Here are some list-worthy events taking place in the Washington DC area to commemorate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Music, Story Telling and Spoken Word Celebration
Saturday, January 15, 2011 | 12 – 5 PM
National Museum of African Art, Latino Center and National Museume of American Indian
To celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, join the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art, Latino Center, and National Museum of the American Indian as artists explore the shared connections of "Love & Justice" found in African, Latino, and Native American communities. Listen, watch, and learn as our guest artists -- including Martha Redbone, Three Generationz, Michelle “Love the Poet” Nelson, Sandra Maria Esteves, Phoebe Farris, Cheick Hamala and Dovie Thomason -- share their expressions of love and justice through their music, spoken word, and storytelling performances. The weekend also includes hands-on activities for all ages as well as films, tours, and other regularly scheduled programs at the museum. Click HERE for details
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Quilt
Event Date:Saturday, 1/15/11 - 9:30 a.m.
Northwest One Public Library What does peace mean to you? Craft your idea on a quilt square using
fabric pens, fabric paint, buttons, glue and more. The completed quilt
will be on display during Black History Month. Materials provided.
Click HERE for details
Social Justice Camp
Thefirst weekend, MLK weekend, Jan 15 & 16, will be a followup to the first camp, with an open call to anyone and everyone to talk about your social justice work and meet like-minded people. We'll gather at MLK library all day Saturday in an unconference format, then again on Sunday afternoon for a workshop style day of brainstorming and planning ongoing projects.
Goals: The main goals of Social Justice Camp DC are:
1) To gather people across sectors and professions to explore social justice issues in Washington, DC.
2) To build networked communities interested in addressing specific challenges affecting DC’s underserved populations.
3) To not only celebrate the achievements of MLK and the Civil Rights Movement, but also to channel our creative energies into projects that build on them.
Who: Who should come to Social Justice Camp DC:
Activists and artists who want to learn more about using social media in the pursuit of social justice.
Employees and volunteers with non-profits, public organizations, libraries, schools and government who want to learn from each other about problem solving the obstacles to social justice in the DC community.
Visionaries and enthusiasts in marketing, business development, and the legal field who want to share their experiences and expertise.
Anyone who is passionate about social justice and has a personal interest in volunteering time and resources to changing the world through collaboration, technology and creativity.
Last year in February 2010, Liberated Muse members came together at the Potter's House, located in the Adams Morgan community in Washington, DC to perform and raise monies for Yele.org to go towards rebuilding efforts in Haiti after the devastating earthquake that killed about one million people in the tiny island. The earthquake took place a year ago today.
We raised over $300 for Yele.org that day and many of us created artworks in remembrance of the people of Haiti that we later sold or donated on our own to contribute to the efforts in Haiti. But, there is still a need for aid.
The Nonprofit Times writes:
"As the one-year anniversary of the quake approaches this month, charities rallying to rebuild the country should be moving into recovery mode. Instead, despite all of the money pouring in and aid organizations on the ground, the nation is gripped in a cholera outbreak. The deadly bacterial infection spreads through contact with feces-contaminated water, and runs rampant in unsanitary conditions.
The country dodged a bullet with Hurricane Tomas this past November not being as destructive as was originally predicted. However the lingering water from its flooding is an added danger in the cholera outbreak. Coupled with poor sanitation in the tent cities in Port-au-Prince, the infection has caused more than 2,000 deaths and sparked protests among frustrated locals.
Doctors Without Borders has been treating cholera in Africa for years, so when it was first found in Haiti this past October, Jennifer Tierney, development director, said the charity began treating all patients with symptoms as if they had the disease. An emergency response team of 75 international staff and 400 national staff was created specifically to deal with the outbreaks.
At presstime the organization had treated more than 29,000 patients for Cholera-related symptoms throughout Haiti, including 16,000 in the Artibonite region where it originated. The New York City-based charity had more than 1,000 members of its Haitian staff working solely on the outbreak.
"It is so unique to Haiti," Tierney said. "It has really panicked the population and put an additional strain on the work. There is the potential here for there to be a huge outbreak, and the water from the hurricane (Tomas) has exacerbated the problem."
The American Red Cross, headquartered in Washington D.C., launched a massive immunization campaign in the months prior to the outbreak, according to Julie Sell, ARC's Haiti delegation spokesperson. More than 900,000 people were immunized for a variety of diseases, and officials believe this helped to somewhat deter the outbreak from being worse. The cholera outbreak has just extended the organization's disaster response mode, Sell said. Of the $476 million raised for Haiti as of Sept. 30, only $183.5 million has been spent thus far.
"That is a large amount of money to be spent in nine months, especially in a country as poor as Haiti," she said. "In addition to addressing emergency needs, we also want to invest in programs that will make a lasting difference. Every time we have an emergency pop up like Tomas or cholera, it just extends the needs of emergency relief."
The organization is providing more than 660,000 gallons of clean water per day, and the need for such supplies will only be greater as the Cholera situation escalates.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP HAITI?
I was doing a search on organizations that could benefit from aid and are actually on the ground doing valuable, quantifiable work towards helping those in need. I came across an article on the site Mother Jones and found this list compiled by Mac McLelland who is actually dispatched in Haiti and has seen these groups in action. Here are his suggestions with his own testimony following their name. KOFAVIV (Commission of Women Victims for Victims) and FAVILEK (Women Victims Get Up Stand Up)
Founded and run by Haitian rape survivors, both of these organizations assist victims with medical, legal, and moral support, in addition to building a movement against sexual violence. Visit them here and (through an American partner) here, respectively.
Partners in Health
The group cofounded by American superdoctor Paul Farmer has been battling health care problems in Haiti since 1987, and now it's at the forefront of the cholera response. The J/P Haitian Relief Organization, Sean Penn's charity, is also teaming up with PIH to tackle the disease.
KONPAY (Working Together for Haiti)
Provides assistance and support to grassroots environmental, women’s, and human-rights groups. Since the quake, KONPAY has also fought to get Haitian voices included in foreign-run relief and reconstruction meetings. konpay.org.
Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti
In addition to providing legal support to Haitians and creating a force of Haitian human-rights lawyers and advocates with its partner, Bureau des Avocats Internationaux, Boston-based IJDH publishes extensive reports that keep a light on conditions in the displacement camps.
PACT
Somebody gave me a pair of this company's organic man-panties recently, so I can personally attest to their awesomeness. But more important, every pair you order from the Winter Lights collection gets a solar-powered lantern donated to a displaced woman or family in Haiti.
Do you have more suggestions to add? Have you been doing your own personal work towards aiding Haiti? Do you have a story to share about the impact of last year's earthquake on your family or friend circle? Share with us your story in today's forum.
-Moon
Be An Active Member of LiberatedMuse
We are looking forward to collaborating
with you in 2011. We will be calling for artists to perform, writers and
visual artists to contribute to upcoming online and print publications
and patrons to attend our events, which include a Spring season of
Running: AMOK, the return of the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest and our
monthly benefit concert series. We are always looking for volunteers, marketing specialists, tech crew and other help as
well. Email us at LiberatedMuseProductions@gmail.com for more information on how to get involved!
Poet/Actress Rayona L. Young performing at JoJo's Restaurant & Lounge on U Street in DC during promotional tour for the play "Running: AMOK"
Being an artist is a juggling act of always creating and always finding ways to sustain your art. Here are some funding options for artists of all kinds who may need emergency funding assistance:
The Author's League
Since 1917, the Authors League Fund has been helping professional writers and dramatists who find themselves in financial need because of medical or health-related problems, temporary loss of income or other misfortune.
The Fund gives open-ended, interest-free, no-strings-attached loans. These loans are not grants or scholarships meant to subsidize personal writing projects. (It should be kept in mind that many of the Fund’s resources come from other professional writers, agents, and publishers).
The Musician's Foundation The Musicians Foundation helps professional musicians by providing emergency financial assistance in meeting current living, medical and allied expenses.
Requests are handled by application which is available on the Internet and by mail from the Musicians Foundation, 875 Sixth Avenue, Room 2303, New York, NY 10001. You can also request one by telephone at 212.239.9137 or by E-mail from info@musiciansfoundation.org.
MusicARES
MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.
Craft Emergency
Immediate support to professional craftspeople facing career-threatening emergencies such as fire, theft, illness, and natural disasters.
Creative Capital
Creative Capital is the only national grantmaking and artist service organization for individual artists with an open application process.
Our selection process includes three steps: inquiry, application and panel review.
To be eligible to apply, an artist must be:
• A U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
• At least 25 years old
• A working artist with at least five years of professional experience THE LETTER OF INQUIRY PHASE WILL BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2011.
Do you know of any other funding sources, emergency or otherwise? If so, post it in this forum discussion to share.
Be An Active Member of LiberatedMuse
We are looking forward to collaborating
with you in 2011. We will be calling for artists to perform, writers and
visual artists to contribute to upcoming online and print publications
and patrons to attend our events, which include a Spring season of
Running: AMOK, the return of the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest and our
monthly benefit concert series. We are always looking for volunteers, marketing specialists, tech crew and other help as
well. Email us at LiberatedMuseProductions@gmail.com for more information on how to get involved!
This Weekend there are a bevy of selections for you to choose from. Here are two of our picks:
Friday, Jan. 7---> Urban Landscapes, From DC to Denmark Photographer Kimberly C. Gaines presents her Artist Reception for her current exhibit Urban Landscapes: From DC to Denmark. This multi-talented artist will answer questions about her process, share her story about her work and engage with visitors about her ongoing work. Below are quick details and visit her blog for more info.
Artist Reception: Friday, January 7, 2011, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 8-->The Ass Chronicles
Before you get offended or intrigued for the wrong reasons, understand that this play is intentionally meant to get your mind a-spinning.
Written and produced by Maryland-based playwright Empress Joyner, "The Ass Chronicles" is a liberating, healing and comedic depiction of the struggles, loves and woes of a woman's life through dealing with her "ass" against the world. The production is made up of several monologues, some of which deal with social issues such as rape and mutilation. Other monologues deal with issues about sex, love, childbirth and puberty. A recurring theme throughout the play is the butt's use as a tool for female empowerment and the ultimate embodiment of individuality. Visit the play's Facebook page for more information.
A taste of THE ASS CHRONICLES:
* The Bump: Describes a young woman's journey through puberty
* What’s in a Word: A chorus of the many different words for butt
* Put A Robe On: A woman’s personal experience of molestation
* The Hot-n-Tot Venus Salute: A dedication to Sarah Baartman and an awareness of how women are mutilated and sexually exploited
The year 2011 has already started with a bang for www.LiberatedMuse.com. We opened the New Year with our 700th member, a Facebook Fan page following of more than 1100 people and a fast-growing follow on Twitter. Be sure to take the time to introduce yourself to some of our newest members in the artist community:
We are looking forward to collaborating
with you in 2011. We will be calling for artists to perform, writers and
visual artists to contribute to upcoming online and print publications
and patrons to attend our events, which include a Spring season of
Running: AMOK, the return of the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest and our
monthly benefit concert series. We are always looking for volunteers, marketing specialists, tech crew and other help as
well. Email us at LiberatedMuseProductions@gmail.com for more information on how to get involved!
This note is from Liberated Muse member Chaquis Maliq. Questions? Visit her page and leave her message HERE.
"Jambalaya Wednesdays is a weekly open mic series, with a featured artist every week. Jambalaya is the creation of DMV's own Substantial and Baltimore's Commen Mindz Barbershop & Oasis.
Not only is Commen Mindz a barbershop it is definitely an oasis. With its unique set up and ambiance, it's also one the best lounges I've been to in the area. Jambalaya has a great vibe, great ppl, and great sportsmanship, for you pool lovers.
There is just one thing missing… Female artists! So far, there has only been one female feature at Jambalaya. The great thing about being a feature at Jambalaya is that features are compensated for their performances. However, you cannot feature without participating in the actual open mic.
So if you are a female musician, female singer, female poet, female emcee; female comedian; or all of the above. By all means, you are a goddess and Jambalaya would love to have you! There is no need to send link, this is not a showcase, it’s an open mic. Tracks are welcomed at this open mic, also. If you are interested, come to Jambalaya Wednesdays and introduce you and your talent!
Commen Mindz Barbershop & Oasis
1826 Woodlawn Dr. Suite #3
Baltimore, MD
8:30 PM
18+
$5
Be An Active Member of LiberatedMuse
We are looking forward to collaborating
with you in 2011. We will be calling for artists to perform, writers and
visual artists to contribute to upcoming online and print publications
and patrons to attend our events, which include a Spring season of
Running: AMOK, the return of the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest and our
monthly benefit concert series. We are always looking for volunteers, marketing specialists, tech crew and other help as
well. Email us at LiberatedMuseProductions@gmail.com for more information on how to get involved!
(Liberated Muse members Afi Makalani & Kevin Sabio at the 2010 RWA Author's Pavillion in Richmond, VA)
What Do You Want to Do Artistically In 2011?
New Year's Resolutions are always great because they encourage you to
plan to do things for the New Year that you may not have been able to
do in previous years. Do you have a song you want to write, a CD you
want to produce, a show you want to perform at? How about an visual art
exhibit-- is there a piece of work you want to showcase? A book you want
to write?
Share with us the projects you want to put
out there this year, folks you want to collaborate with or just mind
sets you are working on changing in 2011. Maybe we can collaborate or just support each other with positive energy, suggestions or opportunities to share. Click HERE to join the discussion.
The 2010 Cast of "Running: AMOK" in the 2010 Capital Fringe Fest this past summer
(l to r: Liberated Muse members Sudani Scott, Quineice, Teisha Marie, Dionne)
DC Black Theater Festival Call for Plays & Workshop Facilitators
The 2011 DC Black Theatre Festival
Open Call for: One-Acts, New Works, Workshops & Full-Length
Submission Categories:
• Full-Length Plays
• One-Act Plays
• New Works Reading Series
• Workshops
The DC Drama Department is proud to announce the 2011 DC Black Theatre
Festival, a week-long festival celebrating the thriving theatre
community in Washington DC, June 12-19, 2011. Read More on Liberated Muse HERE.
CHISPA Call For Presenters
On Feb 17th Liberated Muse member Jessica Solomon (The Saartjie Project)
celebrates the first anniversary of her company's event, Chispa. Taking place at the Atlas Theatre, Chispa will be part of INTERSECTIONS: A New America
Arts Festival! In the spirit of the festival, Jessica is inviting the community (Ahem.. you!) to continue to break
boundaries & create connections by presenting:
IDEAS STORIES ART WORK AND MORE!
…in 360 seconds. What is "Chispa": Chispa, meaning "spark"
in Spanish, was inspired by Pecha Kucha, a presentation format that emerged in
Japan as a way for architects to share their work. Variations of this format
have sprung up around the world, including the popular IgniteDC events. SUBMIT YOUR IDEA TODAY! Visit www.chispadc.wordpress.com for
juicy details and spread the word!
Liberated Muse Member of the Month: Katrina Ge
Born in Florida, , KatrinaGe is a multi-talented vocalist/ author/ and
songwriter living in South Carolina. She has traveled extensively across
the US and inspired many with her use of the arts and work as a
spiritual leader to bring people together. While living in Texas,she sang
with the gospel/jazz group PureGold, enjoying the opportunity to open
for the Jackson Southernaires, Mississippi Mass and many other high
profile gospel acts. Currently she is in the studio finishing her
nu-jazz/neo gospel debut CD (Touch the World) while building an arts
community in her city in South Carolina. Visit her on Liberated Muse HERE.
Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest festival-goer with Liberated Muse member Rob Sharp of 3rdSide Productions, a 2010 Sponsor of the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest
Be An Active Member of Liberated Muse
We are looking forward to collaborating
with you in 2011. We will be calling for artists to perform, writers and
visual artists to contribute to upcoming online and print publications
and patrons to attend our events, which include a Spring season of
Running: AMOK, the return of the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest and our
monthly benefit concert series. We are always looking for volunteers, marketing specialists, tech crew and other help as
well. Email us at LiberatedMuseProductions@gmail.com for more information on how to get involved!!
