principles and benefits of conscious living, by adding value and meaning to their lives, careers and communities. The arts professionals offer an opportunity to breathe new life into communities and build bridges to improve brotherhood regardless of race, creed or religion.

Being conscious can really change your perspective on the world.

 But don’t expect the world itself to change without a contribution from you.

FREE FILM SCREENING 
of
MILLENNIUM SLAVE!

Raising Conscious Children

Raising Conscious Children

Photography by Johnnie Lee Smith

Folks always say that character and education start at home. Nowadays we have children having children, many young women really don't want the responsibility. Some see children as toys or something cute rather than an individual.  Living in the hood you see the effects of children who have beed discarded and society not recognizing these individuals until they hit the judicial system.

There are so many cases today of child molestation, child murders, child slavery and the stories continue.  The older folks blame the young folks and the young folks blame the old folks for not having backbone.  The old folks pick at the young folks in what they ain;t doing right and the young folks look at there elders as cowards because many have given up, they fail to show leadership and that's where the young folks do have a point. 

As I have experienced life and have witnessed many who claim to be loving parents but spend more time on facebook, twitter, instagram and google+ than folks who work in the field of social networking.  I have witnessed many mothers and fathers claiming to be a parent but you see no mention or pictures of their beloved children, it's like they don't exist. You do see pictures and mentions of them with their friends and celebrities and what they claim thety are doing.  We can laugh about this but what is so sad is the amount of selfishness that is displayed virally on these platforms.  Are you really a professional or are you just being distracted? I know for me it's a distraction unless I am promoting an event or film.

I know for a fact when I am on the phone or facebook while my daughter is home it's a rap.  Little Momma tells me immediately excuse me but I need your attention.  As parents sometimes we ignore our children and then we realize this little person is asking for some time.  I have been guilty myself recognizing that technology has my mind I have to make time in my schedule to do me.  Now don't get me wrong a little checking your tumblr while your at the playground while your child is being entertained is fine.  

I want to share today a Pledge from my film 

"110 Morningside" that my mentor Abiodun Oyewole chants.  

Dune's Pledge

I want to be

what I can be

To be proud

healthy and free

I want to say 

what I know

To help my Bruthas and Sisters grow

I want to feel

good about me

and blame no one for my misery

'Cause I'll be strong

to turn it around

I want go up

I'm not going down

I want to do 

what I can do

to make all my dreams come true.

Remember my past

the good and bad

How I made it art

even when it was sad

I want to share 

whatever my gift

and when your feeling low 

I'll give you a lift

I want to live without fear

and know that I'm blessed for being here!

and know that I'm blessed for being here!

and know that I'm blessed!

I encourage all parents to teach this to the youth that frequent your life or to your own children. May this inspiration inspire you and your family it has inspired my family for years and still continues to this day. My five year old daughter now recites this and yes they do understand the powers of these words. Try it, print and recite and see how your kids eat this up.

Blessings...

Live from Filmstress row...this is the Filmstress