Earth & Ether

2 Days Until AfroPunk: Come as You Are

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Feel the music, express yourself, free your mind, join the movement.

In just 2 short days, AFROPUNK 2015 is returning to Brooklyn’s Commodore Barry Park, also known as City Park, for a weekend of live music, vibrant art and good vibes on August 22 & 23. Described by the New York Times as “the most multicultural festival in the US,” the word AFROPUNK itself has become synonymous with openminded, nonconforming and unconventional, placing the institution at the epicenter of urban culture inspired by alternative music.

COME AS YOU ARE!!!!

YOUR VISION. YOUR LEGACY. GET INSPIRED.

WHO STARTED AfroPunk?

James Spooner

Matthew Morgan

WHO ORGANIZES AfroPunk? As of 2008, Matthew Morgan and Jocelyn Cooper

I embrace and support AfroPunk because it is about restoring the identity of Us descending from Kemetians, Egyptians, Nubians, Afrikans. etc. … Us!

Whatever the tribe, the region, the origin, only by knowing ourselves, will we survive the struggle.

Find out who you are and love that person til death! Peace and Love.

I am Kush Queendom

Intrigued by Beauty

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Love Yourself FIRST: Enjoy these images of the Khoisan people of Southern Africa, from whom all modern humans descended.

The Khoisan people are an indigenous hunter-gatherer people of Southern Africa whose roots are literally ancient. Khoisan are one of the 14 people groups from which all humanity descended and Khoisan tools have been found dating back to 44,000 BC. They are spread across Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Naro bushman (San) mother with child, Central Kalahari, Botswana

San Bushmen – Kalahari Desert, Kalahari De

Information courtesy of blackgirllonghair.com

Please feel free to conduct your own research. It feels wonderful to acknowledge the greatness of these people, my people. See yourself in their eyes, and stop searching for Yourself in material possessions while embracing Eurocentric philosophies that work against who You really are. Love Yourself FIRST.

Let peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned,

Kush Queendom

Us Afrikans

Septum Ring Statements

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AFRIKAN RITUALS: The Septum Ring

From the Motherland…

… to Brooklyn, New York

… and beyond…

If I could explore this accessory, I most definitely would, but my sensitivity to piercings has made it difficult!

I am Kush

9 Days Until AfroPunk: Capturing the Beauty of Black Brazilian Women & the Sundust Goddess Series

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Diasporically Speaking: AfroPunk is known for its online editorials that capture and acknowledge the movement of Black people from the continent of Afrika to other places all over the world. In March of this year, AFROPUNK.COM featured the work of photographer Vini Souza and artist Janaína Grasso in a series of photos named: Capturing the Beauty of Black Brazilian Women.

Capturing the Beauty of Black Brazilian Women was inspired by visual artist, Sara K. Golish’s Sundust Goddess series:

Can You see the inspiration? I too, am inspired by the work of other artists, ancestors, family, etc. Aren’t we all? It’s all good! Peace and love!

→ Full article here.
→ Sara K. Golish here.
→ Vini Souza here.

You will see a whole lot of Afrikan Black beauty at AfroPunk from people to art to spirit.

See you there!

i am Shila Iris

11 Days Until AfroPunk & The Iconic GRACE JONES

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Saturday, August 22 (BROOKYLN, NYC)

I am certain that this will be a euphoric experience. My eyes sparkle with anticipation of Grace Jones’ AfriKan Essence. Whoooo-hoooo! Can’t wait. See you there!

Why is Grace Jones perfect for AfroPunk fest?
AfroPunk is a movement that gives voice to thousands of multi-cultural kids fiercely identifying with a lifestyle path-less-traveled. Founded in 2002 by visionaries Matthew Morgan and James Spooner, it explores the indie rock/punk/hardcore scene beyond the predictable Caucasian audience. The word AFROPUNK itself has become synonymous with open-minded, non-conforming and unconventional, placing the institution at the epicenter of urban culture inspired by alternative music. Isn’t that what the life and music of Grace Jones represents?

i am Shila Iris

Brother, Sister, Hold On To the Real Things, That Matter. Stand Up, Be Strong!

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I know it is taking a lot for us to survive this struggle, but remember, I got your back. The things I SEE. The things WE see. The things I FEEL are the things WE feel. I am trying my best to be Strong and I hope You are too. Let’s do it together. Let’s make Our move.

Don’t you let your young life get you down
It always had a certain mystery
Many changes come to everyone
About the time that they turn seventeen

Grandma said, at times you’ll feel a sting
There’ll be sharp turns and uphills and closed doors
Then she said, hold onto your faith
‘Cause in this world you’ve got to go and get yours

So you stand up be strong
Go out there and hold on to the real things that matter
‘Cause no one’s gonna hand it to you on a silver platter

There’s no need to feel you’re on your own
Just let your intuition guide you through
Take one step toward what you believe
Don’t be afraid to make your move

In my head those words remind me
What Grandma said, at times you’ll feel a sting
There’ll be sharp turns and uphills and closed doors
Then she said, hold on to your faith, don’t be scared go out there

Just stand up and be strong
Go out there and hold on to the real things that matter
‘Cause no one’s gonna hand it to you on a silver platter

Stand up and be strong
Go out there and hold on to the real things that matter
‘Cause no one’s gonna hand it to you on a silver platter

Don’t be scared go out there, just stand up and be strong
Go out there and hold on to the real things that matter
‘Cause no one’s gonna hand it to you on a silver platter

Stand up my brother, stand up my sister
Stand up my brother, stand up my sister

So you stand up and be strong
Go out there and hold on to the real things that matter
‘Cause no one’s gonna hand it to you on a silver platter

Stand up my brother, stand up my sister
Stand up my brother, stand up my sister

I am Queen

The Key:

The Sacred YoUnion Retreat: Lessons of Emancipation & Love

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…with Jalá-Rani Ji aka The Goddess Guru &
Rajah Laxshmi musically and affectionately known as LaToya Kent

The beginning of freedom is the realization that you have the power to attract the things you want in life. Start from within.

“What you seek is seeking you.”
-Rumi

The Year 2015 has been all about RE-discovering mYseLf. (Hi, I am Shila. It’s so nice to finally meet You!) I have been searching, to the point of obsession, for ways to share myself with the world, without feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and disappointed. I was looking for Maat– balance, understanding, peace, and happiness. So I looked into the mirror and started talking to God. I could see God in my eyes, and God was pleased that I had finally come for a visit. God spoke to me, and I listened. So, I arrived in a place, in a space, where I started to examine my nucleus, which is my heart, and from that place, I give, and I receive. I GIVE to you:

THE SACRED YoUnion RETREAT: I see my reflection in You, and I am pleased.

Are you looking from within?

So, in learning myself, I find gatherings like the Sacred YoUnion to be necessary, because they remind me of how powerful I am when I open my spirit.

Please be sure to register for the event. Here are a few guidelines:

Note: Once you register for the event, You can retrieve the location/address.
There is no admission fee, but it would be kind to donate money to the cause.
There will be vendors on site, so bring CASH (as opposed to credit)
Each person is liable for their own safety, so be cautious, it’s a farm!
This is an outdoor event and their will be a portable bathroom on site.
This event is open to children, men and women.
Light refreshments will be served, but please bring additional food for you and your Family.
Wear long pants to prevent bug bites, as well as bug repellent, and bring galoshes/boots for protection from mud. Bring comfortable shoes as well and a picnic style blanket and folding chairs for your comfort.
And most importantly!!!! Bring Your positive energy and love!
I REALLY HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! ♥

Regardless of where you are on the spiritual path, if you’re in contact with any part of our materialistic world, you are bound to attract or experience both positive and negativity in some form. After all, opposites attract; like moths to a flame, the light is powerful enough to draw out darkness from within and from without. Whether it’s your own shadow issues that surface in interactions with others, or someone else’s bad vibes or resistance you encounter along the journey, accumulated negativity in your space can adversely affect your thoughts, emotions and even your health. As such, it’s essential to practice regular cleansing rituals to keep your physical and energetic space clean and intact.

COME CLEANSE WITH US!

… and take this opportunity to look inside of You…

I am Kush Queendom (Kush means Black)

Peace and blessings

Read about it:

Meditate on it:

Sponsored by Love Yoni & Cursive Ink Publishing

Origins of the Afro Pick: Duafe

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21st Century Duafe Accessories

Hair and grooming have always played an important role in the culture of Africa and the African Diaspora. The traditional African comb or pick has played a crucial part in the creation, maintenance, and decoration of hair-styles for both men and women.

In many African societies, ancient and modern, the hair comb symbolises status, group affiliation, and religious beliefs, and is encoded with ritual properties. The handles of combs are decorated with objects of status, such as the headrest, human figures, and motifs that reference nature and the traditional spiritual world.

In the 20th century ‘afro’ combs began to take on a wider political and cultural message, perhaps most notably in the form of the ‘black fist’ comb that references the Black power salute.

In Ghana, elaborate combs such as these, were gifts from Akan men to women to commemorate special events, such as puberty celebrations, weddings, or births. The 1st comb below, informs the reason for its commission: crowned by a female bust with a disk-like head, it echoes the highly conventionalized akua ba fertility figures. As a gift from a husband to his wife the comb underscores the couple’s desire to have children. Evident is also the relationship between the akua ba as an ideal of feminine beauty and the function of the comb in the creation of the coiffure.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Try researching the history of the Duafe yourself!

Peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned.

-i Shila Iris

Why We African Headdress

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Earth & Ether

Often referred to as headwraps or turbans, African and African-like head coverings have become quite the accessory in various dress codes. I believe that it is a beautiful addition to the wardrobe and in my closet, it is my most beloved adornment. I wear headwraps at least twice a week and have been doing so for quite some time. It is part of the many cultures that I celebrate, all indigenous to the continent we know as Africa. I encourage ladies to explore the headwrap, not just as a fashion statement, but as part of African-American identity. Like other headgear such as the niqab, hijab, kufi, kofia, kippah, non la, patka, shpitzel, tam, taqiya, or sombrero it has its purpose and is highly valued by those who wear it.

Why wear a headwrap?

#1 REASON – It’s simply beautiful.

#2 REASON – To represent the African Diaspora: it’s part of the culture we lost during the Middle Passage. We are redefining and regaining our physical identity via attire/garb.

#3…

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Balancing the Sun & the Moon

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i hear nothing in my ear but your voice.
heart has plundered mind of its eloquence.

Love writes a transparent calligraphy, so on
the empty page my soul can read and recollect

Which is worth more, a crowd of thousands,
or your own genuine solitude?
Freedom, or power over an entire nation?

A little while alone in your room
will prove more valuable than anything else
that could ever be given you.

-Rumi

balance the Sun and the Moon …

I sit on the floor,
leaning against my bed,
for hours.
Needing to hear my own voice,
silence envelopes me.
The stillness of me is liberating.
I’d rather not drown in the melody of another.
knowing myself,
I can get to know you
better,
but in silence,
i sit,
until I’m ready.
Harmony awaits me.

peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned.

i am OsiRis RiSinG

Today, it's just me

I know better.
So, I want better.

Double Goddess: Hold On To Your Sisters

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All is beautiful. Her smile. Her eyes. Her smell. I am her, and she is me.

What is a Double Goddess? An ancient icon, an archetype that represents the sacred potential of female bonding, whether between mother and daughter, teacher and student, friends, or sisters.

Sister,
you’ve been on my mind
Sister, we’re two of a kind
So sister,
I’m keepin’ my eyes on you
I betcha think
I don’t know nothin’
But singin’ the blues
Oh sister, have I got news for you
I’m somethin’
I hope you think
that you’re somethin’ too

-from Miss Celie’s Blues (The Color Purple)