Erykah Badu Concert

Some names has a ring/flow to it: like Barack Obama and Erykah Badu. I do not have any of Erykah Badu's CD's or DVD's. I don't even now how many CD's she's release. This is not a good thing when you are at a live concert because you find yourself being the last one standing on a hit song. That happen to me last night at her concert. My previous experience of her has been limited to her appearances at events like the Million Man March or for some national disaster fund relief concert. I was broadsided to discovered that she is very "raw", and that's a mild adjective. She gave an excellent concert-quite entertaining. I love her sound and music. Not on board with much of the lyrics though. i.e. "I use to pray but I don't anymore cause I got much love. She's in to that god new age philosophy.


The cool evening was perfect while sitting under the stars at the Greek Theater in the hills of Los Angeles. A friend living in Fresno couldn't make the concert so the ticket was given to me free. Good seats in the B section.

The two opening acts were artist I hadn't heard of. Janelle Monae and Lupe Fiasco. Both had incredible energy that it tend to tire the mature audience out, but they had many fans appreciating them by their cheers. Janellle Monae is known as the James Brown of the day. It appeared that many came to hear them because they were somewhat calm on Erykah.

My wow moment was from none of the names on the billboard. Between the opening acts and Erykah, a DJ came on the stage and start playing clips of hot songs old&new. The energy level of the crowd was thunderous---everyone was on their feet and a party was going on. It was the most amazing thing I've experience at a concert. The place sits 5,000 and it was almost a sold out crowd and just about everyone were singing along with the songs that were played. Of course none of the songs were gospel tunes, so I wasn't able to bellow out any of the words but the spirit of happiness and joy and clapping of hands I was happy to contribute. I actually enjoyed that 10-15 min set out of the entire evening. Crazy uh? Don't tell the artist.

The DJ set, made the atmosphere ripe for Badu's tardy entrance. One thing I appreciate and walked away reflecting about Badu is that she's a real sista. Refreshing change from fake smiling in your face artist and some people in this world.

Sing on Erykah Badu with your bad self

Missing your own graduation?

Laurel Enix

Loma Linda Academy
Class of 2010

Laurel's graduation was at 6 pm yesterday on the lawn behind the school. At 2 a.m. she became very sick (stomach flu). At 3pm, a friend of the family sat in the hot sun reserving seats for the family. At 4:30pm another family friend, Heidi and her daughters, made certain that the row of seats remain reserved for the Holmes-Enix families. At 6:15pm, how disappointed we were that Laurel was not in the line to march. [granted we saw her march in on Friday night and Saturday morning, but those services were not commencement]. Before the processional was completed, we got word from Debbie that Laurel was getting ready and will come just to walk across the stage. One of the class sponsors found a cool room in the building for her to wait until diploma time. When her row stood up to receive their diplomas, Laurel appeared. Smiles replaced the sundry facial expressions of her family and love ones. When her name was called, we cheered for two reasons: the completion from high school and for her improved health (answered --many prayers) to be present. She sat with her class (many sporting sun glasses as they were facing west as the sun was setting). Though not 100% well, Laurel stayed and was able to receive all the love, hugs, kisses from her friends and relatives.

I understand why people cry at graduations, it just never happens to me. Saturday night at the Class Night Talent Show, the students who participated walked out on this 45 feet or so runway. When I saw tall Laurel confidently strolling out there as if she was a professional model, it hit me that she wasn't that little girl anymore that I've watch grow up. How fortunate for me that it was dark in the audience with the spot light on the runway so that my tears of joy went unnoticed. Her father would have been so proud with his chest extended way out beyond normal. I can see myself saying to him "Ernest, stick that chest back in cause you look silly", only to watch him extend it further in protest of my comment. Of course her mother had enough pride for all us. Her excitement was wrapped with tiredness because she made the entire weekend very special for Laurel including a catered dinner at a local community center for family and friends. Laurel was also grinning for another reason beside graduating: her relatives from Pennsylvania and Florida flew out to support and congratulate her. (photo's attached).

My fashion consultant (casual wear) will attend Oakwood University in the Fall. Her roommate will be my brother's youngest daughter, Michonne. How confuse their friends will be when I visit to hear them both call me Uncle.

I'm sure at all future Holmes-Enix family gatherings, the subject of almost missing your own graduation will be discussed. How happy we all are that Laurel Enix didn't have to miss hers.

Valedictorian N My Family

Michonne D. Parker

Oakwood Academy

Valedictorian is an academic title typically conferred in the United States upon the highest ranked student among those being graduated from an educational institution. The term is an anglicized derivation of the Latin vale dicer ("to say farewell"), historically rooted in the valedictorian's traditional role as the final speaker at the graduation ceremony. The valedictory address generally is considered a final farewell to classmates, before they disperse to pursue their individual paths after graduating.

val·e·dic·to·ri·an [val-i-dik-tawr-ee-uhn]
–noun
a student, usually the one ranking highest academically in a school graduating class, who delivers the valedictory at the commencement exercises.

Origin: 1750–60, Americanism; valedictory + -an

Use Valedictorian in a Sentence:

My niece, Michonne D. Parker, was the Valedictorian of her graduating class today.

The weekend flew by in the humid red clay state of Alabama. The candlelight consecration service on Friday night, the Saturday morning worship service, the Saturday afternoon mushy, dramatic, tear flowing tributes from graduates to their parents. The final day of Commencement Sunday morning at 10:00am. I've already mentioned Michonne giving the valediorian address. Of course that was my highlight moment. Other honorable mentions are:

Alabama State Assembly Laura Hall volunteering on a phone conversation I had with her two days before to come make remarks and congratulate Michonne at the ceremony.

Terri White-Mitchell, one of my college classmate, was one of the graduating class sponsors. Her leadership reduce the length of this blog entry because Terri is organized, pay attention to the details and basically takes care of business. She was like that in college too.

Dr. Philip Williams, another one of my college classmate, skill of bringing out the melodious sounds of the choir, many of whom were graduates. At the Sabbath service, he had alumni join on a selection which was just the bomb.

Michonne both set of grandparents traveled to honor her achievement. Mrs. Valentine, on her birthday weekend, had other grandchildren in other states also graduating, one on the same weekend and she was able to make them all: thank God for airplanes. Elder and Mrs Parker, who doesn't seem to miss any graduations, were there and first to be dressed and ready to go at the wonderful age of 85.

The only blooper of the weekend was my 3pm flight out of Nashville to return home. It meant as soon as the benediction was given, I had to scurry to the car for the trip back to Nashville. I was able to hug Michonne and take a couple of pictures with the family. (See below).

Though it was a quick trip and fast pace weekend, it was enjoyed by all the Valentine-Parker Clan celebrating the family's first valedictorian.

The Odd Couple

Thanks Fred Jr for this clip which gives us a fresh look at friendship, acceptance and diversity.
WSP

NAACP Image Awards

an excited moment: attending the 41st NAACP Image Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. One of the 100 things I wanted to do before I die. Checked: February 26, 2010.

thankful moment: to Dr. Alpha Omega Curry who made the memorable experience possible.

transport moment: charter bus provided by the San Bernardino Chapter of NAACP. It removed all the stresses of traffic and parking. We were taken right up to the curb of the entrance and picked-up at the same spot. (The red carpet entrance was from the other street, but who cares, we didn't have to walk a mile from the parking garage; plus we were able to see the stars on the red carpet before going inside).

disappointed moment: couldn't take my camera into the auditorium. You go ya'll who had cameras on your cell. In fact, I saw some even videoing with their cells. (previous years I was told you were allowed to take cameras as long as you didn't flash during taping).

an ungrateful moment: wishing it was at the Kodak Theater where I've never been, instead of the Shrine where I've been many times. (Forgive me Lord for that second of ungratefulness)

a frustrated moment: I didn't know 95% of the television and movie stars who presented awards or received awards. Thanks Eleanor for pointing out some of them to me. It was so bad, I didn't even recognized some of the TV Show "names" and they wanted me to scream about actors.?. I had heard of the movie titles except for the independent and foreign films. There were 52 competitive categories in the fields of motion picture, television, music and literature. Most awards were presented at the pre-taping of the show.

wsp awkward moment: beautiful black gowned stage helpers who didn't seem to know which way to escort the winners off the stage. I had hope by the second half of the show, they would have gotten it together. NOT. (actually they knew which way but had no grace about leading the excited winning recipients off stage). Best actor of a motion picture award (Invictus)Morgan Freeman, who've done this many times, almost left them standing there as he exited stage left.

shocking moment: the mics weren't on or audible several times as various people started talking. You really don't want to do that in an audience full of Black folks, for at one time, a resounding "WE CAN'T HEAR YOU" came from the crowd. I wonder how they deleted that from the telecast? By the way, the main floor (what will be seen on TV) had all nationalities, after the first three rows, most of the European descent. The balcony had all nationalities, most of the African American, Caribbean, West Indies descent. The tickets ranged from $50.00 to $500.00.

cohesive moments: Host Anika Noni Rose and Hill Harper did a great job. I'm sure they slept well that night. Being a host for a two hour show is hard work.












the teary/Kleenex moment: Daryl "Chill" Mitchell won the outstanding actor in a comedy series (Brothers). In spite of a motorcycle accident leaving him in a wheel chair, the comedian turn actor touched us all. The potent line was "as long as you all got legs, I'm going to always walk." One of the few times where the entire house (including us in the balcony) rose to our feet. note: you really have to have it going on for us balcony folks to clap and especially stand up for you. I was on the second row--great seat in the balcony; the balcony was packed all the way up to the nose bleed section.


WSP Best Acceptance Speech Award moment: Tyler Perry who received the Chairman Award. One of his thoughts: we should aim to own the studio, not just play a part in a sitcom. He did it against all odds. I loved the phrase -- you may be born into a nightmare but God can usher you into a dream. He also mentioned the lost of his mother in December and how he is carrying her in his heart. Three other honorary awards, most noted to me was songwriter, producer, Wyclef Jenn for his humanitarian efforts for his home country of Haiti; and former White House Council on Enviromental Quality Van Jones and business man and deal maker veteran in the music industry Clarence Avant. (no photo)




a gospel moment: only one gospel song (The Joy of the Lord) performed by Tamala Mann (she played Madea's daughter in the plays) . She work it with seven backup voices. Couldn't get my shout on because those Shrine theater balcony seats are entirely too close together. The Spirit would have certainly left if I "went in" and fell on top of the people in front of me who was so close I could smell their light scented perfume. (The Finale was another gospel song of sorts, which I will not comment on).

a touching moment: phenomenal Jill Scott performance. That song was just beautiful!! Her debut new single: a tribute to the Haiti earthquake diaster. I wanted to shout out: sing it again sweet heart!! You can download it from the NAACP website. Her attire wasn't attractive to me at all. I was told she was pregnant. So she got a pass. I noticed that several stars who presented or received awards wore something different on the red carpet. The gown that Jill Scott was wearing upon her arrival on the red carpet was cool.

wsp awestruck moment: Cecily Tyson in your stunning gown. She has always dressed so appropriately for her 73 years young age. Regardless of her apparel, she's one of the most classy and sophisticated woman on the planet. A great actor also. She introduced the award that was going to be given to Tyler Perry.


a young moment: Chris Rock presented the award to Gabourey Sidibe (Precious) Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture. I was told she's only 19 years old. I must say that Gabby's acceptance speech was flawless, way beyond her years as she thanked those who made her success possible. I found it interesting that Mo'Nique, who won best "supporting" actress in a motion picture had the best seat in the house-front row center aisle first seat. Gabby, "best" actress, was sitting on the row and seat behind her. Hmm.





a no-he-didn't moment: Precious won the best outstanding motion picture award. The Awards Show is winding down--about fifteen minutes or so. Director Lee Daniels blatant refusal to shut up during his long acceptance speech. Told the orchestra that he had people to thank so 'can' it, wsp paraphase. He address the orchestra twice instead of plowing through his thank-yous. His actions prevented the last presentation (staged at the mic on the opposite side of the stage waiting) from during their thing. Lights and mics went out on Daniels after two warnings. In the dark and looking stupid, Daniels throws up his arms as if he didn't know what happen? It was funny, he was thanking someone and suddenly we didn't hear him. Classic! Harper hurriedly announced the Finale and Mary Mary started singing. (who had to be cut off the LIVE telecast due to lack of time). You would think a director would be more sensitive to time. He even insisted that Tyler Perry come up, to which Tyler said no, and pointed to his watch. But he didn't let it rest so Tyler ran up there. It was about a minute after that, they shut him down. I love television: on the top of the hour, they are going on to the next show whether you are through or not. If Daniels gets another major film directing job and wins, his acceptance speech will be the briefest cause I'm sure he was rag on afterwards by producers and peers. In my minds eye, I can see some executives on the Fox Network, who aired the show live, sneer at this lack of common sense and judgment.

funny/comical moments: during commercial breaks, comedian Jonathan Slocumb would come out and do monologues. His goal was to put the audience in a good mood for the beginning of each act. A talented young man who uses common situations without profanity and make it hilarious. I'm so tempted to talk about the wig on the dead lady, but no space.

satisfied moment: regardless of the lack luster Finale, I'm so glad I attended. I had a GREAT time. For about ten minutes, I stood in the lobby and just watched those who were not on stage but I'm certain are someone's IMAGE OF INSPIRATION. I enjoyed watching all the various shades of beautiful people dressed in their finest attire. A people who can wear formal to jeans at the same event and still look wonderful. Main floor were all formal, but the balcony had just as many styles of dress as there were hairstyles. I was in my only black one button tux with a non-formal purple with white dots bow tie.

Thank you NAACP for providing 'us' an opportunity to be recognized for our talents where mainstream Hollywood too recognizes but for whatever reason, chooses not to vote for those talents seen.

A moment in time which I will never forget.

Very Proud of People of Color,
W I L L I E

PS: The weekend ended Sunday night by Alpha inviting me to return to LA to attend the Assemblymember Mike Davis Annual Living Legends Award Ceremony held at the California African American Museum. Honories this year were Grammy Award Winners Stevie Wonder and Nancy Wilson. We had great seats on the second row right behind Nancy Wilson's table. She is just as classy as Tyson, Warwick, Carroll--a generation of women who have that natural finese often missing in young actors and singers. How surprise I was to find that my choir, Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church, were performing on the program. I had no idea they would be there. The crowd loved their majestic sound, including Wonder and Wilson who stood up on most of their performance in amazement. Other performers were James Ingram, Freda Payne, Shante Moore, and one more I can't remember. Courtney Vance and other actors came out to show their support and love. Politicans Maxine Waters and Diane Watson were present. Stevie Wonder and Nancy Wilson's acceptance speeches were heartfelt and powerful. . . .












In this weekend alone, I saw more film and music stars in person than I've seen in the last decade.

Great Moments of Time.

Celebrating Black History Month

Be Not The Slave of Your Own Past

The Danger of A Single Story

For those times (subconsciously or consciously) when you and I thought we were better than our classmate, or neighbor, or co-worker, or person on the street. . . .
the danger of a single story:
Thank you Dione for sending me this quite provocative, riveting vocal essay video clip.
Willie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg

The Speaker:



Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was born in Nigeria in 1977. She is the author of the novels Purple Hibiscus (2003) and Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), and she has recently published a collection of short stories titled The Thing around Your Neck (2009). She has received numerous awards and distinctions, including the Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction (2007) and a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship (2008).