Artist Avy Jetter draws portrait of me, how humbling and inspiring

Humility is a strength, not a weakness.

I cannot describe how empowered I feel, yet humbled by the art I have the honor of introducing. But first, a little background.

Last fall, my good friend Shawanda (who I love to call, "Queen EasyPass" took a great photo of me while in our African American Film class at Laney College with Dr. Carole Ward-Allen.

Through a number of recent experiences -- my lady's birthday, my boss passing away -- my spirit was simultaneously flying and falling. It was like someone was jumping up and down on a rising helium balloon. Despite the weight and gravity...still, I rise.

Back to the photo. So, Shawanda snaps this photo in class, on her phone, and I just loved it.

She'd uploaded the photo back in March, but tagged me in the photo on Facebook.com in August.

One of my Facebook friends, the talented Avy Jetter, saw the photo and asked if she could do draw it.

I probably was thinking, "As long as you don't put any horns coming out my head or have me looking like Mr. Wendell, it's cool." Truthfully, I had no idea what to expect.

It makes me feel both proud and humbled that a talented artist would take the time to include me in such a wonderful series.

Without any further ado, here it is.

Pencil Sketch

Rough pencil sketch of the portrait. The beginning.

Inking 1


Inking 2


Inking 3


Drawing 1


Drawing 4


Super duper fresh!

Check out more art from Avy Jetter at the following links:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StormoneOriginals
Blog: http://electricstorm.blogspot.com/
Online Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/StormOne
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/storm1sky

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POEM: Man and Water

Photo: Lake Merritt South Fountain(2008)

Man and Water

Man walks Water waves

Man speaks Water splashes

Man writes Water ripples

Man cool Water calm

Man drinks water
Water drowns man

Man reflects
Water reflects

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Dream Day: Remembering Mike Dream

RIP Mike Dream (1969-2000)

Photo: Amoeba.com

I'm from Alameda. Not born, but raised. And I represent the Buena Vista's (Buena Vista Apartments, Alameda, CA) every day.

My apartments were home to Jimmy Rollins, Antwon "Strife" Rollins, Jimmie Reign, Dasha Chadwick, the Minister of Information JR and more. But one of the most important people from Alameda to come out of the B.V.'s is Mike "Dream" Francisco.

Dream was a graff legend -- a Bay Area graffiti pioneer -- by the time I was breakdancing at Woodstock Park battles (ABC - Alameda Breaking Crew).

A lot of people from Alameda front like they from Oakland, or claim spaces where other people live. Although I moved to Alameda from Oakland, one of the reasons I took pride in being from the Buena Vista's was Dream was from Alameda.

Dream was an amazing artist, and from what people who really know Dream, was real.

Sadly, Dream was killed in West Oakland in 2000. He would be 40 years old today. Instead, his beautiful life was taken from us.

The Oakbook writes: "To mark his tenth death anniversary, a group of DJs and artists have put together a benefit for Francisco’s son, Akil Francisco, whose mother recently succumbed to breast cancer."

"Dream Day" will be at the New Parish in Oakland Friday, Feb. 5. Be there!

Dreams Autobiography


"This piece is for all of you fake ass perpetratin, “Hip-Hop” T-shirt wearin, tags on the backpack totin bring your bitch with you to do your fill-in, no respectin, no style havin, writin for two months callin ya’selves Kings, no knowledge of history havin, in it for the minute, once a month piecin’ no skill havin taking three hours to draw a pretty ass character, started writin in art school wishin you was down with the culture! You good for nothin’ forever fakin’ the Funk Mutha Fuckas!!!"

--“Dream”

To learn more about DREAM or TDK (Those Damn Kids) visit DreamTDK.com.

Like Dream wrote in his autobiography, "Writing is my life" about the evolution of his graff writing, I see the similarity in my own writing:

My pieces started to have more content and substance, and each piece meant more than bombing (which is a fundamental part of this writing culture), but had more of a message. My writing has become a part of mental liberation, focusing on issues such as police brutality, national liberation, racism, and rebellion. But, ultimately it is the style of the letters, the words, that keep me writing, because to stay in the game, you need to stay on top of your style and ride that shit.

Words from a King. Rest in Power "King Dream".
.

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POEM: Lil' Black Rose

Image: Sunshine Joy

Lil' Black Rose

A seed was planted
from which a flower grew
a Lil' Black Rose, more
beautiful than you ever knew

Fed the freshest water
bathed in the brightest sun rays
grown from the richest soil
where the happiest children play

Its pedals were soft and moist
precious and pure its inner bud
stemmed, rooted in positive energy
it grew up filled with love

The Lil Black Rose grows
unique, rare and one of a kind
none could match its beauty
recognized by even the blind

-Reginald James

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PHOTO: Oakland Rising

Photo: Reginald James via Oakland Local

I shot this photo from atop the 1600 Franklin Building around 8:30 on Thursday morning. I liked this shot because of the imposing sun blast above the foggy morning sky. Within the low mist, you can see a few Oakland icons.

For me, many of these buildings have a personal significance (From left):

• 1200 Lakeside Dr (Huey P. Newton's penthouse overlooking the courthouse)
• 1401 Lakeside Dr (used to help walk a woman to her car when I was 7 yrs old)
• Hill Castle Apartment Hotel (lived there with mom and dad in late 80s)
• Malonga Casquelode, aka Alice Arts Center (African dance, capoeira, more)
• Alameda County Courthouse (Images of the Free Huey rallies)
• Laney College (where I learned more about myself and the world)
• Hotel Oakland (seniors from here would read to us at the Main Library)
• Alameda County Courthouse, Hotel Oakland

And the misty cloud streak GO!

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I Wish I Could Read Every Book in the World

Excellent parody of Drake's "Every Girl in the World" by the folks from 2-Cents. Imagine if rappers wanted to put their noses inside "Every Book in the World" instead of putting they dick inside every girl? Ironically, a lot of rappers are well read (just don't reflect it in all their rhymes).

This video actually references some decent literature and even features professor Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. It might be time to revisit "Read a book" (Read a MothaF*cking Book).
Reading Links

• Reading is Fundamental
• Black Expressions
• African American Literature Book Club

And be sure to support Black-Owned Book Stores like Marcus Books
Shout out to Reading Rainbow and Levar Burton.

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Simple is Sexy: Adina Howard

As part of my late night Twitter After Dark mix, I highlighted a song I'd never heard. I grew up enjoying Adina Howard -- and her sensuality -- so when I came across the video for "Nasty Grind," I was impressed.

First off, I'm an Afro-Lover (and I used to be a lover with an Afro), so I'm diggin' the natural. But the simplicity in this video is way more attractive -- and empowering -- than the random booty shaking and sexual oppression in your average soft-pornish Hip Hop video.

I didn't do justice to it by just putting Adina Howard in the middle of the ultimate baby making mix. This video is simple, and simply amazing.

What do you think?

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Music Monday: Hip Hop Tributes to Oscar Grant

Earlier today, I uploaded a video me reciting of Jasiri X's Oscar Grant Tribute on YouTube. It was performed on the one-year anniversary vigil organized by Grant's family at the Fruitvale BART Station. Grant was shot in the back by a BART police officer in the early hours of the New Year (2009).

Inspired by Oakland Local's Comprehensive Oscar Grant Memorial and Davey D's Hip Hop speaks out for Oscar Grant here is a collection of Hip Hop Tributes to Oscar Grant.

• Wanna Murder Me
  
  Wanna Murder Me (Oscar Grant Tribute) by JGarvi


• Crazy World
  
  "Crazy World" by DJ Green Lantern, Avery Storm, Uncle Murder


• Police Ain't Nothing but a Gang to Me
  
  Police Ain't Nothing but a Gang to Me by K-OTIC


• Hard in the Paint
  
  "Hard in the Paint" by Ise Lyfe.


• Little OG
  
  Little OG by J-Park


• My Life
  
  "Oscar Grant III Tribute (My Life)" Mistah F.A.B. ft. Jennifer Johns & Codany Holliday


• Oscar Grant III Tribute
  
  "Oscar Grant III Tribute" by
  Jasiri X.

Each song captures a different energy, aspect of the 'story' and emotions.
Other tracks:

• Kev Choice's Oscar Grant Tribute "Hopefully" which was released after the announcement that the trial would be moved to LA).
• Beeda Weeda's "Fuck the Police" featuring J-Stalin remixed his earlier track in response to the murder of Oscar Grant.

You can also check out my "I am Oscar Grant" Black and White Photography Essay on OaklandLocal.com.

Do you know any other Hip Hop Tributes to Oscar Grant?

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Twitter Radio: Ultimate Baby Making Mix

In the mix with Rafiki "Afro Thunder(Bird)" Jones

Photo: Black Dynamite/Edited by Mr. JE

---

After my experiment with Twitter Radio this morning (Smooth Jazz) I went into the zone with the late night mix for Twitter After Dark.

Here's some of the testimonials from our satisfied listeners:

"I looove that" - SLiMoe

"Goo Thunderbird Jones! #TwitterRadio #TwitterAfterDark! Has all the #throwback jams!" - Tin2Times

"your twit radio show is pure genius..." - mayasongbird

"#shoutout to @ReginaldJames he had #TwitterAfterDark on #TwitterRadio groovin tonite. a lot of babies made to these songs." - TheBest510

"u pushin out the baby makin #twitterradio mix of a life time...I think my time line got pregnant tonight!" - OGPenn

But check it out for yourself.

---

The Ultimate Baby Making Mix
By Afro ThunderBird Jones

"Turn off the Lights" - Teddy Pendergrass


"They like it Slow" - H-Town

Slow and Easy - Zapp and Roger

"Feenin’ " – Jodeci

"Seems like You’re Ready" – R. Kelly

"Nice and Slow" – Usher

This Lil’ Game We Play - Subway ft. 702

"What’s it Gonna Be" - Busta Rhymes – ft. Janet Jackson


Get it Wet - Twista

"Tell Me Do U Wanna" – Ginuwine

Nasty Grind - Adina Howard

How Does it Feel - D'Angelo

"Would you Mind – Janet

"Freak Me" – Silk

Stroke U Up – Changing Faces ft. Baby Face

P***ycat – Missy Elliott

Can we get Kinky Tonight - S.W.V.

Between the Sheets - Isley Brothers

Sexual Healing - Marvin Gaye

"I Want to get Next to You - Rose Royce

I’d Rather be With You" - Bootsy Collins

"Footsteps in the Dark" – Isley Brothers

"Give me your love" Curtis Mayfield


"Computer Love" – Roger & Zapp

“Doin it” - LL Cool J

"RU Still Down?" Jon B & 2Pac

"I need to be" - Ma$e

Turn Your Lights Down Low – Bob Marley & Lauren hill

Top of Me - Tyrese

"Neighbors Know My Name" – Trey Songz

Anytime, Anyplace – Janet Jackson

Art of Noise - Moments in Love


Don't know when I'll do Twitter Radio again, but best believe -- it will be poppin (on a handstand).

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Smooth Jazz on Twitter Radio

WREG #TwitterRadio on your internet dial featured some fresh smooth jazz joints for your early Sunday morning. Here's the Twitter Recap

Sunday Morning Smooth Jazz #TwitterRadio

Good Morning Twitterville. Beautiful morning. Took a jog 'round the hood, pull ups at the park, washed 2 loads of clothes and I'm in the mix
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8153968121

DJ Reg E. Reg on the 1's and 2's. Bringing you some smooth jazz tunes on this cloudy Sunday morning.
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154048571

Just because the sky is gray doesn't mean the Sun don't shine, you feel me? Sit back and enjoy some smooth sounds on WREG #TwitterRadio.
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154061699

http://bit.ly/4wY1nS "In the Morning" by Ledisi #Oakland
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154105196

Speaking on mornings, we're gone take you back with this one. http://bit.ly/106vrd "Mornin" by Al Jarreau
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154205901

If you like Al Jarreau, you must know about George Benson. They of course collabed on that track back in the day.
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154330951

Our next song is for you Twitter cupcakers out there. Still in bed hoggin covers. "Companions" by The Rippingtons http://bit.ly/7Elv1W
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154447049

Up early on a Sunday morning. It's @ReginaldJames brining you a Smooth Jazz mix on #TwitterRadio
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154595728

Since I've rocked both Jill Scott and George Benson, here's "Summertime" http://bit.ly/p0z3L (Summer weather would be nice)
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154667500

For y'all that love the Wind and the Rain here's "In the Rain" by Boney James ft. Dwele http://bit.ly/1qGi9F
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154773697

Planet Earth lovers, enjoy this tribute Najee, called, "Skyline" (not about the #Oakland HS) http://bit.ly/8FEvjN
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154910284

And I love that you loving it! RT @kreacjny: @ReginaldJames I'm lovin #TwitterRadio w/DJ ReggieJay hahaha
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8155034486

From our #HowardU bureau in DC, @iamcaps wants you to hear "Sweetest Taboo" by George Howard http://bit.ly/6WX2Ep
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8155057556

For my #HipHop heads, you'll love this #SmoothJazz remix of Tribe's "Electric Relaxation" http://bit.ly/6512NX #TwitterRadio
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8155110451

This #SmoothJazz remix goes out to @JazzzyOne "One More Chance" http://bit.ly/8T7auq LOL #TwitterRadio
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8155233685

Winding down this hour of #TwitterRadio, here's a #SmoothJazz tribute to Erykah Badu http://bit.ly/6KUt2r "Next Lifetime" @BeautyNubian
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8155375776

As we come to the end of WREG #SmoothJazz Sunday Morning #TwitterRadio here's Sade "Soldier of Love" http://bit.ly/8ZXm5c
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8155450009

This hour of WREG #TwitterRadio was sponsored by http://haitiaction.net/ "Aid, not Troops" AYIBOBO! #Haiti #ACTION
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8155561290

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Wake up Everybody

I was once told, "If it wasn't for Teddy Pendergrass, you wouldn't be alive." That's a wake up call for yo ass. Glad to be alive.

Rest in Peace Teddy Pendergrass.

Oh yeah, thanks :)

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Trailer for "Confined Thoughts: The Movie"

Confined Thoughts: The Movie (Trailer) Coming Soon

Last year, besides my stage debut at Laney College in "Ants in the Grasshoppers" and doing community theater with Pen Oakland's "Firing Blanks at Moving Targets", I also had a role in a short film.

Confined Thoughts is a short film produced by Roderick Waters and Michael Cotton, Sr.

Description:

This is a short movie that we did for our portfolio class at Laney College. It is about a wanna be rapper who is chasing his dream, but needs to get a job. Due to circumstances and a misunderstanding it would seem that he has the worst of luck.

2010.

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Theater: "Firing Blanks at Moving Targets" pays homage to Philadelphia's MOVE organization

Photo: Pen Oakland

I recently returned to the stage as a part of Pen Oakland's "Night of Short Plays."

In the play, "Firing Blanks at Moving Targets," I play Daniel C. -- the peacenik poet. He is a former Marine who returned from Vietnam seeking peace. Seeing images of the anti-war demonstrations, free love, free speech and all, he saw Philadelphia's revolutionary MOVE organization -- ONAMOVE his path.

The revolutionary MOVE organization is a African centered, anti-technology, pro-Earth, pro-community organization based out of Powelton Village in the 1970s. The Philadelphia government dropped a bomb on MOVE killing many women and children.

Our final showing of "Firing Blanks at Moving Targets" -- at the Live Oak Theater -- screened to a full house. Here's the video, courtesy of Eddie Lankford.

Firing Blanks at Moving Targets (Part 1)

Watch the complete video of the Staged play about Philadelphia's MOVE "Firing Blanks at Moving Targets" on YouTube.

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Ants and the Grasshoppers at Laney College

Ants and the Grasshoppers (Trailer)

This past spring, I had a role in "Ants and the Grasshopper" at Laney College. It was my first involvement in the resident "Fusion Theater" and was a great experience. The trailer above was created by the amazing Tracy Held Potter, who also adapted the script.

A complete audio recording and photos of the "Ants and the Grasshopper" are available online.

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