Black in Latin America

On April 19th, PBS aired a four part documentary series titled Black in Latin America by the theroot.com editor-in-chief, Henry Louis Gates.



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The series discussed the dynamics of being black in Latin American countries such as Haiti, Dominican Republic, Peru and Mexico. According to theroot.com

"More blacks were transported as slaves to Mexico and Peru than to the United States."

I think that this documentary was very interesting and informative. If you tuned in to Part One, be sure to leave your comments and reviews?

Stay True,
Riss

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Women in the Arts Museum

Have you ever been to Washington, DC? Well I haven't, but when I do go to visit, I will definitely take some time out to visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts, in Washington, DC, is the only museum in the world that focuses on the achievements of women artists. The museum's permanent collection includes more than 3,000 works of art, from sculpture to paintings to photography, and covers the 16th through 21st centuries.

Isn't that cool?! I wish there was one in NY, but now I have a reason to travel. In the closing of National Women's History Month, I hope you've all been inspired to learn more about the great things the women of this world accomplish! Here are some works from the NMWA. Happy viewing.

Visit the NMWA website for more information

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BHM ToP THIS: Kente Cloth

We've all seen Kente cloth at least once in our lives, but have you ever wondered what it all means. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns all have a purpose in relaying an aesthetic message to its viewers. I looked up some history on this beautiful West African art. Class is now in session, let Ms. King school ya.

One of the most sumptuously colored textiles used for clothing is Ghanaian kente cloth, made by Asante and Ewe weavers using specially designed looms. Kente was probably introduced from the western Sudan during the 16th century, when heavy, elaborate, labor-intensive versions of this fabric were designed for wealthy tribal chiefs and simpler designs became available for the general citizenry. Kente is woven in four-inch (9.5 cm) narrow strips that are sewn together. A characteristic Asante kente has geometric shapes woven in bright colors along the entire length of the strip, while Ewe kente often displays a tweed effect by plying together different colored threads in many of the warps. Ewe kente may also incorporate pictorial symbols.
For this, and more info...


ADWINASA Literally means "all motifs are used up."

According to the elders, the designer of this cloth, attempted to weave a unique cloth to please the Asantehene. In his effort he used all the motifs then known to weavers in weaving one cloth. In the end he remarked that he had exhausted all the repertoire of motifs known to Asante weavers.

The cloth was, therefore viewed as one of the top quality, and the most prestigious of kente cloths, besides those woven exclusively for Asante Kings. It was in the past, worn by kings and people of high status and wealth.

It symbolizes ROYALTY, ELEGANCE, CREATIVE INGENUITY, EXCELLENCE, WEALTH, PERFECTION and SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP.

OBAAKOFO MMU MAN
Literally means "one person does not rule a nation."

It expresses the Akan system of governance based on participatory democracy. The nine squares represent MPUANKRON (nine tufts of hair) a ceremonial hair cut of some royal functionaries who help rulers make decisions. Originally the cloth was named FATHIA FATA NKRUMA. "Fathia is a suitable wife for Nkrumah." After the military overthrow of Nkrumah, the original significance of MPUANKRON (participatory democracy) was applied to reflect the prevailing political atmosphere.

The cloth symbolizes PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY and WARNING AGAINST AUTOCRATIC RULE



ABUSUA YE DOM
Literally means "the extended family is a force."
Among the Akan peoples, the extended family is the foundation of society. Like a military force, members of the family are collectively responsible for the material and spiritual well-being, the physical protection and the social security of all its members. The cloth was designed to celebrate and reinforce such positive attributes of the extended family system.

In its many variations and background colors the cloth symbolizes STRONG FAMILY BOND, THE VALUE OF FAMILY UNITY, COLLECTIVE WORK and RESPONSIBILITY and COOPERATION.


AKYEMPEM
Literally means "thousands shields." This is a reference to shields used by highly well organized militia consisting of thousands of men and women who defended the Asante Kingdom against external aggression. According to the military strategy of the Asante Kingdom, the chief of the shield bearers, the Akyempemhene, and the rear guards of the King are his own sons. Shields once used as military weapons are now used in royal ceremonies to symbolize and commemorate the military prowess of the Asante Kingdom.

The cloth symbolizes MILITARY PROWESS, UNITY THROUGH MILITARY STRENGTH, BRAVERY, POLITICAL VIGILANCE & SPIRITUAL DEFENSIVENESS.

KYERETWIE
Literally means "the lion catcher." The cloth was designed to commemorate an incident during the reign of King Kwaku Dua (1838 -1867) who tested the courage of his warriors by ordering them to catch a leopard alive. The appellation, "Kyerekwie" was since appended to the names of some of the Asante Kings whose bravery and leadership qualities were comparable to the courage needed to catch a leopard alive. The black vertical warp stripes represent the black sports in a leopard's fur. In the past, the cloth was worn only by the Asantehene or by other chiefs with his permission.

The cloth symbolizes COURAGE, VALOR, EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT and INSPIRING LEADERSHIP.

To see where I found all of this info, and to learn more, visit
History and Significance of Ghana's Kente Cloth


Ms. King
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eyeWrite: The View of NYC

The View

Seems to be much different than the one I am used to in Harlem
Why you ask? It begins with the realization of what the term melting pot really means.
Out this gigantic window I can see every shade of the spectrum
Looking at each face I can imagine their struggle, their plight, their past that led them here

New York City

Midtown to be exact.
A place often traveled, yet rarely understood.
By whom? by those who live so close, but yet exist so far.
Within minutes of the best blend one could ever experience

,
The heart beat of New York City - the pulse one might say.

I was introduced to it through curiosity many years ago,
Coupled with the desire to see beyond the "Welcome to Dyckman Houses" sign
Not wanting to be like those whom I witnessed at the same place at the same time, doing the same things; which for intents and purposes - is nothing.

Nothing, such a mundane terminology, yet complex at the same time.
Is it possible to be dually achieving nothing and something at the same time?
Ask my physical, most would say you're not doing anything in particular you're just riding the bus.
However, keen eyes can see something.
My eyes see something.
I see, the heartbeat of New York City.

- Basquiat

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HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Team elleELLEeye
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eyeReview: VYP Photography

“Photography connects my mind, body, and soul. It allows me to give a voice to the voiceless, reach the unreachable, and explain complex thoughts of a life in one frame.”, says Vernon Young, Jr., owner of VYP Photography.

The recent graduate of Syracuse University realized he had a passion for understanding people at a young age, which eventually led him to photojournalism.

“I got my start in photography through the United States Air Force. I began taking photos before joining.”


He continued, “I prayed that God would connect all of my talents, and he showed me a camera. Once I picked it up, I never looked back. No matter how many people discouraged me I continued to shoot.”

The talented Mr. Young has a knack for taking the absolute essence of a person and turning it into a work of art. This is strongly reflected in his work.

He explains, “I want every customer to leave knowing that they prepared for a great session, and they have a great set of imagery to hang on their walls forever. I want the customer to leave saying, ‘Oh yeah, that could be a great shot right there.’ Each shoot should be fun, affordable, but most of all memorable.”

He acknowledges that he has had a lot of experience, shooting everything from fashion to nature. Still, his biggest dream lies right in the White House, and he encourages young photographers to learn and share their knowledge with others.

“My dream shoot would be to document President Barack Obama. I would love to go into his house and become a fly on the wall. I would like to show the world that Barack is a human being, and I know visually he would express some things that he will never be able to verbally say.”

He continued, “I was once told: you never learn anything to keep it to yourself, you were taught to share it. A young photographer should find what he or she is most passionate about and shoot it to death. Grow from each portion of what he or she is familiar with and then branch out. Some people turn those beginnings into series that last a lifetime.”

See more of VYP Photography HERE!

And if you look closely, you may even see Urstrulee there… J

UrsTrulee,

KareemaBee

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effFOOD 4 THOUGHT

With the hot weather here and not getting any cooler, we're sure the last things you would want to be doing after a long day is preparing a hot meal in the kitchen. But there isn't a need to spend money on an overpriced meal either. What you can do it this, create a QUICK & EASY meal; like, Nachos Supreme! Here's how:

You will need:
-1 pound ground beef
-1 (1.12 ounce) package Pace® Taco Seasoning Mix
-1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's® Condensed Tomato Soup
-1 1/2 cups water
-1 1/2 cups uncooked instant white rice
-Pace® Thick & Chunky Salsa
-Shredded Cheddar cheese
-Shredded lettuce
-Tortilla chips

Directions:
-Cook beef and taco seasoning in skillet until browned.
-Pour off fat.
Add soup, water and rice.
-Heat to a boil.
-Cover and cook over low heat 5 min. or until done.
-Top with salsa, cheese and lettuce. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.

Believe it or not, it will only take you 15-minutes. Happy eating!


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Turn the House Around

How do you make a house a home when it's turned up-side-down? I guess the same way you would if it wasn't. This bizarre upside down house was created on the grounds of a German zoo. The roof is reinforced with steel girders.

Local carpenter Gerhard Mordhorst and his colleagues Gesellse Splettstößer and Manfred Kolax put the unusual building together. 'It was a challenge for us,' Mr Mordhorst said. 'You had to constantly think of the mirror image.' They described the job as the 'craziest' one they had been asked to do and found the bathroom the trickiest to put together because of bulky items like the shower.

The 'crazy house' is reminiscent of a home described in Roald Dahl's children's book The Twits. In the children's story a group of monkeys are forced to hang upside down by their owners. They have their revenge by sticking all of the couple's furniture to the ceiling and convince them to stand on their heads. The 'crazy' house was thought up by Hamburg investor Dirk Oster. He will open it to the public on March 30.

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"The Joy in My Feet, I'm A Woman"

Phenomenal Woman: Check out this 17-year old dancer from the Southern Strut Dance Company. It's a nicely choreographed piece to Maya Angelou's "Phenomenal Woman". Happy watching!

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Phenomenal, wasn't it?

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Kelly's Alter Ego

Kelly Rowland stars as “Rosie the Riveter” in her alter ego photo shoot. Photographer Derek Blanks can add yet another celebrity to his list of infamous "Alter Ego" shoots. For Kelly's shoot Blanks portrayed her as a strong Woman in Charge vs. the Damsel in Distress Pin Up Girl.

Check out the behind the scenes footage showing us how her and Derek’s team worked on the project. Happy watching!


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