The Third Decade

The U.S. still isn't ready for (the elimination of) Black History Month.

Maybe it's the economy. Maybe it's the weather. Maybe it's just my perception. 

In general, this Black History Month feels like it has been one of the more contentious ones in recent memory. Usually the annual commemoration passes by without much notice outside of the Black community. I suspect the Obama presidency has been a factor in changing things this year. But the level of bitterness (and ignorance) that have been stirred up are at a point I wouldn't have expected in 2009,  particularly not from a place like New York City! The New York Post's cartoon featuring police officers shooting a chimp while commenting about the stimulus package is one example of thinly-veiled racism (or rampant ignorance). But I'm also still receiving emails about the baker who created the "drunked negro face" cookies. I don't remember when I first heard about those, but the fact that I'm still hearing about them weeks later has me wondering whether the baker is still selling them and trying to convince others that they're in good taste.

Of course I'm not trying to single out New York City. I'm probably hearing about these examples simply because they occurred in New York and it's hard to escape scrutiny there. Odds are that a lot more mischief has happened around the country, but that fewer people are aware of those occurrences because they happened in smaller places. Either way, a raw nerve is being plucked. Sadly, it has the potential to manifest itself into something very ugly on a larger scale unless we address it as a society. Attorney General Eric Holder was right in calling out the country regarding our racial dynamics and I'm eager to see what he's going to do to encourage more people to talk openly instead of resorting to the kinds of insensitive expressions mentioned above.

Then there are those who suggest that we should do away with Black History Month completely. 

Madea Goes to Jail, Black Folks Expected to Lose Their Damn Minds.

I'm all for publicity stunts, but I think Lionsgate Films was about to cross the barriers of good taste.

Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail will be released soon. As part of their marketing for the movie, the film studio issued a press release this morning asking for people to show up and stage a mock protest in favor of Madea's release (note, the rally was cancelled this afternoon due to inclement weather). The "protest" was set to happen at 7:30am tomorrow at the intersection of Beacon and Park Streets, with the Fox morning news expected to pick up the story.

That intersection, however, is also where the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial and the Statehouse are. Think about it. Is that really an appropriate location for this kind of publicity stunt? The soldiers from the Massachusetts 54th Regiment (which are featured in the Shaw Memorial) would be spinning in their graves. I also wouldn't be surprised if anyone who's ever protested for civil, marriage, or other rights in front of the Statehouse might feel that Lionsgate is taking an important and powerful local symbol and reducing it to crass commercialism. Besides that, I would hate to think that Deval Patrick, Gloria Fox, or any of the other Black legislators would show up - purposely or accidentally - to add an air of officialty to the event.

Again, I'm all for publicity stunts. But, Lionsgate, please consider the context a little more next time. Yes, Fox news has a studio at that corner. But they could just as easily walk down to Park Street if the rally were there. Or even City Hall. I'm just sayin'.

Redesign the Massachusetts Quarter

Normally I'd want our elected officials and their employees to do something other than frivolous things like redesign currency. But, seeing as how our gov is taking a poll of state residents before submitting the redesign, I guess I can let this one slide. I like seeing something like this go to a vote rather than assembling a state commission to do it. The poll for the Massachusetts quarter redesign is here.

Photography exibition: Carnival

Shameless self promotion:
My latest exhibition, Carnival!, is on display throughout February at The Savant Project. As the name implies, the show features scenes from Boston's annual Caribbean Carnival. I'm excited to show this collection as it's all new work, it's the first time I've focused on people, the first time I'm doing large format images, and the first time I have work on canvas. Phew, that's a lot of firsts!

All are welcome to visit the opening reception next week on Tuesday, February 10th from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at The Savant Project, 1625 Tremont St on Mission Hill. The owner of the Savant will also be mixing Carnival-themed drinks. C'mon out or stay in touch online.

Black History Month Begins

It's Black History Month again and there's a lot going on. If you're looking for things to do, check out Discover Roxbury's list of events and tours happening around the community. I'm sure there's more going on, but at least this provides a good start.