Culture Currents

Due to the recent reconstruction of solidarity with, and change in perception of, the local progressive/liberal radio community as displayed in the recent article about 94.1FM KPFA written in the East Bay Express, I am hereby forfeiting and de-recognizing my 2005 East Bay Express Award for “Most Listenable Radio DJ” for my weekly program, The Friday Night Vibe, which is broadcast at 94.1FM KPFA.

Bay Area native Paul Mooney is one of the most legendary comedians in this country to touch a mic, not just because he can make his audience laugh, but because intertwined in his jokes there is a certain amount of political commentary and social criticism. Just like his buddy, the late great Richard Pryor, his pro-Black perspective and wittiness can never be deemed irrelevant.

I have been a fan of my homeboy Deuce Eclipse’s music for years. Now Deuce is involved with a new hip hop rock group called Bang Data. Here’s the newest info on them and their new record. "The name Bang Data means to bang out information. Music is information and we want to put it out," says Deuce Eclipse.

I learned about the Los Angeles based singer Dasha Chadwick from Facebook. The first time I heard her music was a few months ago, after I looked her singing up on YouTube. Before she was Dasha, the woman, I knew her when she was in the first grade when I used to walk her to school.

A year ago, head coach Ralph Walker revived the Berkeley East Bay Track Club, a club which he said was a community staple in the 1970s and 1980s that served to encourage children to be healthy. “I don’t want no kids to go through the stuff I went through,” said 54-year-old Walker, who is paralyzed in the left side of his body. “I want them to grow up, go to college and be productive citizens.”

Says Jamilia Ashworth, “I know there are so many moms out there like me who are very concerned about preventing obesity and other serious health problems for their children. I hope my story will encourage them to start making changes, too.”

This year, as in many years past, Godfather of Comedy Paul Mooney has returned to his roots at the Black Repertory Group Theater in Berkeley for performances every night Dec. 26-31, with three shows on New Year’s Eve. Tickets are selling fast, so call right away: (510) 652-2120 or the hot line, (925) 812-2787. Listen to two hilarious Block Report interviews by Minister of Information JR with Paul Mooney.

Deja Bryson, the niece of Peabo Bryson, is one of the young up and coming vocal talents to emerge out of Oakland, California, hometown of some of the best to ever do it – like Tony, Toni, Tone and Ledisi. She will be performing at her debut show at Yoshi’s in Oakland on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 8 p.m.

They smiled and they grinned with the deeds they had done. / They chanted, “Chairman is dead,” while they splashed through his blood. / The media made up lies; the States Attorney told tales. / Before I was born, I was cellies with my Mama in a jail cell. - POCC Chairman Fred Hampton Jr.

It was as it should be / Young Black Panthers / Were killed for trying / To protect the cubs / For educating the cubs / For feeding the cubs / This was never the American dream / But we have lived a nightmare for days / In efforts to make our dreams / Come to life take flight / We still have to fight / It was as it should be / Giving honor to Chairman Fred / And Defense Captain Mark Clark

Habari gani, everyone! Happy Kwanzaa! Here are all the Kwanzaa celebrations we’ve been notified of; if you don’t find one near you, host one yourself and tell us about it so we can add it to the list. Kwanzaa is an African American holiday based on the African agricultural celebrations and collective principles, which contribute to the unity and development of the African community.

In the holiday season, it is important to remember that a grandparent’s love and support have a positive impact on children, particularly in the early years of a child’s life. When children develop a strong bond with their grandparents, they feel more stable and even do better in school. Grandparents, share family stories with your grandchildren. Remember, children love to hear what their parents and grandparents were like as kids!

BMAGIC’s 5th Annual Winter Ball on Friday, Dec. 18, at the Joseph Lee Recreational Center, 1395 Mendell St., San Francisco, is the event that youth in Bayview Hunters Point have been waiting for. All youth ages 14-18 in Bayview Hunters Point are invitedto celebrate the end of the year and take pride as their accomplishments are recognized and honored. Free admission to the formal includes DJ and dancing, dinner and professional photos. Teens who show up in street clothes will change into formal wear and keep the clothes they select.

Baba Kamau Seitu, jazz musician and cultural artist, is playing music with the celestial orchestra. On Saturday, Nov. 28, with literally dozens at his bedside, the drums opened the way for his transition. His Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2 p.m., at Wo’se Community Church, 8924 Holly St., Oakland.

Happy New Year, Blessed Eid Al Adha and Happy Kwanzaa. I’ll be back in February 2009. Check the radio show and my blog for updates. I’ll be traveling. Tune in to Wanda’s Picks Radio at www.wandaspicks.com over the next month, when I will be broadcasting from Senegal, Mali and The Gambia.

Always a singer as well as an actor, Loretta Devine is in San Francisco to take her act on the road, to develop a singing career, a first for the multi-talented lady. Her appearance at the Rrazz Room Friday through Sunday, Nov. 27-29, will mark her nightclub debut. This engagement is exciting, because not only will it be Ms. Devine’s first performance as a singer, she will be singing original music as well as work from the American songbook of love.

“Sparkle” is a GREAT play from a GREAT film now playing at the Black Repertory Group Theatre, 3201 Adeline St., Berkeley, across from Ashby BART. The Saturday matinee THIS SATURDAY, Nov. 28, at 2:30 p.m., is a benefit for the SF Bay View newspaper. Give "Sparkle" as a gift to yourself and your loved ones.

This is one of the most interesting visual art pieces that I have seen in a long time. The “purple heads” will love it, like I did, one, because it includes an reenactment of "The Last Supper," but instead of food, it’s "The Last Session," with a lot of the famous artists that have passed on.

Sadiki Bakari is a Los Angeles-based author, lecturer and poet. I have known him for about five years, and he has remained an influential figure that more people need to know about. He has recently released his third independently published book, “Liberation Song: The Book of Resurrection.”

Keb’ Mo’, who grew up in Compton surrounded by blues – a name he doesn’t particularly care for, the blues often associated with sad stories and hard luck lives – didn’t really come into the music until his 30s. Just out with a new album, on his own label, Yolabelle International, “Live and Mo’” features six live tracks and four studio. The artist tells stories which reflect the American social and cultural landscape.