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My Health, My Community’s Health

by Reza Corinne Clifton

An excerpt from the 2009 Minority Health Edition of She Shines Magazine, “From the Editor.” Pictured here is the cover from the magazine featuring work by RI-based artist, Simone Spruce-Torres.

PROVIDENCE, RI - If health in America were reflected in a medical condition, my guess is it would probably be prediabetic. Notwithstanding the “America is sick” belief, there are disparities in outcomes based on race, ethnicity and zip code that simply won’t go away. How will we ever get there?

Imagine a United States in which chattel slavery ended almost as soon as it started – or at least one in which the end of the Civil War actually ended the practice of discrimination in America.

Imagine a U.S. in which every teacher saw every student as a vessel to fill – with hope, confidence, intellect and ability.

Finally, imagine a U.S. in which every doctor saw in each of her or his patients a person to treat, cure and regard as her/his very own parent, spouse or child.

These are some of the thoughts that stayed in my sub consciousness, from the minute I began considering and selecting the pieces I’d weave into this edition of She Shines to the very last period I typed on my screen. A patchwork of contradictions regularly darted through my mind – as well as aloud in interviews and at a conference on Health Reporting sponsored by the National Association of Black Journalists: Insured versus Denied; Specialist versus Attending; Fear versus Prevention; Holistic versus Prescription; Yours versus Ours; Life versus Death.

…

For more information about She Shines, visit www.sheshines.org. To keep reading this article or to download the entire issue, click here.

Reza Corinne Clifton’s work can be read and heard at www.RezaRitesRi.com, www.VenusSings.com, www.SheShines.org, and on WRIU, 90.3 FM (www.wriu.org). She is an online publisher, freelance writer, and radio producer whose most recent project, The Rhode 2 Africa, gained her critical acclaim in the community for her exploration of African communities and cultures that are now based in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Pieces of the project aired on WRIU, and community events were held in Providence, Rhode Island. Interviews, photographs, a video and other information about the project are located on RezaRitesRi.com.

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by Reza Corinne Clifton

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PAWTUCKET, RI - Sometimes when I’m out at a live show locally, I remember why I’ve never been hooked to American Idol: because that kind of talent exists in my backyard. That thought most recently crossed my mind last Saturday, April 25, when I attended a musical showcase at Mixed Magic Theatre - The MC’s R.A.P (Rhythm And Poetry) Sessions. Not only was I re-impressed with performers like Riders Against the Storm, Kalyana Champlain, and Yunus - two acts featured during the Rhode to Africa Concert Series and one whose work has accented a RezaRitesRi podcast - but I was appropriately amused by the wordplay of hip hop emcee (rapper) Waleezy, and downright titillated by the melodic, thematic, and metronomic variety displayed by the singer-poet-emcee, Genesis. Why, she even did a song/remix over Outkast’s breathtaking and convivial cult favorite, Spottieottiedopalicious, from their third album, Aquemini.

But kudos also goes to the host and creator of the night - Rudy Cabrera of Providence, RI - and to everyone at Mixed Magic Theatre. Part of the artistic and cultural renaissance happening in Pawtucket, Mixed Magic - under Ricardo and Bernadette Pitts-Wiley - have found the perfect balance between firmly cementing roots in a host community while sharing and attracting a broad base of supporters. Evidence of this includes recent performances by company members in Washington, D.C., and in their upcoming events. For more information keep reading below, visit www.mixedmagictheatre.org, or call 401-475-6675.

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The Blackstone Academy Charter School Presents

The Blackstone Tale of Don Quixote

Adapted and directed by Mixed Magic Theatre Artistic Director, Ricardo Pitts-Wiley
From the novel Don Quixote by Miguel De Cervantes

Thursday - Saturday
May 7th-9th
7:30 PM

Mixed Magic Theatre
171 Main St. Pawtucket

All Tickets $5
info: Call 726-1750

Miguel De Cervantes’ classic novel has been called the first true novel and in the eyes of many in the world, the greatest novel of all time. Cervantes uses an idealistic, insane knight and his devoted squire to portray many complex themes through a series of unforgettable incidents both tragic and comic.

In The Blackstone Tale of Don Quixote, director Ricardo Pitts-Wiley has adapted the novel and set it in contemporary Pawtucket and Central Falls, Rhode Island.

In the play, a man of the neighborhood, “Papi” has read Cervantes’ great novel to several generations of people. Now as an old man unable to care for himself, he has come to believe that he is the “Knight Errant” of his favorite book and must go on a mission to restore justice and honor to his beloved cities. A group of young people decide to take Papi through Central Falls and Pawtucket to reenact Don Quixote’s adventures before he is sent to a retirement home by the state.

The Blackstone Tale of Don Quixote will feature students from the Blackstone Academy Charter School located in Pawtucket. Teacher Gilbert Rodriquez will play the role of Papi.

The play is made possible by support from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the Pawtucket Rotary Literary Project.

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Mixed Magic Theatre Presents

Misery’s Fiend: Frankenstein

Written by Ricardo Pitts-Wiley. Adapted from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Directed by Jonathan Pitts-Wiley

Thursday - Saturday
May 14th- 23rd
7:30 PM

Mixed Magic Theatre
171 Main St. Pawtucket

$15 General
$10 Students & Seniors

info: 401-305-7333

Mixed Magic Theatre will present an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein titled Misery’s Fiend: Frankenstein at its theater located at 171 Main Street in Pawtucket. Misery’s Fiend: Frankenstein retells the story in Mary Shelly’s own words of Victor Frankenstein’s irresponsible creation of a monster. Against a backdrop of the contemporary American culture it also shows how his actions continue to influence the modern world.

This production continues Mixed Magic Theatre’s page-to-stage theatre projects and its efforts to build more literate and arts active communities.

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Calling All Professionals, Entrepreneurs and Artists in Pawtucket, East Providence, North Providence, and Central Falls

The Rhode Island Young Professionals in collaboration with Mixed Magic Theatre, Slater Mill and Rosinha’s Restaurant present

CROSSING THE LINE: A Networking Social in Pawtucket.

Wednesday, April 29
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Rosinha’s Restaurant
Hope Artiste Village
999 Main St., Pawtucket, RI

For more information, contact me, Reza Rites, at 401-497-5246.

For more information about the Rhode Island Young Professionals, Mixed Magic Theatre, or Slater Mill, visit www.riyp.org, www.mixedmagictheatre.org, or www.slatermill.org.

RICJ ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ANNUAL JOURNALISM AWARDS
Winners to Be Presented at 21ST Annual Metcalf Awards Breakfast

Recipients include RezaRitesRi.com, She Shines Magazine, and WRNI - three outlets that do or have featured the editorial work of Reza Corinne Clifton (Reza Rites).

Providence, RI, April 21, 2009 – Recruiting urban youth for nursing school, touting the accomplishments of RI women, a sailing team competing against the odds, African neighbors putting down Rhode Island roots and food from the around the globe in our backyard, are the focus for winners of the 21st Annual Metcalf Diversity in Media Awards to be presented Thursday, May 14, 8:15 a.m. at the Temple-Downtown restaurant in Providence.

Rhode Island for Community and Justice is proud to announce the following winning individuals and media outlets.

–>Broadcast: Dana Neugent for the “Be A Nurse” video.

–>Print, Daily: Gail Ciampa and the Providence Journal for the “Taste of
the Neighborhood” Food Series

–>Print, Weekly/Bi-Weekly: Jewish Voice and Herald – Community News Series

–>Print, Monthly/Quarterly: Northern Rhode Island YWCA – She Shines Magazine

–>Internet: RezaRitesRI.com for “Rhode to Africa” Podcast

–>Radio: Megan Hall and WRNI radio for “ Clagett Regatta”

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Established in 1988 to honor the late Michael Metcalf, publisher of the Providence Journal, awards are given for Print, Broadcast (Radio and Television) and Web/Internet media. A final category was added recognizes unusually outstanding effort in any media. Entries are judged by a local, independent panel convened by RICJ. The annual competition is the only award in Rhode Island to recognize journalists and the media for their stories promoting diversity.

WJAR TV 10 General Manager, Lisa Churchville will emcee the breakfast festivities and RI PBS President, Bob Fish is honorary chair. Established in 1988 to honor the late Michael Metcalf, publisher of the Providence Journal, previous awardees have included: Stephanie McKenna, Providence Journal; Joseph Fitzgerald, the Woonsocket Call; Jaime Remillard, the Observer; Valerie Tutson, Cultural Tapestry, Cox Communications; and WELH Brown Student Radio.

RICJ is a social justice organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism and promoting understanding and respect among all races, religions and cultures through advocacy, conflict resolution and education.

Tickets to the awards breakfast are $40 per person. For additional information contact Ann Clanton at Rhode Island for Community and Justice at 401 467-1717 Ext. 101. For more information about Rhode to Africa, click here.

by Reza Corinne Clifton

originally posted on www.VenusSings.com

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PROVIDENCE, RI - I love music; don’t you??!! It is my insulin, earl grey tea, and “pleasure principle” - if I may borrow a certain Jackson’s expression and song title. It is with this in mind (and Santogold in ear) that I proportionately pound away at these keys to deliver a proclamation that likely moves no one as heartily as me:

My next two dates for hosting and producing Voices of Women on WRIU are tomorrow, April 25 and Saturday, May 9. VOW is a weekly program run Saturday mornings from 9:00 - 11:00 (EST) by one of four hosts: Liza, Beth, Gail, and me (Reza, aka Reza Rites, aka VenusSings.com).

WRIU can be accessed by radio in and around Rhode Island at 90.3 FM or anywhere in the world by using an internet-equipped computer and visiting www.wriu.org. It is the state’s largest noncommercial station, and it is run by students, community members, and those who, like me, are alumni and former student-dj’s.

For more information about WRIU, visit www.wriu.org. To tag along during my musical adventures, keep checking back in to www.venussings.com or check out RezaRitesRi.com for all my current projects, publications, events, etc.

Sunshine and Laughter,
Reza

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by Reza Corinne Clifton

originally posted on www.VenusSings.com

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KINGSTON, RI - Once a year - and only once - every show and dj on WRIU reaches out to their listeners to ask for monetary donations to support the station, which is supported by underwriting, listeners, and a portion of the University of Rhode Island’s student fees. That time in 2009 comes to a close today, April 12; here’s a reminder of why people have given.

WRIU is run by URI students AND the community, and it is the largest noncommercial station in RI. The show offers music in nearly every genre, from World and Reggae to folk and Celtic. The station is widely known in some circles for the 3-6 PM, Monday-Friday hip hop slot that’s been there for years. Some recognize it as one of the only stops on the radio dial where you can still hear classical compositions, gritty blues melodies, and jazz standards. Most see WRIU as a family unit or community tradition that champions the producer and listener’s preference for audible curiosities and independent musical choice.

WRIU can be heard on 90.3 FM in parts of Connecticut and even areas of Long Island, NY, as well as through Northern RI and sections of Massachusetts. The station is enjoyed worldwide, though, through the livestreaming you can access at www.wriu.org.

And speaking of wriu.org - you can also give donations there. It does not take a lot to show and deliver a little support. Oddly enough, it is doing nothing that would cause it to crumble.

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