The Groove was Compassionate

The Compassionate Groove 

by Leora Jackson

On a cool Saturday evening June 20, at Common Grounds Coffee bar, a young hostess prepped and prepared the stage for what was to become an emotional, emphatic, empowering night in which all listeners left with a feeling of accomplishment, awareness and understanding.

 That’s what Poetic Justice Open Mic #3 presented as the Compassionate Groove continued…

Jared Carter and Tina Gaston singing Nothing in this World

Patricia Rodriguez and Lakeesha Shaw, the hostesses for the event, opened the stage with Tina Gaston and Jared Carter, HandsUPNWA founders as they gave acknowledgement to the recent tragedy of the Charleston 9.  The HandsUPNWA Duo later sung, "Nothing in this world" by KeKe Wyatt and Avant.

Rodriguez, turned up the temperature in the room, by reciting a poem that her 14 year old son Diego wrote titled, ‘The Heat is on’.

 “To say the heat is on is to remember the summer’s dawn,” said Rodriguez.

The other hostess Ms. Shaw gave us a deep, cultural poem from a classmate that was written in 1996 by Jared Simmons.

Lakeesha Shaw

“Just like any other race, there lies a man behind each face. .. each chooses what he wants to be. His choices should not change the way you choose to treat black me. From this burden set me free.”

Abel Perry came up to do his poem, “Its Not JUST music.” He described how his love of music is embraced and powerful! “Its not just the beats ..music is much more than that.”

Abel Perry

And the best way to appreciate music, is with great songs from great musical artists such as Human Nature by Michael Jackson. This song was sung by a poet, musician,  and dynamic middleman in the community, Stephen Coger. His singing was awesome! The crowd sung along in unison with,

“If they say, Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature. Why, why, does he do it that way. If they say, Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature. Why, why does he do me that way.”

Anne Shelly, Executive Director for the Rape Crisis Intervention Center, gave a few words comparing rape victims and racial discrimination victims.

Stephen Coger singing Human Nature

Anne Shelley

“In regards to the Charleston killing, it is racial motivated…it is a hate crime! Very few victims of Racial Discrimination ever…ever..ever..ever..ever ..get JUSTICE,” she said.

Irvin Camacho enlightening the audience of Dream Walking as it related to feelings toward immigration and overcoming obstacles to rise above and continuing toward a dream.

Irvin Camacho

David Garcia of Fayetteville Free Zone and Jane Stitt of NWA IWOC (Incarcerated Workers Organization Committee) came up to talk about Charleston. David explained that this is a very emotional moment to continue to see killings, shootings, murders of black people.

Jane Stitt and David Garcia

“I’m choking in the deaths of Baltimore. I’m choking on Mckinney TX. I’m choking about Rodney King. I’m choking on Eric Garner. I’m choking about Charleston,” said David as he broke down in sobs, feeling overwhelmed with intense emotion regarding the killings of 9 black innocent lives and many others. He later invited the audience to sing together with Amazing Grace.

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see. ….When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.” And the audience chimed in singing along,  with a feeling of connectedness.

Myrlinda Huff came up next to talk about wanting and feeling the experience of Love.

“I want love to rain down on me, and I want to taste the Love on my lips” she said.

Gaston, came back to the stage and read a poem titled, I’m not your average Black Girl, in which she gave credit to the other women who paved the way, like Rosa, Angela Davis, Harriet Tubman and more. 

"They say I'm not your average black girl because I speak so well," she said.

Myrlinda Huff

F.L. Jones did a spin on a rap, called, “Don’t Blame Me,” in which she talks about her cousin Lupe who seems to always be in trouble. It had a nice beat to it.

“Don’t blame me when I tell you what Lupe did. He got caught, boy it was stupid…..Don’t blame me when I tried to get away. I turned around and told Lupe, ‘Have a nice day.” But, no..he did not let me go. He escorted me to the front door,” rapped Jones.

The audience joined in with finger snaps and laughed at the funny, comical rap about her troublesome cousin Lupe. Then Jones got serious with her poem called, “Shake the Hands.”

“I wish I could go back in time and Shake the hands of the people who gave birth to me, paved a way for me, slaved for me, struggled for me and died for me. I wish I could go back in time and shake the hands of Martin Luther King and say, Martin…we’re still trying to live your dream, but it seems that society is still so unfair and mean.”

F. L. Jones

Jones gave a dramatic episode in a monologue as she conversed with Rosa Parks while sitting on the bus and also a moving episode of walking with Trayvon Martin before he was shot. Jones had the audience feeling a connection between time zones as she also wished to go back in time to shake the hands of those 4 little girls in the Birmingham Church Bombing in 1963, which felt similar to the Charleston 9 church shooting.

“4 little girls who were targeted because of race, would never again get to see their parents or sibling’s face, as they were taking home to their final resting place on September 15, 1963 as bombs destroyed that place,” said Jones.

Later the hostesses Rodriquez and Shaw came up to the mic to declare a moment of silence and read off the names of the Charleston 9.

“We pay our respects to the lives that were lost this week in Charleston, SC; Cynthia Hurd- 54, Susie Jackson-87, Ethel Lance- 70, Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor-49, The Honorable Rev. Clementa Pinckney-41, Tywanza Sanders-26, Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr. 74, Rev. Sharonda Singleton-45, Myra Thompson-59,” said Shaw and Rodriquez as they took turns reading the names one by one.

Monica Ramos

Monica Ramos came to the mic to say a poem about her friend Patricia Rodriguez, the hostess.

“She is a passionate person. There is nothing she works harder on than being a parent for her son”

Laura Newman came up to do spoken word about White privilege and how she encountered it in the education setting while working on her dissertation.

“You have some white people who have so much privilege and this isn’t fair,” said Newman, who is also white. “They are just oblivious to what is occurring with minorities and are only about their ego and about themselves. It is disgusting, really. If you can’t change it, you just have to get thru it”

Laura Newman

Laasean Willis performed 2 songs, Comfort Inn by Jhene' Aiko and Why don't we fall in love by Amaire, with her last song describing loneliness.

“I’ve been on a loneliness paradise,” she sung. Her voice displayed love lost and the feelings that is encountered when one is without their love.  A very moving and deep song.

Overall, the Compassionate Groove was still present and very much engaging and flowing through the veins of all who attended.

Stay tuned to Poetic Justice Open Mic #4 in August. What will the next Groove be like???

Come and find out!

Check Facebook for Poetice Justice Open Mic #4 soon.

"Party in the city where the heat is on
All night, in NWA till the break of dawn
Welcome to Poetic Justice!"
Speaking on the stage when the mic is warm
All night, in the club till the break of dawn
I'm goin to Poetic Justice."
Welcome to Poetic Justice."

Slideshow of Charleston 9 Vigil Support and Poetic Justice Open Mic #3

Poetic Justice Open Mic Team and some remaining audience members June 20, 2015

Photography by Patricia Rodriquez, Hannah LaReau, Irvin Camacho & Leora Jackson

Poetry Reviews:

“The event was fantastic: the artists talented, the audience attentive, and the vibe was just perfect.  It felt like a safe space for everybody.”  Stephen Coger

“The event was cool and laid back very eye opening made you think. Very refreshing and the dancing at the end was fun.” Ugochi Iloka

"I really enjoyed hosting it was a first experience for me and I just hope those in attendance had a good time and spread the word about upcoming poetic justice events." Patricia Rodriquez

"Poetic justice open Mic nights are more than just poetic food to feed your ears. .. it feeds the soul too." Tina Gaston

Stay tuned for more Poetic Justice in August!

St. James M.B. Church and local Peace Groups show support for Charleston 9

St. James M.B. Church and Local Peace Groups show support for Charleston 9

Fernando Garcia urging motorists to Honk for Charleston

The sound of honking horns, some loud, some blaring, some barely a beep, were heard throughout the neighborhood on North and Leverett Streets Saturday, June 20 as the Historic St. James M.B. Church hosted a vigil in honor of the Charleston 9 whose lives were tragically lost on Wednesday June 17, 2015 during a prayer meeting at Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston SC.

Peace Volunteers encouraging motorists to support Charleston

Motorist and walkers were curious as to why people were holding up signs, but as they got a closer look, they saw signs that read, “Black Lives Matter, Charleston Matters, We Stand for Justice.” As well as simple signs that garnered the most amount of action such as, “HONK for Charleston!”

Irvan Camacho and Mayra

“Wow, I’m glad that you’re doing this,” shouted one gentlemen driving by on North St.

More horns were heard across Leverett and North Street almost simultaneously at times.

“Honk for Charleston,” shouted Rose Collins, a peace volunteer as a female motorist beeped her horn. “Thank you, ma’am.”

Rose Collins and Leora Jackson urging motorist to unify with Charleston by honking their horns

When asked why she wanted to do this volunteerism support, she replied, “I didn’t want to just stay home today. When I saw the Facebook post about the vigil, I wanted to come out and do something. I am glad that you all are doing this. I didn’t want to be like my other white friends and ignore it and be mum about this, I wanted action! This is needed.”

Sarah Marsh of Fayetteville City Council & Fernando Garcia of OMNI stands in Solidarity with Charleston

Sarah Marsh, of the City Council made an appearance and spoke for an interview with David Garcia for Fayetteville Free Zone. 

OMNI Members Standing in Solidarity

Other members of Omni Center for Peace, Justice & Ecology were there to show support.  Signs were made with the help of OMNI members and USWG (Umoja Soul Writers Group).

“Make some noise for Charleston and honk your horn,” shouted Leora Jackson, USWG member.

Many people honked and gave the Thumbs up sign as in solidarity for Charleston.

Nik Robbins standing for Justice for Charleston

Leora Jackson with USWG, standing in Solidarity

NWA Peace groups, St. James M.B. Church and the motorists blasting their horns on North and Leverett streets between 5:30pm-6:45pm, were all STANDING IN SOLIDARITY with the Charleston 9 and with the rest of the world as they paid their respects to those 9 people who lives were taken because they were BLACK.

Let us continue to pray for healing in Charleston for the families and community. Pray for Healing in the world today.

We Pray for the Charleston 9!

Cynthia Hurd- 54 years old 

Susie Jackson-87 years old

Ethel Lance- 70 years old  

Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor-49 years old

The Honorable Rev. Clementa Pinckney-41 years old 

Tywanza Sanders-26 years old

Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr. 74 years old 

Rev. Sharonda Singleton-45 years old

Myra Thompson-59 years old

Videos relating to NWA Support of Charleston:

Black Community calling for conversation following Charleston Massacre

St. James Church holds prayer vigil for Charleston

NWA Vigil Services Honoring The 9 of Charleston

It was a nice sunny evening on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 in Charelston SC as Parishioners arrived to Emanuel AME Baptist church greeting each other, hugging and chatting for a bit as they were preparing their normal prayer meeting without an inkling that soon something drastic would occur to make it their.... last prayer and last supper.

Six women ranging in ages of 26 to 87 and three men ages 41 to 75 were all gathered for what is to become their last evening ALIVE on earth.

While praying and discussing the financials and arrangements as usual, thirty minutes later, a young white male with hatred, malice and evil in his mind, heart & Spirit, approached the Lords House with an intent to SEEK, KILL, and DESTROY!

He entered the church and took a sit while waiting for the the perfect time to unleash his HELL's FURY onto unsuspecting members.

He shouted,  "No! You've raped our women and you've stolen and you've taken over the country, so no, this must be done"

Then he opened FIRE to Destroy!

And Destroyed he did!
He Destroyed 9 LIVES
He Destroyed a Church!
He Destroyed a Community!
He Destroyed 9 Families!
He Destroyed a Race of People!

                                                                                                                                                                     


Now, Because he is ALIVE and they are dead.
He Destroyed our TRUST in the Judicial System!

Justice Must be Demanded!

Keep Fighting for Justice!!

JUSTICE FOR "THE 9"

Cynthia Hurd- 54 years old 

Susie Jackson-87 years old

Ethel Lance- 70 years old  

Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor-49 years old

The Honorable Rev. Clementa Pinckney-41 years old 

Tywanza Sanders-26 years old

Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr. 74 years old 

Rev. Sharonda Singleton-45 years old

Myra Thompson-59 years old

COME TO ST. JAMES M. B. CHURCH SATURDAY JUNE 20 AT 6PM-7PM FOR

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL TO HONOR CHARLESTON LIVES LOST AT EMANUEL AME

CHURCH.

Join with HandsUPNWA, Umoja Soul Writers Group and Omni Center for Peace, Justice & Ecology as we unite together for this tragedy.

LETS STAND TOGETHER IN UNISON FOR THE DECEASED AND PAY OUR RESPECTS


COME LATER TO POETIC JUSTICE OPEN MIC to talk about Justice, Pain, Suffering and more at Common Grounds on Dickson St from 8pm-11pm. Free Platform to Speak about Justice!

REAL Conference REAL Writers

 R.E.A.L. Conference NWA Teen Summit

USWG Writers’ Workshop

by Tony E. Boyd

Writing Workshop Photos

I didn’t know exactly what to expect when asked to cover the Umoja Soul Writers’ Group (USWG) Writers’ Workshop at the R.E.A.L. Conference NWA Teen Summit. So I had no pre-conceived notions when I arrived that day (at 9:30 am on a Saturday morning May 30).

 

Leora Jackson

Since I was a little early, I noticed there weren’t a lot of people there yet and figured they would file in later. Already there were Umoja Soul representatives and four teens. As the time for the event to start approached, I noticed only a few more people trickled in, but none were teenagers. Remaining undaunted, the organizers soldiered on with their plan.

They had created this event for an important purpose, inspiring teens to explore their creativity through writing and to give them a safe, non-judgmental place to explore their self-expression.

 

Lakeesha Shaw

Leora Jackson, Coordinator of the Umoja Soul Writers Group, took the floor first to do the opening.

“People write all the time whether they know it or not,” she said. “And we all have a story to tell, but we just need the time to write about it.”

Examples started running through my mind. People will tell you that they can’t write, maybe even add “creatively”. But in today’s world, we write almost constantly (depending on your generation). Social media has created a tide of new writers who don’t even know they are writers.

 

"Bowtie" Todd Jenkins encouraging youth to be engaged

She also discussed activism in the community and how writing can be used to help affect change. This led into her introduction of LaKeesha Thomas Shaw who would introduce the workshop’s speaker, “Bowtie” Todd Jenkins.

Mr. Jenkins, a distinguished and accomplished orator, discussed having a plan for your life with the teen attendees. He related his personal tale of struggle and figuring things out for himself through trial and error and strong, loving parenting.

"Bowtie" Todd Jenkins and REAL Writing Mentees

“Teenagers don’t have complete control over what they can and cannot do,” Jenkins said.  “There would be times when there would be conflicts between what they want to do and what they are allowed to do.”

 He explained to them that they could choose to either embrace or rebel. If they chose to rebel, lying and doing what they weren’t suppose to, this would represent that choice, a negative choice. If they choose to embrace positivity and take responsibility for their own actions, then expressing themselves through writing could help them gain control over what they think they didn't have control over.

 

mrsShiny

Jenkins encouraged the youth to, “be engaged, be there, be open, and tie things together in order to get the most out of the workshop.”

Next up was rapper/activist, mrsShiny. She discussed the therapeutic nature of writing, a way to get things out that are bottled up inside. She followed that up with an inspirational rap about "not letting the haters slow them down, or the naysayers steal their crown."

mrsShiny rapping to the kids to keep moving Forward

It had a nice beat and I could dance to it. J I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think all the other workshop attendees did also. During her performance, the teens seemed attentive and engaged.

At this point, the teenagers were paired with mentors from USWG and asked to perform a writing exercise. The assignment was to write about a life experience that became an inspiration to do better in life. 

Mentors & Mentees writing in their journal

Young mentee writing a story

Once the time limit passed the workshop participants were encouraged to come forward and share what they had written. Some stories were heart tugging, some contemplative and others inspiring.

LIFE writing her story

Stacey “LIFE” Harper came up next and had a roundtable discussion with the teens about their self-esteem, moving forward through adversity, taking control of their lives, and defining themselves. She introduced them to the concept of them being “rainbow children” and encouraged them to look it up, because they would be inspired to know that they are special and unique in their own gifted way. 

She spoke to them in poetic rhythm, with dramatic emphasis on the most important parts. They seemed to soak it in.
I think it will take time for all of it to register but they do have the information to start with.

My overall analysis of the workshop comes down to one word, SUCCESS! 
I truly believe the workshop was a positive experience for all who attended, mentor and mentee alike. I think anytime you can be a positive force in a young person’s life, it’s worth the effort.

Kudos to Leora "F. L. Jones" Jackson, “Bowtie” Todd Jenkins, mrsShiny, LaKeesha Thomas Shaw, Stacey “LIFE” Harper, John Bell, Tonya "mrsShiny" McCoy, Patricia Rodriguez, Carma Nicholson, & Carla Thompson and all others who worked to make this happen.

I’m sure the youth were inspired and motivated to Move Forward and to Be Engaged! 

Photos and story by Tony E. Boyd

Poetic Justice in the 'Ville: The Groove Will Not Be Silenced by Tony E. Boyd

Poetic Justice in the 'Ville: The Groove Will Not Be Silenced

 Poetic Justice Open Mic Nite #2 April 24, 2015

Hostess Stacy "LIFE" & Jared

Common Grounds was the scene again for the Poetic Justice Open Mic #2 sponsored by USWG. On this moderately cool night, poets and onlookers trickle into the venue waiting for the night's festivities to start. Jared Carter mans the door and the sign up sheet, engaging each and every patron as they come in. Personable young man. 

Meghan

Then comes the disappointing news that the mic and amp normally used to power the show is not available. A flurry of activity ensues, trying to procure a replacement. All the while time is moving on. With options dwindling, Jared and his co-host for the night, Stacey (L.I.F.E.) White Harper decide the show must go on, opting to do the slam without aid of amplification. They explained the situation to the crowd in attendance, all of whom were supportive. 

Mr. Carter opened the proceedings with a song and an introduction of L.I.F.E. She masterfully engaged the crowd with anecdotes and clever banter. At the end of her time, she introduced the first performer of the night, Meghan. 

"Step The Poet"

Meghan regaled us with a poem created in response to a situation she had with a classmate in class about social issues. The classmate was not very receptive to discussion on those issues. Meghan's response highlighted the ignorance, selfishness, and privilege of her classmate. Snap, snap. 

Next up was a poet going by the name of "Steph the Poet". Steph the Poet's poem "Beauty" speaks to the oversexualization of women and the beauty of loving someone for their mind and soul, not just lust for their body. 

Justine

Justine followed discussing the funny of being transgender focusing on the silly things. 

Jared then graced the stage with another song. All the while, an appreciative crowd clapped and snapped their approval, despite the absence of a mic. 

Kaia was next to take the stage. She brought with her a poem titled Real Freedom. Her delivery conveyed her conviction to the words she wrote. Powerful!

Max Sauce

 Next up a singer named Jane sang a song from "The Prophet". Her silvery voice floated through the crowd garnering their rapt attention. She smiled sweetly exiting the stage to appreciative snaps. 

Max Sauce was next to heed the call to share with the crowd. She shared her personal story of coming out to her mother. Having lived through it, the fear and trepidation, she finds herself on the other side seeing the humor in it all.

Stacy "L.I.F.E" Harper

L.I.F.E. followed Max with a song called "Come To Me Peace". I can tell she is accustomed to public speaking and projecting her voice because the lack of amplification was no obstacle to her. 

After her song, L.I.F.E introduced the next performer named Graham who brought to the stage his personal tale of woe about a bad breakup. This is a common experience for many. Something that the crowd could relate to wholeheartedly. 

Steph the Poet returned to the stage to offer another original work entitled "Speed Dating". Steph strikes me as a man who is aware of absurdity in some of the ways males and females interact and has vowed not to fall prey to it. Just a personal observation. 

Fernando Garcia

During this early portion of the program, Jared and friends have been frantically working to procure amplification for the performers. Projecting is good but amplification is easier on the voice. 

Fernando Garcia is the first beneficiary of those efforts. He is an advocate of workers rights and his time on stage spoke to the disparity between the ones with the money and means for production and those who do the actual work to produce the product. 

Irvin Camacho

Several other performers took advantage of the stage time. Irvin Camacho read his "My Angry Father". 

Kaia returned to the stage with a piece about "Assumptions And Making An Ass Of Yourself". 

Leora "F. L. Jones" Jackson

Leora "F.L. Jones" Jackson spoke in recognition of women issues. Her poem "Oh Valentine" about domestic violence told a sorrowful tale of happiness and sorrow, acknowledgement and denial, suffering and compliance, mental breakdown and and lashing out, and finally, a disconnect from reality. A very poignant and gut wrenching piece. 

Luther Coram

Luther Coram spoke of removing "can't" from his vocabulary. (He actually went to great lengths to get the audience to say it so he wouldn't have to). His poem "Have You Ever" referenced the pain he felt losing his grandfather. 

Maricio told a story that puts a human interest element into the question of illegal immigration. 

Marie chose to use her time on stage to quote personal favorite poems of hers, "We Alone" by Alice Walker and "We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks. She also did an original one called "Mom". 

Jimmy

A West Point man named Jimmy discussed his desire to fight for everyone's rights, regardless of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, etc. He discussed his journey to self-discovery and his philosophy of "the crucible". The crucible is a military training tool that tests the resolve of the soldiers trying to make the grade. Jimmy applied that philosophy to his own life and it enabled him to overcome many trials and tribulations in his life. 

Brandon Bledsoe

An unexpected treat came next with the Acapella rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" by Brandon Bledsoe. Bledsoe's distinctive voice pierced the room and called all in attendance to attention. 

F.L. Jones returned with another woeful piece chronicling the horrible Alabama bombing that took the lives of 4 precious little black girls in a church in Birmingham. Her poem was called "4 Little Girls, We Remember You". 

Michelle read poems by Ruby K. entitled " Self-Esteem" and "Beauty". 

Jared offered quotes from Zora Neale Hurston. 

Hobert Taylor

Brock Moses spoke of "Spiritual Awakening  In The Middle Of Cultural Change". 

Hobert Taylor brought a different element to the slam by reciting haiku. He recited the poems "The Caterpillar" and "Objective Efemora". He was supposed to be the last one but the groove could not be silenced. Marie returned to the stage to offer a poem about unrequited love. 

And with that, the Poetic Justice Open Mic closed down for the night, but the groove will not be silenced. Merely bide its time till its next incarnation Saturday, June 13 at Common Grounds again.  

Yeah, the Awakening of a New Groove!!!

See the YouTube video below.

USWG Members:

Leora Jackson              Michael Lafears            Rhonda Holmes          Tony E. Boyd   
Hannah Spivey             Lakeesha Nicole           Stacy Harper               John Bell
Juana Washington      Carmalita Nicholson      Shurla Jobe                Steven Tolson
Joe "Bloka" Mitchell    Carla Thompson             Patricia Rodriquez        Tina Gaston
Jared Carter                   Tyra Eckwood

Article and Photography by Tony E. Boyd

Tony E. Boyd, Contributing Writer, Photographer