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This Colored Girl Got it

2010-12-13T20:46:53Z

There is no question how I feel about Tyler Perry’s rendition of “For Colored Girls.” In my opinion, it wasMy original PlayBill, Booth Theater 1978 magnificently done.

I was so driven to see this movie that I broke my movie-going rule—never see a movie on opening night. I guess I acted on impulse because stored in my subconscious was the powerful influence of having seen the original production at the Booth Theater on February 19, 1978, some 32 years ago. For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf, a choreopoem, was written by the award winning spoken-word artist, poet, author, Ntozake Shange. Shange has recently released a new book co-written with her sister Ifa Bayeza, entitled “Some Sing, Some Cry.”

I could not imagine how Perry was going to bring essentially what is a book of poems to life in a film. Not that it hasn’t been done before, it’s just my limited imagination. And, I certainly couldn’t imagine fully enjoying it because poetry generally annoys the heck out of me. What the heck are you trying to say? Why must we go through these metaphors, and imagery and symbolism?! Why don’t you just say what you mean?! (I know I should admit to feeling this way publicly lol).

But my goodness, Tyler Perry’s choices as a director, were perfect. Some of the pieces were enacted, some recited, others a combination of both. For many years, most young (black) girls who pursued acting, chose a monologue from For Colored Girls as an audition and/or performance piece. The seemingly most popular were No Assistance, Graduation Nite and Somebody Almost Walked Off Wid Alla My Stuff.

I had totally forgotten about the scenario with the children until that scene began to play out, and as was years ago, it was traumatizing. Although, the very last line of the piece suddenly came back to me and I was able to brace myself a lot better than most as was evident by the gasps in the movie theater.

There were only two annoying parts of the film for me; one was the wig propped up on the head of Thandi Newton’s character, Tangie (aka Lady in Orange). I couldn’t tell if it was bad styling by the film stylist or if she was intentionally supposed to be tacky. Since she never took the wig off, I’ll assume it wasn’t Tangie’s poor choice of a “look”. Oh and my other peeve was the close-ups on Janet Jackson’s nose.

I thought the humor was properly placed, although oftentimes laughter in the theater was misplaced. I attribute that to well umm, really not sure what that was about… ignorance perhaps? Tyler Perry did not originate For Colored Girls, however, he did write the screen adaptation. Not so strangely, the characters all seemed familiar to us from Perry’s other movies. For example, Jackson’s character, Jo (aka Lady in Red), was the same hardened, uptight sister that we saw in Why Did I Get Married? And Kimberly Elise’s character, Crystal (aka Lady in Brown), was the same drama-ridden person in Diary of a Mad Black Woman, and, well, every other movie we’ve seen her in! Love Elise, she’s an acting dynamo. My girl can cry on the fly. Can’t she cry? Wooo, she can cry. LOL

My absolute favorite, should be academy award winner, scene is with Phylicia Rashad’s character, Gilda, and Crystal, when Gilda comes into Crystals apartment and gives her some wisdom in truth and then hugs her, pets her, and tells her to breath. And Gilda breathed. It was so intense, I felt my own body exhale. (Apparently I was holding my breath through most of the movie lol).

Lastly, MEN, please watch this movie (a rented DVD will do). Rid yourself of the Waiting To Exhale “male-hating” hang-up or the Tyler Perry “wack movie” hang-up and treat yourself to real life. Unfortunately the issues that these women addressed on stage in the 1970s and film in 2010 are pretty much the same. And, these issues are universal. The sooner we confront, admit, accept, the sooner we can forgive ourselves and others, and quite possibly heal. We need your help in this.

Did you “get” For Colored Girls?

Bad Rap For A Gangster?

2010-08-12T16:29:36Z

Well that was interesting. And scarey. And confusing. How can any of us, in good conscience, "celebrate" Frank Lucas, Book signing at Hue-man Bookstoreor give any attention to a man known to be one of the most notorious drug lords in New York City history? This man, the Original Gangster (the title of his book), Frank Lucas was responsible for the death and destruction of thousands of black families and individuals, particularly in Harlem during the 1960s and early 70s. And yet, New York Magazine found it appropriate to dedicate a thirteen page article on this man (Marc Jacobson, 2004) and Universal Pictures makes a major motion picture, American Gangster (2007) with the potential for a sequel.

Seeing Lucas in person, hearing him speak ernestly about his remorse in having smuggled tons of heroine into the Harlem community, murdering people, and chasing the almighty dollar and pretty women, created a smorgasbord of emotion in me. Part of the time I was perturbed and disappointed at the notion of this man's impact on history, but my more surface emotions were empathy and admiration as I saw firsthand his decrepit, wheelchair bound body, learned of his Frank Lucas Foundation and laughed out loud at his comical quips and interactions with those who asked questions. If he didn't know what a particular term meant (i.e. gentrification, urban policy), he said so. If he didn't have an answer, he said that straight up. If an attractive woman walked into the room, he was sure to make mention of that too! He was quite entertaining.

The funniest moments were the "you had to be there" moments such as when he apparently became hungry in the middle of the Q & A so he leaned over to his publicist and in a loud whisper asked her to go see what kind of sandwiches were at the bookstore cafe, or when he talked about his new clothing line, and turned to his publicist again because he couldn't remember the "name of the brother" they had a meeting with [Russell Simmons], or when "hustle mode" truly kicked in and he announced "I got ringtones... yall go get my ringtones!" This was some comical stuff to watch coming from an "OG."

All in all it was a very frank discussion. As he said "Ask me anything... You can criticize me..." etc. "I'm a grown man, I can take it." And that, he did. He offered honest answers, no excuses, much regret. Some attendees came for no other reason than to express their disdain for Frank Lucas, others came to fact check against the movie American Gangster (starring Denzel Washington), some came for clarification on his relationships (i.e. with Bumpy Johnson) and some, simply to hear what he had to say and perhaps reconcile emotions and personal impressions about this oft purported brilliant business man. Much of his accounts are contested, disputed, refuted by those who knew him, did business with him or were related to someone associated with him. I'm not making any judgement on what's true and what isn't nor am I interested in sorting it all out!

Lucas is old- about to become an Octogenarian. He's seemingly sickly. He's confined to a wheelchair. He still has his mental faculties and wit (enough to jeer the Godfather book and movies). My hope is that he has been and still has time to continue influencing young people in a positive way, as is the mission of the Frank Lucas Foundation (www.franklucas.us).

When asked what words does he believe God will have for him when his "time has come," he responded with (paraphrasing) "I think they'll be good... I pray everyday... I've asked for forgiveness... "

Whew, God bless him.

Obama… One Year Later

2010-03-26T02:40:37Z

The President of the United States put his foot down this week! I’m kinda glad I’m not Sasha and Malia. Clearly, Papa Bear doesn’t play. It wasn’t easy and who really knows if it’s really right, but that doesn’t matter… the decision has been made! He said his first order of business in Office was to enact health care reform and it’s done (almost). Whether you agree with the contents of the bill or not, by any standard (and history dictates) this was a huge feat. He did it! Obama signed health reform into law. How does everyone feel about President Obama now?

Just last month, New York 1 News Anchor Cheryl Wills invited me and Ben to her panel discussion entitled President Obama: One Year later. She assembled an impressive panel that would coverNews Anchor Cheryl Wills an array of perspectives on President Obama’s first year in office, from both, personal and professional perspectives. The panel included media personalities in publishing, marketing, communications, entertainment, and business:

Marva Allen – Co-owner, Hue-man Bookstore
Dr. Marcella Maxwell – Women’s Rights Activist
Terrie Williams – Author, Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting
Tom Burrell – Author, Brainwashed: Challenging The Myth of Black Inferiority
Warrington Hudlin – Filmmaker, Owner Cast and Crew of Color
Chet Whye – Community Activist

It was a small mixed audience at Hue-man Bookstore in Harlem. During the first segment we listened to the panelists answer pointed questions by the program host, Wills.

What do you think of President Obama’s image? Has it changed from a year ago?
Do you think the media has been fair or unfair to Obama?
How are his book sales doing now in comparison to during his campaign?
Were Black people unrealistic about Obama being their Savior?
[The youth] …that critical group that pushed him into office. Are they still excited about him?
Hollywood was solidly behind President Obama… they are pretty quiet now, one year later, what’s going on?
What do you think of the First Ladies’ image?

The second segment provided the audience with the opportunity to weigh-in on the overarching subject—How is President Obama Doing One Year Later?

All in all it was a good discussion. But, I left with essentially the same understanding I had going in--

There are die-hard Obamaians who will support him to the end
There are those who are on the fence. They criticize the President (albeit mostly constructive) , but if you ask them if they would vote for him again, you’d hear a definite “Yes!”
There are those who think Obama CAN’T do anything right.

Actually, I spent more time observing the production integrity. I was distracted by the roving camera man, production assistants standing in the shots while audience members were asking questions and making comments, equipment left in areas around the store that would be picked up by a wide camera angle and the camera operators taking wide shots when they should’ve been close-up. I was so preoccupied with what was happening, production wise, that if you had a chance to watch the entire news program, you would see me looking around and whispering in my husband’s ear stuff like “why are they standing by the light stand? …that’s going to show in the shot?!” ugh.

Kudos to Cheryl for producing this black history special and providing a platform for this all important and timely discussion. But I’d like to have a talk with NY1 … they need to step up their production game with a really good producer such as, well…, myself!

So how do you think President Obama is doing, one year later?

I Got Street Cred!

2009-12-13T00:23:48Z

Okay maybe not “street cred” exactly. It’s more like a credible profile on Linked In. :) I just want to give my testimony as to how having a good reputation goes a long way. And, how easy it is these days for people to gain access to your “rep.”

I have subscribed to many of the most popular social sites because it has been reported to assist with business and social networking. Until now, I had no real evidence of its value.

After querying key people that I know in publishing for a line editor, on behalf of a client who is about to self-publish his memoir, my inquiry garnered some impressive options. The author and I made a choice and I went on to work out the deliverable and payment schedule. The editor, whom I’ve never met, sent an email that asked “Are you the same Ms. Brooks who runs Ajoy?” “I am.” “Okay, I am familiar with your company and you are on Linkedin. So, I will take half up front and half on delivery. Normally, I don’t do that but you have a good reputation.”

Over the years, I had not received a lot of feedback on my business reputation. I was glad, that at the very least, completing my “profile” on Linked In had served me well.

My feeling on reputation is that you can’t “create” a good reputation. It’s really based on perception. If you want people to perceive your reputation positively, I would say honesty goes a long way and is the most important quality one could have. At the end of the day, even if those you interact with are not getting positive news, they will appreciate your forthrightness (is that a word?) and will be clear on your decision(s).

Building your street cred “profile”:

Be honest with people you interact with professionally (and personally, for that matter).
Don’t put yourself out for more than you can actually accomplish.
Do what you say you’ll do. Your word is your bond.
Edit your “profile” regularly with the positive influences you’ve been on people and businesses.

Do you know your professional reputation? Where do you get feedback on your rep good or bad?

It’s a New Day

2009-09-06T05:25:45Z

Last year, June 2008, the House of Representatives and Senate designated the Donald Lawrence, Gospel Artist/Producer month of September as Gospel Music Heritage Month in honor of gospel music’s “valuable long-standing contributions to American culture.” Several Senators and Congress people along with the Gospel Music Channel television network and The Recording Academy launched the initiative to have the legislation passed.

Gospel music happens to be one of my favorite genres of music. Both, old time gospel and some of the more contemporary songs. This is the 2nd official year of Gospel Music Heritage Month and I am celebrating!

The Gospel group that I manage, Maharold Peoples, Jr. & Tribe of Praise, has been requested to perform in concert by Gospel music advocate, Carl Davis at one of the designated celebrations for Gospel Music Heritage Month, Lunchtime at the State Department (Washington DC), Wednesday, September 9th 2009.

Then, How Sweet The Sound, church choir contest sponsored by Verizon Wireless is touring across the country, hosted by Donald Lawrence and Marvin Sapp. It will be at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on September 25th.

The one event I haven’t made it to yet is a combination of two of my favorite things, football and gospel—Super Bowl Gospel. (Although, this does seem a little contradictory the way players pound on each other during games :)). But, the two couldn’t be more exciting for me! …2010, February in Miami, ahhhhhh, let’s see.

Okay, back to my question. Gospel music lovers have the opportunity to enjoy many, many Gospel/Christian music events that happen throughout the year. (I love the job of traveling to listen to the Gospel). Most, I would say are sponsored by Church factions and religious organizations or radio & television media professionals. But is it the same when paired with commercial, non-religious entities?

It’s really interesting to see how major mainstream corporations have no problem aligning their brand with this particular segment of music, that is, traditionally known African-American inspired music, to promote their brand. Although, McDonalds Corporation (by way of a regional consortium of franchise owners) with its McDonald’s Gospelfest—Entertain Your Belief, has been doing it for 26 years. Now corporate America (does this exist anymore? okay, never mind) is sponsoring gospel related shows on cable television, advertising on gospel radio channels and sponsoring live gospel events.

This is exploitation. But is this the good exploitation (standard advertising and publicity) that benefits major marketers AND gospel artists? Or, is it the bad exploitation also known as selfish utilization?

About A Really Really Nice Person

2009-08-22T23:09:14Z

You know it is really not that often you come across a really, really nice person. A...Another Man's Poison, Off Broadway person who is nice and giving for really no apparent reason. They don’t know you, couldn’t want anything from you. It is, seemingly, just their personality.

I am sharing an experience I had just this past week while working on an Off Broadway play. It wasn’t that it was so exciting, or even exciting for me per se. It was just unexpected, especially when people who work in media, whether theater, film, TV, etc. sometimes can be snobbish, stand-offish and just not personable. (I’ve only had a few “nice people” experiences in film so far).

While working with the producer, Sheila Speller, at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater on West 42nd Street, I had to step out to pick up my son from Camp Intrepid, which luckily was just blocks away (44th & Hudson River). When we returned to the theater to wait for daddy to come get our boy, I knew it would be a challenge to keep a curious 7 year old contained while I continued to work, but what could I do? (I mean, outside of being armed with chocolate chip cookies).

The stage manager for …Another Man’s Poison began her process of making sure everyone on the tech team was present and preparing for the 7pm show. I could vaguely overhear her saying stuff like “…and he’s the person who controls the sound” and “she’s the person who turns up the lights…,” “let’s see what these guys back here are doing...” All the while, Rawm had wandered from my sight, into the theater.

It wasn’t until someone shouted “Tuesday, look at your son!” and I watched my (scrawny I might add) little boy donned in waaay oversized rigging gloves drawing the ropes for the scenic stage curtain, that I realized she was taken him on a full fledged tour of behind the scenes in the theater. Dressed in headset and mic he communicated with the stage hands backstage and learned what buttons to push for crickets, cars whizzing by on the street, police sirens, voice-over announcements and airplanes taking off. He got to see the costumes being prepped and the stage hands also gave an impromptu dance performance on stage (the show takes place in the 70s so there’s always good music on queue.)

My son enjoyed his time at the theater so much he was beside himself. I finished what I was working on without any disruption and he was engaged the entire time… all because of a fun-loving cast and crew and one woman who took the perfect opportunity to create a learning experience that will probably never be forgotten. Thank you, Bayo, for just being a really, really, nice person.

The Reality for Real Actors

2009-08-11T11:37:55Z

So the other night I was asked the question: “How long, would you say, this reality stuff has been going on on TV?” I responded with my usual “I dunno.” I don’t really know but my earliest memory is the MTV show The Real World that “starred” Kevin Powell (which I had never watched). I had forgotten all about the show COPS. Turns out reality TV has a longer history than I realized. If you’re interested you can get a brief history of Reality TV at Wikipedia.

The only thing I AM really, really sure about is that I’M OVER REALITY TV!!! Sorry… had a moment. Okay, I will admit that reality TV has it’s benefits. Certainly from a programming standpoint for the networks. The sensationalism of reality television draws eyeballs which in turn draws loads of advertising dollars. Reality TV has also been an effective platform from which to catapult successful careers in media, entertainment, politics, fashion, business, etc. This is actually one of the things I appreciate most about the reality television genre. I believe it became a viable career springboard for the “ordinary person” unexpectedly.

I enjoy the heck out of some reality shows and Mark Burnett is like a TV Deity to me. But good grief. Now, every broadcast and cable station has their own twist on reality that covers food, fashion, talent, dance, sports, romance, family relationships, make-overs, business, charity, auto & mechanics, police activity, and it goes on. A large portion of television real estate is being used for this voyeuristic TV viewing genre. I don’t want to continue with this behavior! I might need a patch though. (And yes, there is somewhat of a contradiction in my thought pattern here :)—that’s the unstable part).

Seriously, I’d like to get back to watching drama that is not trying to fool me into thinking that I am watching a scenario play out in real time, un-edited and unscripted. Reality television is about as staged as fictional drama, the difference being a cast of “regular” people vs. trained actors (like Sanaa Lathan pictured above). I’m beginning to feel like skilled, professional thespians are becoming an endangered species (where’s PETA when you need them?). Are you still loving Reality TV? Do you think “real” actors are endangered?

Banking on Beauty

2009-07-27T20:54:16Z

Craig Pearson, Jr. Nationals, NC Beauty Pageants! Everybody knows these are contests where women (and men albeit not as popular) compete primarily based on their physical beauty. Pageants began as early as 1854 but more formally in 1921. By the 1960’s they were a booming platform for young women to get attention (arguably negative and positive).

One of my favorite web sites to peruse for news and informational tidbits is Today’s Drum. They report GOOD NEWS! Despite all of the horribly distressing news we hear on a daily basis, there’s actually good things happening on our earth. Anyway, I digress.

I was surfing Today’s Drum and happened upon the story about the first black Miss England. Which of course led me to think about the long-lasting debate about the relevance and appropriateness of beauty pageants. They have been protested since their inception yet continue to exist. The feminist movement really demonized pageantry in the 60’s by crowning them sexist and misogynistic. At the same time, you have pageant defenders who feel they serve a purpose for catapulting careers, supporting education (through scholarships), building self-esteem and are no more objectifying than men’s pageantry (aka body-building) such as Mr. Universe and Manhunt International.

Not because I am an “eternal” crown holder, do I believe pageants serve a purpose :). Nowadays, the "pros" are that they prominently display talent, intelligence, activism and ambitions of young women. This 20 year old English woman, Rachel Christie, is clearly using it as a platform for her athletic career—she’s a heptathlete. Hept wha? yep, had to look this one up.

So, I just need to sort out how these pageants are different from other forms of entertainment that women choose to participate in such as talent contests, fashion shows, music videos, concerts, award shows, dance troupes for sports teams, etc. where they ALSO choose, to dress scantily clad and go the distance with hair, make-up, accessories and the like, to show off their “natural” assets and to look “beautiful.” Are they not objectified in this context?

Not all pageants include the swimsuit component these days and they tend to focus more on personality, poise, intellect and ability to communicate. Not to mention, the winners and runners up win loads of money! A talented musician, a naturally smart person, those with natural athletic ability can exploit their “gift” so why shouldn't a natural beauty (and not without hard work, I might add. Walking in 3-inch heels ain’t no joke)? What say you-- withdraw pageantry or bank on beauties?

What’s With All The Skeletons?

2009-07-13T14:33:52Z

Clearly everyone you know will not know everything about you, but is it unreasonable to think that YOU in life would be the same YOU in death? I guess it is unreasonable.

What’s with all the skeletons? Think Steve McNair (god rest his soul) who seemed to be a model citizen, actively involved with Nashville charities, a husband and father of four children and all around nice guy. Yet, he had a mistress who he apparently was deceiving (along with his immediate and extended family) which ultimately led to his and her death in a murder-suicide. And take David Carradine (RIP) the 72 year old distinguished film and theater actor who many of us remember from the 70’s TV show Kung Fu, who was found dead hanging from a Bangkok hotel room because of autoerotic asphyxiation (whatever that is). Turns out he was into some craaaa-zzy stuff. (And not simply like me in the Colonel get up).

My personal opinion, it matters that we do not fully represent who we really are in a general and public context. Especially as it pertains to public figures and the glowing perceptions we have of them. It’s deceit. I’m not talking about mistakes or poor judgment as all humans experience, I’m talking blatant and intentional wrongness. Reverend Jesse Jackson is a Reverend. And yet, in a private or professional setting, he’s comfortable talking about cutting off another mans balls. WTH?

One can argue that facades are a natural part of being popular. If this is so, why less often we hear good and wonderful things about people in their death? I feel, on an individual basis we should strive to live up to the decency that we project, if not for honesty with the people we love and who love us, then for our own personal spiritual integrity and legacy.

I know it’s debatable whether it should matter to others how people live their private lives, so my question isn’t does it matter (?), my question is if someone close to you passes away and all of their unexpected skeletons came tumbling out of the closet, would you feel deceived?

Artists on Blast Mode?!

2009-07-04T03:39:41Z

I tried not to be too critical of Ashanti who is now starring in The Wiz at NY City Center and doing a terrible job. Because, you know what I always Me and George Faison, The original Choreographer for The Wiz, 1974 consider? Criticism hurts. Even if it is true, it doesn’t feel good to be criticized.

Yet, if you are going do anything in life, that warrants media attention, criticism comes with the territory. I came a cross this funny story. It wasn’t intended to be funny but I have an over active funnybone. It talked about a novelist, Alice Hoffman, who in the face of a bad review, blasted her critic on Twitter! Then she turned around and apologized. I thought to myself this is crazy. Until the advent of the Internet for popular use, creative people whether artists, actors, musicians or whomever, didn’t have many opportunities to respond to their critics, especially not in REAL time. But now, wow, as an artist you get to tell a journalist or reporter off if you don’t like their stricture about you or your work!

Should it be like this? I’m sort of on the fence with this issue. On one hand, some creative folk are unduly criticized or even misunderstood, so they should be able to rebut a critique. But on the other hand, hey! you put yourself “out there…” HANDLE IT! Ashanti, I’m sorry. Let’s hang out :).

What do you think? Should creative people respond to their judgers? After all, if it’s art, it’s subjective (and you know the ol’ beauty in the eye of the beholder thingy).

Leave me your thoughts below. I think I can be persuaded either way.