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Rhode to Africa: An Interview Series and Concert Series

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R2A Interview Update
I’ve Got To Be Unstoppable
October 31, 2008

PROVIDENCE, RI - “I’ve got to Be unstoppable. I’ve got to be unstoppable.” These words introduce the chorus on one of the selections of the recently-released, self-titled cd by musician, Santogold. I also said it it all week long - and nearly every day since I heard the track. It is my personal theme song. And it’s what got me through this week when my primary computer commenced the game of crash and go and my back up computer revealed NOT having the back up audio editing program I had learned.

But I’ve got to be unstoppable. My primary computer is being fixed by a dependable go-to person; I taught myself a third editing program for this and future projects; and I’m back on track to air on radio the fourth and final episode of Rhode to Africa. Beginning Monday, November 3, tune in to 90.3 FM or www.wriu.org at 12:30 PM to hear East Providence Mayor Isadore Ramos, Black Rep Artisitic Director Donald King and members of the band, Afrika Rainbow, as they take a trip down the Rhode to Africa. Replays will air on Wednesday and Thursday at the same time, then the podcast comes soon to the site.

And be on the lookout all weekend long to be the first to catch the podcast of episode 3. The interview will be up soon, because I’ve… got to be unstoppable.

Peace,
Reza Rites

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by Kalyana Champlain

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Peltier and Mumia are still locked up -Have we all just forgotton? Truss that this aint all about hip hop. by k.champlain

KINGSTON, RI - On September 25th, I had the pleasure of speaking with over 60 college students on Hip Hop as a political tool. Passionately I reflected on Grandmaster Flash and the furious five’s the Message, Chuck D and Public Enemy’s cry to let us know we couldn’t truss it, KRS-ONE’s Stop the Violence movement, Queen Latifah’s declaration that Ladies were first, and the more current tools of hip hop being used to explore everything from the war in Iraq to Katrina, and immortal techniques attempt to use his music to help carry the words of political prisoner Mumia Abu Jamal (unjustly imprisoned for allegedly murdering a police officer). I talked about the urgency of hip hop back in its golden age. The time of black on black crime, and police brutality. The time of crack cocaine and the establishment of laws that helped to incarcerate black people one by one. I mentioned the school systems that treated those of color with hostility through their lack of resources and disheveled environments. I talked about the homes destroyed by “Urban Renewal” and the displacement of Latinos and African American people. But most importantly I talked about how hip hop was the voice for this all. Many walked away giving up mad props…but it was the comment of one young man that left me wondering-Have we all just forgotten?

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He came up to me after the presentation and asked me to sign a paper that proved he had been there (come on – you don’t think ALL of them VOLUNTARILY showed up). While signing I asked him what he thought of it. He paused, as if he was afraid to speak his mind. So I tried to coax him, “Come on man, don’t be nervous; I need to know to make it BETTER.” And that is when he said, “It is just hard to get into it or wrap my head around it. I mean it’s not what I listen to. I listen to hip hop, but like lil wayne and stuff. I mean I listen to some Nas. ..But this is just so different. It is not what I know.”

Ok I will give him points for Nas (and I don’t know what tracks of Nas he is listening to that did not prep him for the political), but Lil Wayne as HIP HOP?

Sorry- I digress.

The point is that this tool that was once so powerful (and still is) for bringing word, sound, power to manifest – for sparking that need to fight, has now become so co-opted that we have been reduced to hollow beats that keep the head nodding like a mindless droid – and for some of us beats that leave the soul aching, at least the soul that remembers…

Remembers times of a dope beat being accompanied by a message that made you have to get HIP (knowledgeable) and HOP up and do something as KRS one would say. But more broadly, it is the fear that there is a sentiment that we think there is nothing to really fight for – or that there is no fighting to do. I mean, have we become so brainwashed that we just let the government do what it wants, when it wants?

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Last weekend, I rolled out with my new dread (homie)- I call him Iry one. Me and Iry went to peep a video entitled “Traces of the Slave trade,” a film about Rhode Island’s involvement in the Slave trade. It was about the discovery by a white woman named Katrina Browne who discovered that her ancestors, the DeWolf family, was involved in slave trafficking from Rhode Island (a state this still trying to act “clean of the slave trade” when it was responsible for like half of the slaves that came in – but that is another story for another day). This woman and several members of her family decided to courageously talk about that connection, and they did this in order to bring attention to the fact that slavery was long and deep institution in the north and that we have to own our past. They did this video (and went into debt in the process) to open up a new dialogue on slavery.

So me and Iry went to enter into the dialogue.

Not only were we 2 of the only 6 or 8 black people there out of about 25 people, but we were also probably 2 of the youngest. So I ask…What’s really goin’ on? Is it just that RI is wack (ok maybe), or is it the bigger phenomenon of complacency and that we have become out of touch with our past?

After the event I sat talking with Iry on the need for awareness and figuring out a greater way to connect the youth with history. Afterwards, he smiled and assured me that I was doing all I could do and it was “highly” (or “tha bomb”). He reminded me I was planting the seed and some are ready to bloom now, and some are not. I thanked him for this reminder, as my passion and determination often makes me forget. Then I returned home and began to read my book for my class on Social Movements. I had chosen Prison Writings: My life is my Sundance, by Leonard Peltier.

Peltier is a political prisoner wrongfully accused of murdering a federal agent, who has been locked up for about 25 years of his life. That got me thinking about a recent case I read about Troy Anthony Davis, a man on death row wrongfully accused for killing a cop (notice a theme yet?)… So I found his petition and signed and sent others a message to do the same. Then onto Mumia Abu Jamal,…and suddenly I was so caught up as I remembered that 3 of my own mentors who fought for me to practice the spiritual practice that I embrace now (Tsunesaboro Makiguchi, Josei toda, and Daisaku Ikeda), were also political prisoners fighting for what they believed so that I could live today (Makiguchi consequently died while in prison). And that got me thinking of how many have reduced MLK ( Martin Luther King) to a day in January and some honorable mentions in black history month with Malcolm, and Angela Davis and Susan B. Anthony, Gandhi, Parks, Chavez, Mandella, and the list goes on and on of those who fought for me to be here right here, right now….

I guess that I am just concerned with this next generation. It seems that they may get amnesia (or already have it). I am not a pessimist- I know that there are those fighting everyday- I see them, I am one of them-but I just don’t want us to forget that we need to teach the next ones that it is not over. Me and Iry had hella convo on the way up and back. Deep conversation about our indigenous links and the spirit and the power of the word. Conversation that included knowledge, questioning, laughter and respect, our concerns of now, hopes for the future, and the next ones coming along. And while I know that it is lofty for me to believe that everyone can have that type of conversation (or connection), I know that it is possible and that we CAN go deeper then many of us have been, and help others do the same.

Sometimes I write these blogs and wonder if anyone hears me and is paying attention. Am I just wasting time, energy, space? Should I just start writing some shit about gossip, fads, or just add to the shit talking already going on to get readership?

But that aint my style or mission.

Lets face it. I’d rather have 3 people read that can really feel my words and want to help change the world, than 300 that just like to be entertained. Other times I sit up late and wonder if I am making a difference. Hoping that I touched someone’s soul today in a way that no one had before- and if I did not that they at least found someone else who could. I wonder “Am I continuing the legacy of those who sacrificed before me? Do I really mean what I say and do? Am I sincere? If not, how can I become more so?” But mostly, lately, the battle within me has been to believe that I am doing right now all that I can do- and to fight the despondency and cynicism that sometimes creeps up my esophagus like a bile, so that I can stand strong and say that we do care and things are changing and EACH ONE will TEACH ONE. YES!

I guess this month my article turned into me emptying out my soul to you. But I just am begging you to get involved with something today, ANYTHING. Fight for a cause, know that things are not done. Mumia Abu Jamal is STILL locked up. Leonard Peltier as well (DESPITE the lack of evidence). Troy Anthony Davis in on death row for a crime he did not commit, facing execution this month. Women are being burned in India for not having their “marriage payment” met. Workers over seas (and here)are being exploited by stores like WALMART, and in some cases as slaves were back in the day. Global warming is happening at an alarming rate- a rate so rapid we have to care because if there is no PLANET there are no HUMAN RIGHTS to worry about. WE ARE NOT DONE. We cannot forget. Please. I beg of you. Do something today.

And, most of all, believe. Believe that even if out of 500 you only get 5 that you have done your job. Because those 5 will get the next 5,and they will get 5 more-and in case you forgot….
that is what can start a revolution.

AHO and Alafia (peace). Mitakuye Oyasin (we are all related). Its all Myo-ho (the mystic law that guides us all- including the yin and yang).

“One love, one heart, lets get together and feel alright”
Bob Marley

Things to get you started:

- Troy Anthony Davis has until September 29th- sign petition today!
http://www.troyanthonydavis.org/call-to-action.html

- Leonard Peltier- Allow him his last days of living free!
http://www.freepeltiernow.org/

-Mumia Abu Jamal- Its WAY overdue
http://freemumia.com/

- Traces of the trade: Slavery in the deep North
http://www.tracesofthetrade.org/

- Fight against child labor exploitation overseas
http://www.iearn.org.au/clp/archive/resource.htm

- Fight Bride Burning in India
http://www.indiatogether.org/women/dowry/

-Darfur
http://www.savedarfur.org/

-Environment and Animal rights
http://www.sierraclub.org/human-rights/

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Rhode to Africa: An Interview Series and Concert Series

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Right on time for the October 26 Final R2A Concert. Scroll down or click here for concert details.

KINGSTON, RI - If you didn’t catch it yesterday, tune in at 12:30 PM today - Thursday October 23 - or Monday, October 27 to here the third episode of the Rhode to Africa Interview Series. It features Michelle Cruz, a Cape Verdean-American singer songwriter and Pawtucket, RI native; Providence resident, musician and DJ Aarin Clemons, aka Abstract Soul; and Brown University alum and Founding President of Heritage Revival Projects, M. Lamin Sarr.

The Rhode to Africa Interview Series is a 4-part program produced by RezaRitesRi.com, Beatbox Studio, and Mount Hope Neighborhood Association. It’s airing on 90.3 FM, WRIU is made possible thanks to the generosity of the University of Rhode Island, RI Foundation, RI Council for the Humanities, The Van Leesten Group, Nellie Mae Foundation, Firehouse no. 13 and numerous other RI businesses and organizations. The interviews air through October on WRIU; the last episode begins next week.

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Plus, tune in to WRIU (90.3 FM in RI or www.wriu.org from your computer) on Thursday, October 23 and Monday, October 27 at 12:30 PM (EST) to hear the third episode of the Rhode to Africa Interview Series, featuring two of Sunday’s artists: Michelle Cruz and Abstract Soul.

BOSTON, MA - Highly sought after, award-winning spoken word poet and National Slam Competitor, Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo has signed on to be a special guest performer at the final Rhode to Africa Concert this Sunday, October 26. Ever-trekking, it will follow an October 22 performance the Nigerian-American, Boston-based artist has scheduled for Austin, Texas. She’ll join RI-based artists - hip hop emcee, poet and writer Kalyana Champlain; Cape Verdean-American musician and songwriter, Michelle Cruz; and funk musician and dj, Aarin Clemons (aka Abstract Soul).

The final Rhode to Africa Concert happens this Sunday, October 26 at Firehouse no. 13 in Providence. The shows are 18 plus and 8 PM – 1 AM, with a $5 dollar door cost for the live and recorded music. Firehouse 13 is located at 41 Central Street in Providence - seconds from downtown Providence, close to Central and Classical High Schools.

The October 12 Rhode to Africa Concert featured RI-based Liberian, reggae and/or hip hop bands and performers: Rooted Sound with Lady DUBB; Riders Against The Storm (RAS); and Corey Taylor, aka DJ Blade Mon from WRIU, 90.3 FM, the radio station of the University of Rhode Island. The October 5 show was headlined by Afrika Rainbow - a Cape Verdean reggae band made of members primarily based out of Brockton, MA - with Olivier Varela or Mr. Loverman from WRIU’s Cape Verde-Afro Beat Show.

Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo and Reza Rites pose for a photo at the 2006 Urban Music Awards. It was held at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston, MA. Okoawo was one of the winners. Click here for more info about the event.

Rhode to Africa is a Concert Series and Interview Series about Africans in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The Interview Series documents four roundtable conversations with RI and MA musicians and community leaders speaking on these and other topics: Liberia, Senegal, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Gambia and America; culture and identity; education, music, and language. The thirty minute episodes are currently airing on WRIU and they are being released as podcasts on RezaRitesRi.com and iTunes (search “Rhode to Africa” or “RezaRitesRi.com” in the iTunes store).

Rhode to Africa was produced by RezaRitesRi.com and Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc. with support from The Rhode Island Foundation, Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, The Van Leesten Group, The Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Firehouse no. 13, WRIU, Beatbox Studio, and many other RI-based organizations, businesses, and individuals.

For more information about Rhode to Africa, visit RezaRitesRi.com or contact Rhode to Africa Creator and Director, Reza Corinne Clifton, at rezaclif@gmail.com or 401-497-5246. To read a 2005 RezaRitesRi interview with Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo, click here.

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PROVIDENCE, RI - Join this opportunity to discuss the disparities between Black America and White America based on the New York Times bestseller “The Covenant” edited by Tavis Smiley. The Covenant explains how individuals and households can make changes that will immediately improve their circumstances in areas ranging from health and education to crime reduction and financial well-being. Though the African American community faces devastating social disparities, this celebration of possibility, hope and strength will help leaders and citizens keep Black America moving forward.

Below are the dates and locations of the last 2 forums; all forums are free and open to the public:

Tuesday, October 21: RURAL DEVELOPMENT, Corey D. B. Walker, PhD, Scholar, Ray Rickman, Moderator, Congdon Street Baptist Church, 17 Congdon Street, at 6:30 p.m.

For many Black Americans our “country within the country” is the rural South. It can be argued that the loss of land and rural life cuts deeply into the foundation of Black American sustenance and identify. There is a synergy that can and must be developed between rural Black people and Blacks in urban and suburban areas. Urban, suburban, and rural Black Americans must work together to reclaim, strengthen, and sustain our rural roots; it is the basis of our history.

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Thursday, November 13: THE COVENANT IN ACTION, CCRI Liston Campus, Providence at 6:30 p.m. A full panel discussion of The Covenant with Black America aimed at inspiring people to take control of their own destiny and to fight for what they believe in and to make a difference.

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The Covenant with Black America is funded by the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities and presented by Anne Edmonds Clanton. For information call 401-258-1910.

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Rhode to Africa: An Interview Series and Concert Series
Hear the first episode of the Rhode to Africa Interview Series by downloading the podcast here. If you use iTunes, click here.

Presented by: RezaRitesRi.com; Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc., Beatbox Studio, WRIU, 90.3 FM, Firehouse no. 13. Generously supported by: The Rhode Island Foundation, Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, Nellie Mae Education Foundation, The Van Leesten Group, & others.

The first official Rhode to Africa podcast is up!! If you didn’t hear the first episode on WRIU 90.3 FM - or if you did but want to hear it again - download the podcast here or get it on iTunes by clicking here! The first episode features Sata Jallah, aka Lady DUBB, Jonathan Mahone, aka J-Bro, and Emmanuel Paulus of the Liberian Community Association of RI.

Plus, the second episode of Rhode to Africa starts today on WRIU. Hear it at 12:30 PM on 90.3 FM or in real time at www.wriu.org. The second episode highlights Mary Smith and Harold Omisore of Oasis International; Jean Phillipe Barros a City Council Candidate in Pawtucket; and WRIU’s own Olivier Varela – aka Mr. Loverman from WRIU’s Cape Verdean Afro-beat show.

Rhode to Africa episodes and replays are airing in October every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30 PM on WRIU - 90.3 FM or wriu.org. Tune in or stay tuned for news about the podcasts.

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A Review of Bug:
A play running through Sunday, October 19 at
The Providence Black Repertory Company

by Camila Crews

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PROVIDENCE, RI - Bug, the latest offering from the Providence Black Repertory Company’s resident director Megan Sandberg- Zakian, is a far departure from the Black Rep’s regular repertoire of theater that features the African Diaspora like The Bluest Eye and the Etymology of Bird. For starters, recreational drugs, ‘booze’ and conspiracy theories are the backdrop and norm of this plotline.

Agnes (Jackie Davis) is a down-and-out woman living in a rundown motel in the middle of Oklahoma. Agnes has a daily ritual that consists of a line of coke washed down with bottle of Arbor Mist. Besides her drugs and alcohol her only other companion is her lesbian friend R.C. played by Michaelle Santil. This quickly changes once R.C. introduces Agnes to a drifter named Peter (Cedric Lilly). The attraction between Peter and Agnes is almost instantaneous and the real story finally begins.

You quickly see that there’s something about Peter, he’s unlike anyone else Agnes has ever met. He’s also a walking encyclopedia with a little bit of knowledge about everything – including bugs and the effects that they have on people. Peter is fixated with bugs and troubled by paranoia, behavior displayed in a scene in which he goes from ripping all the linens off of the bed combing for bugs - in a motel in the middle of nowhere – to being in some kind of science lab complete with aluminum foil walls, the appearance of a psychiatrist and much more.

Raidge, a Black Rep regular, makes an appearance as Jerry – Agnes’s abusive ex-husband – but Davis as Agnes is clearly the protagonist. However, Lilly often steals the show as the quirky drifter in Sandberg- Zakian’s interpretation.

Bug is adapted from a play by Pulitzer and Tony Award Winner Tracy Letts. In 2007 Bug hit the big screen staring Ashley Judd, Harry Connick, Jr., and Michael Shannon.

Cedric Lilly and Jackie Davis hold their own as two loners brought together by fate… or some other entity. Bug is a humorous and entertaining thriller that will keep you guessing long after you’ve left the theater.

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Firing the Judge: A move toward Self Acceptance and Appreciation
By Kalyana Champlain

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After berating myself for ordering a pizza I couldn’t really afford, how I should have done more work, whether I have exposed myself to the guy I am dating too much? too little? Was it a mistake? Is it going to work? Shit. Facing insecurities with a new teaching position, a transition into grad school, as an artist thinking if I am really perfecting my craft enough? Am I “good” enough? Am I balancing my time ok? Where am I internally? Should have done more…less…everything…nothing…

RAAAAAAAAAHHH!

And after surviving a day in which the inner demons were thrashing, I realized that this is what this article needed to be about: fighting that judge and embracing our greater good. It’s in there – I swear – even though it is sometimes so hard to believe. Sounds like Kal needed a little more self trust and acceptance, and a lot less criticism and doubt.

Most people see me as this confident, self assured woman who just has it all together. While this holds truth, there is also a little girl in here who has to be reminded regularly that it is not the end of the world and that she is capable, worthy, and DESERVING. Perhaps that is where the “strong woman” who everyone sees is actually coming from: The fight to give comfort to that little girl who never felt good enough or capable enough.

My biggest button is SHAME. Shame can come in many forms: The need to always be right, being critical to the point of no return, having to be “perfect,” and so on. To avoid it I use Blame and Judgment. I do this to myself and others. But I guess that is all really one in the same since how you treat yourself is how you essentially treat others. The inner dialogue is filled with shoulda, couldas, and wouldas – sometimes a little too much for me to handle.

Ok ALOT of times too much for me to handle. But I am combating it daily; my internal lotus is blooming with consistency.

Judgment, punishment, and self inflicted abuse is what I learned – and it is the lesson that I have carried out loyally. But loyalty is a funny (and sometimes shady) thing when you begin to understand what drove it (in this case feelings of low self worth and insecurities), and how it is NO LONGER working for you.

A lack of self acceptance helps to fuel the feeling of shame and vice versa. What dissolves shame is recognition and ACCEPTANCE. Once you shine the light on it, the shadow recedes. It is often during conversations with girlfriends struggling with the same issues that we are able to expose our underbelly and tell on those inner demons. Then suddenly they lose their power.

And under all this is also a fear. A fear that things are too good to be true, or to believe that I am doing alright (even and especially when I am not), am going to be OK, and that no matter what comes I can handle it. That no matter what mistake I made or make, it is just a lesson and not a marker that I am a “BAD person.” The fear to TRUST THE PROCESS. And sometimes the fear is just that sickening underlying belief that soon they will all find out…yes they will all know–the REAL HORRIFYING YOU.

There is only one important detail- the “real horrifying you” is no different from the “real horrifying them” (lol).

Much of this also comes from how we grew up – especially in dysfunctional homes (probably about 70 percent if not more of America, in my opinion). Were our parents critical? Were we missing a mother or father? Did we believe we were at fault, and now try to become everything that “would have made them stay”- or everything that they were not to “prove something,” making it that much harder when we make a mistake?

Were we taught to be a good girl or a good boy and what did that mean? Did it mean that you trust who you are and forgive your mistakes, or that you are only good when you are doing what someone else asked of you, provided what someone else needed, or were “perfect.” And what did “perfect” mean?

Further, what does society tell us? That perfection is sought after: The ideal. No one sees the pictures before they’re photoshopped, or the millions of mistakes that the celebrity on the cover had to make to get that photo opp. Self acceptance, according to society, is CONDITIONAL, defined by net worth and titles, as successes are laced with a shame placed on failures.

But the reality is that success and failure are a partnership.

There are other issues that arise out of a this lack of self acceptance. A lack of self acceptance rears its ugly head in illnesses like cancer and depression. It can leave you feeling bitter and hopeless, driving you to a state of pessimism and robbing you of joy.

The bottom line is that all of this helps to feed the tapes that are already playing in our heads. The tapes that some of us aren’t even aware are playing. For some of us we have covered those tapes up with excessive care-giving, an unhealthy drive for achievement, or have allowed them to lead us down a slippery slope of victimhood- forgetting that WE ARE THE CREATORS OF OUR LIFE. And our movie is either going to be a blockbuster or a flop. But it first starts with what you choose to believe about YOU.

I remember when I was in rehab and I was in my therapists office explaining my frustration with my behaviors that I kept repeating; how angry I was that I just couldn’t get ”it” (whatever “it” was), and how it was hopeless. I would forever be a mess. Why bother. Her Response: “Kaly, You cannot move ahead until you accept where you are. Until you accept where and who you are right now, you will remain stuck. It is OK TO BE WHERE YOU ARE. It is part of the process. You need to FIRE THAT JUDGE.”

So let’s all fire that judge. This is not an article to say “Yeah- This is how I am so deal with it.” this is an article to say “this is how I am right now – and it is OK.” And then decide who you want to be.

I once came up with this quote and placed it at the end of my email–

“Don’t ever be afraid to rethink who you are…growth is a process, not a destination”

While I wanted it to benefit those who got my messages, I think I did it for a more important reason – to remind myself.

Self acceptance is hard, especially if we have been taught otherwise. But it is a must if we are to be able to accept anyone else and their process. And as you touch your own pain, fear, and insecurity, you find yourself opening up to the world in a way unimaginable.

The best part is you begin to claim your authenticity, and it is in that authenticity that you become YOU, and it is only through being who you really are that the world benefits…they may not always like it, but they will benefit.

In the meantime your benefit is the freedom that you will finally have when you realize what you should have known all along: You are PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.

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Presented by: RezaRitesRi.com; Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc., Beatbox Studio, WRIU, 90.3 FM, Firehouse no. 13

Interview Series Update
If you haven’t heard the first official episode yet, tune in Thursday, October 9 at 12:30 PM to hear: A Conversation with Sata Jallah (Lady DUBB of the band Rooted Sound), Jonathan Mahone (J-Bro of the band Riders Against the Storm and of the comedy group, In House Freestyle), and Emmanuel Paulus (of the Liberian Community Association of RI).

The Interview episodes will air on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 12:30 PM on WRIU, 90.3 FM or www.wriu.org. They will be available soon as podcasts on RezaRitesRi.com and on iTunes (search RezaRitesRi in the iTunes Store). Keep checking back in for more updates.

Concert Series Update
The Concerts began with a musical revolution last Sunday, October 5 at Firehouse no. 13, an easy to find gallery and performance space. Thanks to everyone who joined us for the inspiring and illuminating performances by DJ Mr. Loverman and Afrika Rainbow. Pictures are coming soon, so keep checking back in.

This Sunday, October 12, the series features Rooted Sound, Riders Against The Storm, and DJ Blade Mon. There is sure to be “more fiyah” on the eve of the day commemorating the hero-villain, Christopher (Cristobal) Columbus (Colon). Miss this and miss the best.

See you from 8 PM - 1 AM this Sunday. Peace.

Reza Rites

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Rhode to Africa is produced by RezaRitesRi.com and Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, but supported by The Rhode Island Foundation, Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, Nellie Mae Education Foundation, The Van Leesten Group, WRIU 90.3 FM, Firehouse no. 13, Beatbox Studio, Bashment Sounds, Oasis International, Liberian Community Association of RI, The Providence Black Repertory Company, Dr. Isadore Ramos, Jean-Phillipe Powers, Chachi, The Heritage Revival Project, RIFuture.org, The Providence American, City Beat TV, Intervideo, The Rhode Island Young Professionals (an auxiliary of The Urban League of RI), Elea’s Restaurant, Mamie Ellen’s Kitchen, Brown University’s 3rd World Center, Harambee at Rhode Island College, and others.

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