RezaRitesRi.com

Did you know that I’ve officially moved? That’s right! The new home for me, ‘Reza Rites,’ and RezaRitesRI is on IsisStorm.com.

The mission of ISIS STORM is to bring forth those voices that are being neglected; to be a vehicle to the generations of women who are fed up with seeing and accepting someone else’s definitions of who [we/they] are; and to give attention to the generations of women who are awakening to the realization that [we/they] are more than what [our/their] generation sees. It is our goal to bring the voices to the table that have long since been ignored, both ethnically and in gender. The way that we encourage these voices to be heard is through the power of art and writing.

Through various events, feature performances and workshops, folks are getting to know the refrain, “When I say Isis, you say…” But to be clear, Isis Storm is a collective of female poets, musicians, artists, writers, media producers and educators. It is also an emerging music label, publishing house, and media group where members of the collective can work to illuminate our causes and ideals.

As co-founder of Isis Storm (alongside hip hop artist Kalyana Champlain, aka 5th Elament), my motivations for moving RezaRitesRI are three-fold: a) to lead by example, b) to demonstrate my faith in the project, and c) to further the original RezaRitesRi.com aim of exposing my readers, friends, and family to “the voices of our ethnically, socially, and artistically diverse.”

I hope you’ll follow me and all the sisters of Isis Storm at IsisStorm.com, as well as my adventures in music at VenusSings.com and my work as health editor at UrbanHealthWatch.net and SheShines.org. You can also see current and archived work of mine at places like:

-> the John Hope Settlement Blog,

-> RIFuture.org, Rhode Island’s Progressive News, Opinion and Analysis blog,

-> WRIU and BSR, two student- and community-run radio stations in RI,

-> The new and old Rhode 2 Africa blogs, where I detail projects I’ve led or worked on dealing with the migration of Africans and African-Americans to RI,

-> Black Perspectives Now, an online project run by the producers of Basic Black on WGBH,

-> On the podcasts and photo pages of RezaRitesRi.com

Thanks for your support and hope we stay in touch!

- Reza Rites

Before she passed away on December 27, 2009, Dana Wright was spreading the word about a children’s book she had written called Rolling with Nia. Click on the image of the book cover or here to watch a video to see and learn more about Wright and her book. I, Reza Rites, produced the film for “Black Perspectives Now,” an online initiative of the public media organization, WGBH, and the program “Basic Black.”

by Reza Corinne Clifton

PROVIDENCE, RI - On Sunday, December 27, 2009, a friend, mentor, and colleague of mine passed away, leaving me shocked and saddened. From her activism in the community and online, to her work as a storyteller and published author, Dana Wright inspired me professionally and personally, and for these reasons and more, I will never forget her.

Before her untimely death I had a chance to talk to Wright, about a project she had recently completed, and about the impact she was on having on youth and families. And I wasn’t the only one interested in her story.

Up in Boston, Massachusetts, series producer Valerie Linson had just launched a new online initiative, which was to be tied to “Basic Black,” a television show she runs out of WGBH. Basic Black was created in 1968 - “during the turmoil of the civil rights movement as a response to the demand for public television programs reflecting the concerns of African Americans.” But Linson saw a more contemporary need for “Black Perspectives Now,” and for “stories, events, people and voices of black New England.” Dana Wright’s was one of them.

Learn more about my interview with Wright and see other stories from Black Perspectives Now by clicking here. To learn more about Basic Black, visit www.wgbh.org/basicblack.

And Rest in Peace, Dana.

Rhode Island Young Professionals Invite You To Its 
7th ANNUAL  WINTER SOIREE.  
 
PROVIDENCE, RI ‐ The Rhode Island Young Professionals, an auxiliary organization to the Urban League of Rhode Island, announces its 7th Annual Winter Soiree, themed “Taking The Torch, Tomorrows Leaders Today.” Scheduled for Saturday, February 27th, 2010 at the Providence Marriott (1 Orms Street) from 6:00pm to 1:00am, the event will feature a night of decadence, grace, and stature punctuated by a live jazz ensemble, special dinner, a brief awards ceremony, and plenty of dancing.

Keith Stokes, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, will be the keynote speaker for the evening. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Stokes served as the Treasurer of the RI Economic Development Corporation and worked as the Executive Director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce for over 15 years. He will deliver a message focused on the importance of investing in young professionals. John Guice, Reporter at ABC 6 News, and RIYP’s very own, Reza C. Clifton (RezaRitesRi.com), will serve as the master and mistress of ceremonies.
 
All professionals, both young and old will be inspired and encouraged as the leaders of a new tomorrow. For more information, contact Raymond Watson at 401‐338‐7606 or at Rlwatson06@yahoo.com 

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WESTERLY, RI - Funda Fest 12, an annual cultural festival organized by the RI Black Storytellers, begins on Sunday, January 17 with “Tales from Black History,” a Family Storytelling Concert. It starts at 1 pm, admission is free, and it happens at a new location: The Westerly Armory, 8 Dixon St in Westerly, RI.

Funda Fest continues all week, bringing workshops, story swaps, school shows, and public performances of spoken word, love stories, folk tales, and true stories from Westerly to Woonsocket, Providence to Newport. Headlining this year’s invited national guests is Grammy-nominated Christon Bacon, aka Christylez (pronounced Chris- styles) a progressive hip-hop artist out of Washington, DC.

”We are so excited to have Christylez with us this year. Several of us had seen him at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in DC this past summer. He is a young guy with a lot of talent and a great mix of old traditions and new flavor. Christylez is a talented musician and a poet who understands the Black oral tradition,” says Valerie Tutson, FUNDA FEST Director. “We had invited him, and then found out he will be headed to LA right after he leaves Rhode Island.” Christylez has been nominated in the “Best Musical Album for Children” category for a collaboration done with Folk/Children Music Duo, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer.

Other updates to the schedule include to the event on Friday, January 22: Spoken Word and Love Stories hosted by Christopher Johnson. The event starts at 10pm and will take place at Brooklyn Coffee & Tea House, 209 Douglas Avenue in Providence, RI. Admission is $5.

To read the full press release about Funda Fest 12, click here. For up-to-the-minute updates and info about the RI Black Storytellers, visit www.ribsfest.org.

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12th Annual FUNDA FEST: A Celebration of Black Storytelling
January 17-24 2010
For more information, contact Valerie Tutson at 401.439.7122

Providence, RI—Rhode Island Black Storytellers, otherwise known as RIBS, invite you to join them in FUNDA FEST 12: A Celebration of Black Storytelling, January 17-24, 2010. FUNDA means to teach and to learn in Zulu and KiSwahili. For an entire week, Rhode Island will experience some of the best cultural arts programming across the state for the 12th year in a row.

Headlining this year’s invited national guests is Grammy-nominated Christon Bacon, aka Christylez (pronounced Chris- styles) a progressive hip-hop artist out of Washington, DC.”We are so excited to have Christylez with us this year. Several of us had seen him at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in DC this past summer. He is a young guy with a lot of talent and a great mix of old traditions and new flavor. Christylez is a talented musician and a poet who understands the Black oral tradition,” says Valerie Tutson, FUNDA FEST Director. “We had invited him, and then found out he will be headed to LA right after he leaves Rhode Island.” Christylez has been nominated in the “Best Musical Album for Children” category for a collaboration done with Folk/Children Music Duo, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer.

“In addition to Christylez, we have a wonderful woman, Deborah Asante, out of Indianapolis. She has a children’s theatre company, and has been telling stories all of her life. She will be doing the Intergenerational Storytelling Workshop at the Providence Public Library on Saturday, January 23rd, and sharing some of her Love Stories for grown ups on Friday night, the 22nd”

The FUNDA FEST performers include RIBS tellers Len Cabral, Rochel Coleman, Raffini, Ramona Kolobe, and Valerie Tutson. Festival favorite, Teju Ologboni returns from Milwaukee. Local artists include Christopher Johnson, who will perform as a solo artist, and with the spoken word trio Spittin Images. Drummer Abdul Mateen will add his talents to the mix.

“This year, RIBS and FUNDA are looking to expand our circle of family and friends, “ Tutson explains, “ For several years, RIBS has been a part of the Expansion Arts Program through the Rhode Island Foundation. We have had the opportunity to work with some very fine cultural arts groups in the State. Our program is coming to an end and we had talked about finding a way to showcase these groups; to bring our communities together. FUNDA seemed like the perfect opportunity.” As a result, the Saturday night concert at the Metcalf Auditorium at RISD will include a mix of voices and performances including young African drummers from OASIS International, Thawn Harris, a Native American storyteller from the Tomaquag Indian Memorial and Museum, ECAS Theatre and music and dance from The Hmong United Association of RI. All these groups and more will be a part of the Market Place in the lobby.

It’s a full week, from Sunday to Sunday, from Westerly to Woonsocket, Providence to Newport. See part of the schedule below, and full up-to-the-minute details at www.ribsfest.org.

Sunday, January 17, 2010:
Family Storytelling Concert
Woonsocket, RI
www.ribsfest.org for details and more info

Monday, January 18, 11:30 am, 1 and 2:30 pm:
MLK Amazing Grace featuring Rochel Coleman and Valerie Tutson
Providence Children’s Museum
100 South Street, Providence RI
Free with Museum Admission

January 19-22:
RIBS tellers and invited guests perform for Storytellers in the Schools
Statewide locations. For information, call Carolyn Martino: 401 351.8090

Thursday, January 21, 6-8 pm:
Family Storytelling Concert
YWCA Northern Rhode Island
514 Blackstone Street, Woonsocket, RI
Admission: $1/children .$50/adults

Friday, January 22:
Spoken Word and Love Stories
www.ribsfest.org for details and more info

Saturday, January 23, 12:30-5 pm:
Free Family FUN-Day
Providence Public Library
150 Empire Street, Providence
- 1:00-2:15 pm: Intergenerational Storytelling Workshop with Deborah Asante
- 2:30 pm: Family Storytelling Concert featuring RIBS and invited guests
- 4:00 pm: Story Swap: Tell your own story!

Saturday, January 23, Doors open at 7:30:
Storytelling Concert and Market Place (NEW VENUE)
Michael P Metcalf Auditorium at RISD
20 North Main St, Providence 8 pm
- 7:30 PM: Marketplace opens for Cultural gifts, tellers’ merchandise and more
- 8:00 PM: RIBS’ Featured tellers and Expansion Arts Partners take the stage
- Tickets: www.ArtTixRi.com; $10/advance, $15/door, RISD students free w/ID, RISD Museum members $10 w/ID at door

Sunday, January 24, 2010, 2:00 PM:
Family Storytelling Concert
Martin Luther King Center
20 Marcus Wheatland Blvd, Newport
Donations collected on-site

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FUNDA FEST is made possible with support from The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, The Rhode Island Foundation, The Expansion Arts Program, Project Priscilla, and underwriting from the CITIZENS Bank Foundation.

Community Partners include The Providence Children’s Museum, Providence Public Library, The RISD Office of Minority Affairs, The Martin Luther King Center, Newport, The YWCA of Northern RI, The Westerly Public Library, ECAS Theatre, Tomaquag Indian Memorial Museum, OASIS International, The Hmong United Association of Rhode Island, and RezaRitesRi.com.

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Originally sent in the October 3, 2009 RezaRitesRi E-newsletter

PROVIDENCE, RI – This week’s edition of the Take 5 Newsletter is filled with stops in a lot of fun and frustrating locations. One of the links will help you travel to Pawtucket, RI, where I was recently inspired into literary action. Jump next to the other side of the globe with URI’s program about India, or with an update about girls’ schools being bombed in Pakistan. Other links I’ve provided take you to Cuba, Washington, D.C., New York, and New Orleans. It’s not always pretty; in fact it’s often times gritty, but at least for this trip you don’t need a passport.

Sunshine and laughter,
Reza Rites

P.S. Thanks to everyone who supported the Isis Storm-led Diversity Week Open Mic at URI. I had a great time spinning music for you, but nothing topped the bagpiper, traditional Indian music, and the glimpse into the adventures of a first-time performer. Holler if you hear me. - Rz

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Take 5

A Thank you letter to Mixed Magic Theatre in Pawtucket

Michelle Obama on Healthcare, Girls’ Schools Bombed in Pakistan and Other News from the Feminist Majority Foundation

What Would Gandhi Globalize? An October 6 Event at URI

Free Workshop on October 7: Blogging, Social Media, and other E-Marketing Tools from the Center for Women and Enterprise

Film Screening for Piece About Legendary Cuban Singer, Celia Cruz: Friday, October 9 in NYC

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A Bonus 5 More

The Whitewashed Emmy’s, The Invisibility of Hurricane Katrina in the News, and More from Unity Journalists of Color

Fellowships, Scholarships and Seminars from the National Association of Black Journalists

The Truth about the Patriot Act and other Uncovered Lies about National Security

Is Obama the only black official in D.C.? On Sunday shows, it seems so

How to Start and Run a Small Business, Twitter for Small Business, and Facebook for Business: Free Workshops in October from Every Company Counts

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Dear Mixed Magic Theatre,

I am writing this letter to express my thanks and to elaborate on why I extend it. It all started with a phone call from the venerable Bernadette Pitts-Wiley, who was personally inviting me to participate in a program your organization was organizing – rather than simply relying on email, an effective albeit impersonal and, unfortunately, not always persuasive way to reach out. She was recruiting me as an orator and participant in a reading and discussion of Moby-Dick. It was the inaugural event for Books that Defined a Nation, a program your arts organization is doing.

At first, I must admit, I was hesitant. As a self-prescribed writer, avid reader, and disciplined student, I should have already read Moby-Dick, for it was part of my high school reading requirements. Yet I remember drawing a line in the sand as a youth and placing myself on the side that simply wasn’t going to be bothered with such a voluminous piece of literature, no matter how sacred it might be. Furthermore, I had no desire to cross that divide – until, first, the call from Bernadette, and then, later, the discussion and environment I was allowed to absorb. Topping it off was the youth-centric adaptation of Moby-Dick penned and adapted by your own ship’s captain, the innovative and visionary, Ricardo Pitts-Wiley.

If I had to pinpoint my favorite elements from Saturday, September 26, I would have to select the discussions about the lively, independent, and sometimes nearly sordid life of the book’s author, Herman Melville, and the debates and embedded lessons pertaining to archetypal characters, stories, and images referenced by the well-read Melville.

Besides leaving your event with a new mission – to read Moby-Dick – I also left ready to tell someone about my experience, which I found in my mother. Upon hearing my description of your event and my corresponding resolve, she vowed to join me in my Melvillian journey. Therefore, in one stroke, Mixed Magic, you have given me fuel to quench my thirst for more literature, a partner to join me on my voyage, and another personal treasure that my mother and I can share.

So again, I say thank you, and I implore you to continue your good work.

Sincerely,
Reza C. Clifton
Online Publisher, Freelance Journalist, Multimedia Producer, Music DJ

Originally sent as a RezaRitesRi.com e-newsletter on Friday, September 4, 2009.

Take 5 With Reza Rites

Happy Labor Day weekend! Wait. Do people even say that? Not necessarily. But lots of folks do get out for this last piece of summer bliss. And so, as I compile this week’s newsletter, I do so knowing that you are supposed to be outside, are preparing to be outside, or are trying to leave the office early (ok I can take the hint) to prepare your outside.

I’ve got some new health-related posts up on UrbanHealthWatch.net, while my partner’s got something new I’m telling folks about on RezaRitesRi.com. For those who like fish, jazz, and good causes, if you’re in Providence I’ve got just the spot for you. And don’t forget: reading is fundamental, as they say, so check out the link to an update I received about a literary and performance initiative happening at Mixed Magic Theatre in Pawtucket, RI. For those ready for advanced levels of reading, check out the Graduate Fairs happening in New York City, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Seattle, and other cities across the country including Providence.

Thanks for your support and enjoy the holiday weekend,
Reza Rites

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Pawsox, Prostates, and UrbanHealthWatch.net

September 6 Garden Party: A Fish Fry and Jazz Show to End Violence

Video Shows Caribbean Vibes and New England Flavor Coming Labor Day Weekend

Mixed Magic Theatre Recruits Teams and Sponsors for Books that Defined a Nation

Idealist.org Brings Graduate Fairs to You and Recruits for Tech Volunteers

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PROVIDENCE, RI - For some time now, I have felt that it was time to make changes to the RezaRitesRi publishing schedule. With original work and updates to broadcast occasionally, I’m receiving enough information and resources to post announcements daily. To address these competing concerns, I have decided to introduce a new format for newsletters and regular posts: Take Five with Reza Rites.

My goal is to touch base with you at least once a week - with 5 announcements or key updates, 5 reasons to visit the site, and 5 minutes of something new (and hopefully improved).

Here, in the inaugural edition of this format, I share 5 posts that can be found here on RezaRitesRi.com or on my music site, VenusSings.com. Most of the links will direct you to posts about my recent trip to Spain, though I’ve also shared updates about projects such as the feature on Farmers Markets I did for WRNI - RI Public Radio, which you can read about below. I promise that Take 5 won’t just be about me, as I hope you’ll see in future posts. Thanks for your ideas, support, and encouragement, and for sticking around for the ride in general.

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Venus Sings in Spain

The Sounds of Venus Sings in Spain - This Weekend on WRIU

Reza Rites in Spain - The Visual Story

Farmers Markets on WRNI and Urban Health News on the Web: a RezaRitesRi Update

Photos from Ramona, California and San Diego

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FARMERS MARKETS IN RI

PROVIDENCE, RI - If you didn’t hear it, RI Public Radio (WRNI) aired a story conceived and produced by your girl, Reza Rites. All about the growth of Farmers Markets, the piece aired during Morning Edition, one of the station’s main-stay programs. How do you hear it if you missed the original broadcast? Visit WRNI’s website or click here to link directly to the story.

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NEWS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

Where do you go for health news? I know you’re not just ignore it. Join the discussions and create the solutions at UrbanHealthWatch.net, a new blog to address minority health and health disparities in RI. With articles, recipes, events, and an open invitation to share your comments and thoughts, Urban Health Watch is a new stop on the world wide web dial - and the place to read more work by Reza Rites.

Peace,
Reza

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