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…

by Shila Iris, please clap ♥♥♥

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSyFpFouTls

Surfacing…

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Working on the “invisible” me so that the “visible” me can be better.

Like the Sun, I rise. poetry… coming soon.

Shila Iris

Day 4 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: Reciprocity

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I am one of those people who truly enjoy supporting my fellow brothers and sisters. If you have a business of any sort, that I can use, I will come. Storefront, or online, in your house, or if you’re a vendor at festivals, I’ll be there. Musically inclined, I’ll be there. Seriously, I wrote a chant called, I’ll Be There! I will continue to come and offer suggestions when necessary, because it’s important to me. More so than the money that I spend, I believe that my time is most valuable, so even, when I come, believe me, I want to support you. study groups, community gatherings, book clubs, bonfires, cookouts- it’s all relevant to who I am, to who we are.

Furthermore, I’ll live amongst my people, and talk to them, and build them up in any way that I can. The peace of a suburb is too easy for me. I don’t desire it, because anywhere I go, my partner and I, and maybe you, we’ll make it work for us. WE MAKE IT WORK!

In 2016 I’ll need that same support, and although I haven’t asked for it before, I’ll ask for it now because I authentically need to feel the love of my people. The reciprocity, the balance is necessary.
__________________________________________________

Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.

Day 4- Instructions for Kwanzaa: You should greet your friends and family by asking: Habari gani? (Translation: What’s the news?); and today, they can respond: Ujamaa! (Translation: Cooperative Economics) Learn more about Kwanzaa here.

SOME KNOWLEDGE

https://www.youtube.com/user/w4wproductions

SOME MUSIC to SET the MOOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIjLBK_n-74

KWANZAA DAY 1

KWANZAA DAY 2

KWANZAA DAY 3

Day 3 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: We Can Get a Lot More Done Together

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Ujima (oo-GEE-mah)

Day 3- Instructions for Kwanzaa: You should greet your friends and family by asking: Habari gani? (Translation: What’s the news?); and today, they can respond: Ujima! (Translation: Collective Work and Responsibility) Learn more about Kwanzaa here.

Tonight, let’s talk about the 3rd Principle of Kwanzaa: Ujima, which means Collective Work & Responsibility.

I had to do it alone,
for a long time,
I had to be this way, but now,
I can call on my partner,
what about you? -Shila

Collective work can look like this: Àṣẹ Dance Theatre Collective

In my travels and experiences, I have witnessed a lot of Us turning against one another, which causes us to break up group efforts. Personal feelings, incest, and dishonesty get in the way of many many good things. How can we begin to change this? I have some ideas, but what do you think?

Unity is strength, division is weakness. ~ Swahili proverb
Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. ~ Bondei proverb
It takes a village to raise a child. ~ African proverb
Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won’t eat you. ~ African proverb
Many hands make light work. ~ Haya (Tanzania) proverb
Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. ~ Swahili proverb
Two ants do not fail to pull one grasshopper. ~ Tanzanian proverb
A single bracelet does not jingle. ~ Congolese proverb
A single stick may smoke, but it will not burn. ~ African proverb
If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. ~ African proverb

I am Shila. Thank you for visiting.

Happy Kwanzaa!

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Isn’t she beautiful? I’m just saying.

Ninakupenda,

Shila Iris

Stay tuned for my blog series, Kwanzaa After Dark… coming, tonight, after dark! ♥

DAY 1 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: Afrikan Aesthetics May Lead You There

DAY 2 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: Gil Scott-Heron & My koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah

Day 2- KWANZAA AFTER DARK: Gil Scott-Heron & My koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah

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KUJICHAGULIA (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah) means SeLF-DeTerMiNation
________________________
So, what are you determined to do?
________________________
poeTry by Shila Iris (a choppy freestyle poem)

I am determined to free myself, and my people
Think for myself, and pass it on to the children
Name myself, disconnect from the Barnes,
you can call me Shila, Iris, OSiRis RiSinG
after my pilgrimage, I came back with an X
never liked working for a “boss,”
job title, a Creator,
I speak to us, I speak to them
a griot storyteller, I don’t preach to Us
You can see my face on the walls in Kemet
a sleep shaker, waking up the complacent
the grand reaper, like a thief in the night stole his brain
Now he walking dead, insane to the membrane
I promote self, the return of the Messiah,
the god in You, return to the throne cause you’re worthy
but we don’t rule from up high, that’s a lie
created by an informant and a spy, a spook
would you like me to measure you in a hook?

-COMMERCIAL-
You getting weaker Mr. Man, with all the female friends,
leave the weapon in your pants, and take her on a mind dance
she don’t need you impregnating her with the Omen
and masquerading her around in surround sound, reality Tv,
could it be any faker?

… AND NOW LET”S RETURN TO MY REGULARLY SCHEDULED KWANZAA FREESTYLE FLOW…

I am determined to follow the signs that lead me away from drama and chaos.
The hurdles in the road bring colossal disappointments,
but, smooth seas don’t make good sailors.
I am a mariner,
like the car I drive,
I strive, for excellence
defined by no Other.
Surely, I am not judging myself based on your speculations
surely, you are not feeding me your translation
I am focused on my emancipation
from the distractions in my lap, Like,
cell phones with IG notifications, FB stimulation and
tweet hydration, but they don’t really drink the sweet tea outside of
history textbook philosophy
I’m not a dreamer, I’ve transcended,
I’m not a peacekeeper,
I have no limits,
I have to stop listening to you modify the truth so that i can get the real answers.
if facts can be fiction. then let’s change the facts,
my shield, my koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah, my
magic, did you see the fire come from my finger tips?
did you hear the SPE LL whispered from my lips?
twist in a hip, start a war,
but, I’m armored,
with a mind like weapons
of mass construction
simple deductions bring hardcore answers,
i stick close to the One that can
stomp like an elephant, sting like a bee, carry a load like an ant,
yep, I plant seeds… with self-determination, you won’t catch me!

Happy Kwanzaa! I hope you enjoyed your day. I just loved mine! -i am Shila Iris

Karibu (Welcome) to Day 2– Instructions for Kwanzaa:

You should greet your friends and family by asking: Habari gani? (Translation: What’s the news?); and today, they can respond: Kujichagulia! (Translation: Self-Determination) Learn more about Kwanzaa here.

Let’s talk about the 2nd Principle of Kwanzaa: Kujichagulia.

KNOWLEDGE OF SELF by Black Starr

My gift to you today, on day 2, is Gil Scott-Heron, because I want to remind you that you don’t have to live in a bottle. Be determined to GET FREE and LIVE trying. Gil inspires my freestyle flows. He had so much soul. Check it out, will you?

Asante sana. Thank you for visiting African Essence by Shila Iris

Day 1- KWANZAA AFTER DARK: Afrikan Aesthetics May Lead You There

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READ BELOW

So, you’re here to join me for my 9 p.m. Sunrise? Happy Kwanzaa! I hope you enjoyed your day. I just loved mine! -i am Shila Iris

Day 1- Instructions for Kwanzaa:

You should greet your friends and family by asking: Habari gani? (Translation: What’s the news?); and today, they can respond: Umoja! (Translation: Unity) Learn more about Kwanzaa here.

Tonight, let’s talk about the 1st Principle of Kwanzaa: Umoja, which means Unity.

Allow it.
The mind opens
as the heart prepares itself for the full
embrace of the Season.
The climate has changed in my favor
The Sun kisses me as if I were near the Equator
She asks about my glow,
inquiring of the fullness of my belly
I say to her,
Umoja!
I am at peace with the One inside of me,
he and I are unified eternally
He shall be the one I see when I look into the mirror
my reflection,
is adorned with the promise
of my maturity,
baby,
speak to me. -i am poet, Shila
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What if you fully embraced images of you? Your hair, your heritage (find it), your family? It’s a melanin thing, more like a blood stream, more like the River Nile, pulsating, inside of me, it incites me, excites me…

TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Caligrapher and Copyist Buboubacar Sadeck teaches students the art of ancient caligraphy on a Timbuktu rooftop, September 8, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. All of that knowledge has been preserved in manuscripts written out by men like Buboubacar since the 11th century. Since the resurgence of interest in the manuscripts of Timbuktu, students are learning the art of caligraphy as both an artistic and economic excercise. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.)

Les Desandann chorus from camagüey, performing in a sugarcane field. The chorus has haitian roots.

Guadeloupe winter carnival, Pointe-à-Pitre parade. A young woman, performer wearing traditional carnival outfit (waist up outdoor portrait).

I cannot be anyone other than me.

This is the Spirituality of Our Ancestors: Afrikan Aesthetics, I give you the first gift of Kwanzaa, us Unifying, is Oshun. Enjoy them, and let me know what you think.

Read about them:

CONTRADICTING TRADITIONS

Kwanzaa: Obama Approved!
Music for tonight.

P.S. If you’re in Cleveland, you should check this out tonight (keep in mind, the start time can be misleading. Honestly, I think if you make it there by 11:30 pm, you’ll be good.

This Moment in Black History at Mahall’s. Click on the image for more information.