My Introduction to Shirley Chisholm

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To be the person to act against the odds with no precedent is honorable. It means you are a builder, helping to establish a blueprint towards positive change. Every lucrative society needs architects. On the road to freedom, we have had many great minds that fought, tooth and nail, to help people of African descent living in America breakthrough the pain that would impact every aspect of their lives for generations. There were leaders, who wanted Black people to become active members of the society that they in fact built. The innovative Shirley Chisholm, was a woman to admire. My mother talked a lot about her and Fannie Lou Hamer. These were women that she grew up watching in action, and they are two women that I uphold. I know what discrimination feels like- to walk into a room, store, or an organization seeking employment, and have people look at you, like you’re out of place. I’ve heard those derogatory names and comments used to describe me. I’ve done all the hard work and watched other people receive the benefits. It changes you, so, we must go against the odds! The disillusioned will become afraid of you, claiming that you are combative. When you seek your humanity, resistance will knock at the door with guns. You must remember that you are a fighter, and you have to keep pushing, because like Chisholm said, “racism is so universal in this country, so widespread and deep-seated, that it is invisible because it is so normal.” Be unbought, and stay unbossed. Be happy, embrace the all, and never be complacent.

Thank you,

Shila Iris

My Introduction to James Baldwin

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As a child, when tough times fell on my family, I became an avid reader. At the age of 8, I was visiting the library, checking out the thickest and heaviest novels I could carry. I would read just about anything, as long as it kept me occupied. Browsing the shelves of the African-American Literature section, I often saw James Baldwin’s name, but for some reason, I avoided his books. I did this for a long time, and didn’t take an interest in his writing until I was in my 30s. I kept hearing his name in the art community, both locally and nationally- it turned out, he inspired many people.

One day, I was visiting my oldest sister and she had a copy of one of his books in her purse. I inquired and she said that he is her favorite writer. I said, well that’s enough. I am going to have to read one of the three Baldwin books I have at home! Yes, I had gone as far as purchasing his books, but still never read them. Giovanni’s Room was my choice. I was pleased. I will read many others. The way he brings the Black experience to life, and the way he isn’t afraid to discuss what conformists think are the “darkest” parts of our existence, is what makes his writing so attractive. He is the voice inside of our heads.
And, that’s all I have to say!

Thank you for coming here,

Shila Iris

My Introduction to Miriam Makeba

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When I started to entertain the idea of learning Swahili and visiting Tanzania, I turned to Miriam Makeba’s song “Malaika” to help me get a feel for what the culture was like. However, I remember Miriam being on an episode of the Cosby Show. She was having a conversation with Raven Simone’s character. When asked if she was “from around here,” meaning New York, Miriam replied “I’m from the continent of Africa.” Her voice was soothing and kind. I thought she was a beautiful woman. I wondered what it would be like to go to the place where she was from. Miriam is from Johannesburg, South Africa. She worked as a servant during her teens under the harsh conditions of apartheid. Starring in a film called, “Come Back Africa” made her famous throughout the world, but made her a threat to the rulers of her native country, since the film was anti-apartheid. She then moved to America and became an immediate success. Her 1965 album with Harry Belafonte won her a Grammy. She was active in the Civil Rights Movement and married Black Activist, Stokely Carmichael who became Kwame Ture. Miriam Makeba is affectionately known as “Mother Africa” because she was one of the first artists to bring the sound of her homeland to the Western world. She is the first artist I heard, singing spiritual and rhythmic music. I adore the sound of her.

Thank you for reading,

Shila Iris

My Introduction to Bob Marley

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The transformative power of Robert Nesta has touched many souls. It touched me. I didn’t know much about the music of Bob Marley until I was around 23 years old. I heard the song, “Who the Cap Fit.” It was this song that transformed my understanding of human relationships. The lyrics described the level of consciousness that I was reaching. There were people all around me, but I knew that I’d only be able to trust a few. So when I heard Marley say:

“Your worst enemy could be your best friend And your best friend your worst enemy… Some will eat and drink with you Then behind them su-su ‘pon you Only your friend know your secrets So only he could reveal it…”

I said, “wow, that makes sense.” The one’s closest to you, are the one’s that reveal your secrets! That hurt to hear, but it has proven to be true time and time again, Then he said:

“Some will hate you, pretend they love you now Then behind they try to eliminate you But who Jah bless, no one curse Thank God We’re past the worse … Hypocrites and parasites Will come up and take a bite And if your night should turn to day A lot of people would run away..”

From one Aquarius to another, Bob was speaking a truth that I would have to revisit often, to remind myself, not to take things so personal and to love me first. So, I step back from people with undefined intentions. I let go of those that ran away when my night turned to day, and I leave those behind that find it hard to say, “I choose you.” I’m having to realize, even now, in my 132nd season, that I am not perfect, and that I have to keep going back to this proverbial wisdom to find my power. Sometimes, in the absence of parenting or mentorship, I turn to this good music to give me strength and to help me heal. Bob is the one who helped me realize that I require a high level of loyalty in friendships and in love; and it taught me how to read between the lines of what people say. It doesn’t stop at this song! He has a catalog of at least 200 songs that I find to be revolutionary.

Thanks for reading,

Shila Iris

My Introduction to Judith Jamison

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The first time I saw my sister, Judith, perform a classical dance routine with the Cleveland School of the Arts at Parade the Circle, may have been one of the first times I ever saw such dancing. These teenage girls showed real promise. It wasn’t a talent I possessed, but it was definitely one that I admired. I felt a strong connection to the music and to the movement of the dancers. She was really good at it. My sister did not go on to pursue dancing, but I have always wished she would have. Later, I was in the John Hope & Aurelia Franklin Library on the campus of Fisk University doing research for a paper, and I came across a book with Judith Jamison’s picture. She was standing on one foot, with the other pointed up in the air. Her poise was unforgettable. I have paid close attention to her ever since. She spent time studying dance at my Alma Mater, Fisk, and then went to the Philadelphia Dance Academy. Jamison has danced since the age of six studying ballet, tap, acrobatics, jazz, and primitive dance. She was accepted into the American Dance Theater and soon after became the protégé of Alvin Ailey touring the world with his dance company for fifteen years. She branched out and created her own ballet company, but when Alvin Ailey died in 1989, she merged with his company to keep the legacy alive. Her work fuses African motifs with modern dance. I’ve been blessed to see the Alvin Alvin Ailey Dance Theater perform several times, and each time, I always think about Jamison’s picture in that book in the library. I am pleased to say that the two of them together, are my favorite dancers and are definitely part of my Black History.

Thank you for reading,

In remembrance of Robert Nesta aka Bob Marley, Happy Birthday!

My Introduction to Olayami Dabls

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I like to take weekend trips to get away. So, a close friend and I got in the car and drove to Detroit, which is about two hours away from where we lived. As we approached the city from the highway, we saw an unusual house. It was brightly decorated with color and what appeared to be jewels. We hit the exit ramp to explore. As we got closer, we became more excited. It looked like rogue, graffiti painted on two abandoned houses. However, we quickly realized that it was much too sophisticated and elaborate to be guerilla art. There were symbols and what I knew as African rock art, carefully arranged as if they were communicating a message. These messages were punctuated with broken mirrors. We parked the car, and walked through the yard. There were gigantic human forms made out of recycled metals and scraps. It was beautiful! As we walked further into this maze, Olayami Dabls came to greet us. By this time, we were high! He was happy to share his story. Afterwards, we hugged and took pictures like we were long lost relatives. He took us inside of the museum. It was a treasure chest of beads and jewelry from all over the continent of Africa. He was well- versed and in tune with our history and he told us stories about how he acquired his talent, and how he created this project. He also talked about our ancestors and explained the messages in his work. We were reluctant to leave, but thanked our Creator for bringing us upon this thirst-quenching experience. The knowledge this elder gave, was priceless. If you ever get a chance, you must visit this wonderful place and speak to this wonderful man. It’s called Dabls African Bead Gallery and MBAD Museum. He is African History.

Thanks for reading,

Shila Iris

My Introduction to Erykah Badu

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I was twelve years old when I first saw Erykah Badu’s face. This beautiful, soft-eyed queen mesmerized me. I stared into the televison screen unable to look away. I was in love. She sang soulfully, unlike anything I’d ever heard. The bass line in her first single, “On and On” penetrated my heart muscle, seeped its way down my spine, and made my shoulders and hips move- I was possessed by an ancestral spirit! She was dope then, and she is super dope now. Her music is highly intellectual, an art form in which I appreciate- you can’t fake this vibe. To write these lyrics, to sing these songs, you have to be levitating on a high frequency. Her music is like poetry. After hearing her that first time, to my surprise, my mother came home with Baduizm on tape and then the Live Record! I loved every song and every lyric. This is the artist that I connect with more than any other. Her third album, Mama’s Gun is my favorite of all time. The music is timeless. Right now, I am enjoying her projects with Robert Glasper and other groovy artists. To top it all off, Erykah’s style is amazing. Her attire excites me. I adore her independence as an artist. I use her words to heal and to grow. She has gotten me through heartbreaks and heartaches, and she is helping me rise into greatness, even now. The music inspires me. “Don’t feed me your’s, cause your food does not endure.”

Thank you for reading,

Shila Iris

My Introduction to Gordon Parks

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Back in 2007, when I rented my first apartment in a cozy little art district west of Cleveland, a neighborhood called Tremont, I was excited to decorate! I had a vision: I wanted my apartment to be filled with warm colors and African art! I had a growing obsession for African textiles, statues, books- anything that had to do with the culture. Visiting the houses of mentors and professors had sparked this desire. In Nashville, I had gone to my roommates mentor’s house that was filled with things I had never before seen. In Washington, D.C., I once visited a professor’s house that had large pieces of art on any wall that was available. I wanted to try something like this. One day, I was browsing through a book about Gordon Parks, and in his New York apartment, he had large mixed-media paintings splattered with African symbols. There were stacks of books in corners and on window seals, artifacts, photos, plants- there was beauty everywhere. It was indeed a sanctuary adorned with mini altars. It truly felt like I lived there with him. He inspired me to decorate any place that I have ever lived since. I gaze at his photos of Black humanity, then I close my eyes, and travel to the places he has been. He has taken me on wonderful journeys. I am humble. Gordon Parks has some of the most beautiful photos I have ever seen. The stories in the eyes of his subjects resonate in my ears. I love his work for it embodies me.

Thank you for reading,

Shila Iris

My Introduction to Esperanza Spalding

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My thoughts, my dreams,

by Shila Iris

My Introduction to Malcolm X

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Motivation for the Journey

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I do not have children of my own, but when the time comes, maybe I’ll have a tribe. For now, these beautiful faces motivate me. Peace and Love, unconditional.

The innocence of a child is refreshing
When given nature, they run, and play
When given cold weather, they find a way to explore
They follow insects into cracks, and chase birds
skip over leaves, and dive into puddles

When given pain, they bounce back, forgive, accept,
extending a warm hug, a smile, a chance to love again
I used to be so sad at times, and they’d say, “it’s ok Auntie Shila,”
and they’d give me rocks, and flowers, and magic twigs,
and things they acquired in the park to cheer me up.
Hmmmmm……… What is it like to have a child?

By the end of the day, I am happy, rejuvenated, and encouraged by these smiles.
Empowered by these smiles. Sustained by these memories. I can feel the old souls of my ancestors tracing through the children, to greet me, to meet me, to wake me up. Peace.

Shila Iris 1.8.17

Healing Rituals: The Nguzo Saba Experience 2017

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“Sorrow prepares you for joy. It violently sweeps everything out of your house, so that new joy can find space to enter. It shakes the yellow leaves from the bough of your heart, so that fresh, green leaves can grow in their place. It pulls up the rotten roots, so that new roots hidden beneath have room to grow. Whatever sorrow shakes from your heart, far better things will take their place.” -Rumi

You attract what you are. It is important that you examine your own life, and choose a healing path when necessary. Otherwise, you are prone to counterproductive repetitive behaviour, and you may project your pain on to other people. You attract what you are. So, try to make you the best you, so that you can attract some real people and real love.

Define who you are. There is a point in life when one realizes that they have the power to change and to move mountains and to shift dynamics. So, define who you are. Write it down and practice being You. If you do not define who you are, someone else will do it for you. Do you really want that?

What is your healing ritual going to be?

Please share if you’d like. Peace and Love…. off to see:

Terence Blanchard feat. The E-Collective, Live Album Recording at the Bop Stop in Cleveland, Ohio. Please join me. It starts soon.

P.S. Dear Maulana Karenga, I am making the 7 principles a part of my daily ritual. I’d like to thank you for creating Kwanzaa. It makes me feel alive and it is helping me to heal from the past. I am better today. Peace and love.

Kwanzaa After Dark: Days 1-3 Umoja – Kujichagulia – Ujima

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Although Kwanzaa is a holiday that is practiced across the world in a myriad of communities, I realize that many people aren’t yet accustomed to it, and that is OK. We can change this. It is an uplifting event, that transcends materialism, pacification, domination, oppression, isms, schisms, and negative vibrations. I am proud that I am learning Kwanzaa and using it to empower myself. It may take some time to get into the swing of it, but if you missed the mark, feel free to choose any week of the year to practice. There is nothing wrong with a summer Kwanzaa.

My first Kwanzaa occurred 5 years ago. It was with a group of 6 people. We committed to it, and it ended well. Soon after, I realized that what it represented is a part of me and I needed more of it, so it became one of my rituals. I printed out the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa and made them easily accessible to me on any given day.

To a beginner, Kwanzaa may seem like a lot because it is indeed a 7-day celebration, and it requires time and dedication. I suggest starting to prepare for Kwanzaa in November of each year, but definitely by December 19, you should have all your supplies. If you wait until the last minute, it may seem overwhelming and your plans may fall through. However, it helps to observe Kwanzaa year round. It’s distinctive principles are mantras and are affirming. Waking up to the Nguzo Saba is great for me, and it can be great for you too.

So, today is December 28, 2016, the third day of Kwanzaa, and I am excited to light the first green candle for Ujima. On day one, my partner and I talked about having Unity in the family first. Lots, of times we go out into the world and try to form bonds and partnerships, and our homes aren’t in order. So, we committed to Unifying the HOME, because once that is in order, we can truly go out into the community and plant some righteous seeds of love.

Kujichagulia, was yesterday. I can’t help but to think of the song K.O.S. by Black Star when observing this day. The lyrics reflect the principle of self-determination:

“That life without knowledge is, death in disguise?
That’s why, Knowledge of Self is like life after death
Apply it, to your life, let destiny manifest”

I lit the red candle and spoke to my ancestors. I thanked them for forming an unbreakable realm of protection around me. I have been through some things, but here I am, standing. I am even more determined to rise and become who I am meant to be.

I’ve done a few things to prepare for Kwanzaa. At work, I created a Kwanzaa Book Display, in efforts of informing the community about the holiday, and at home, this is my altar for this year…

Posters in display from Created by Crosby.

I hear people often asking, why Kwanzaa? My answer to that is “why not Kwanzaa?” There is such greatness in this celebration. Completing the week is definitely an achievement because it means that you stuck to a plan, and followed through on a commitment. Be proud of that! Please do some research of your own and tailor the decorations and meaning to fit you. It is truly a joy to celebrate You, your roots, your ancestral lineage. What about it?

Peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned.

Shila Iris

Restoring Balance

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Resuscitating the lyfe force along my spine
cultivating higher virtues, a,
transcendental Supreme Being,
in need of a transcendental Supreme Team,
an army of Me, because we need each other to make this work.
at least 7, to get Us to Heaven.

Chant – at least, at least, at peace, at peace, release, release, release, succeed, define, what it is to be you, find out, what’s it’s like to be you. release, at peace. I am divine. I am.

I am a Graphic Designer, naturally…