It wasn’t too long ago that it was wholly uncool to be Black and on top of a skateboard. Resistance came in the form of everything: from being teased to the point where you couldn’t even bare to look at your deck, to getting your ass beaten by haters, and having your board smashed into a million pieces. Yet, thanks to the renaissance of the sport, its increasingly global nature, and the imagery put forth by semi-mainstream “skate-hop” rappers like Lupe Fiasco and The Pack, it’s now perfectly fine to throw down some heelflips in the ‘hood. Word.

Of course, as with any revolution, history most readily records the travails of those at the fore of the fight. Sure, the aforementioned factors have played a part in the change, but someone had to get out there and win some damn respect, yeah. This month, Montreal online lifestyle magazine What’s Really Good? aims to celebrate those Black skateboarders who pounded the pipes, parks, ramps and pavement to help change the dynamic of the sport and open doors for generations of skaters to come. Launched in collaboration with Montreal’s Series Skateboards, WRG?’s “Black History Month Project” involves education (a crossword featured on the site in which Black skate heroes serve as the puzzle’s answers) and goodies (packages including one of a limited run of 100 Series x WRG? skateboards/a limited edition Sharpie/a poster, one of which could be yours after you complete the puzzle).

Referencing old guard thrashers such as Ray Barbee, the late, great Harold Hunter and Kareem Campbell, the puzzle throws in a few new schoolers for good measure. And sure, Illadelph street wizard Stevie Williams had to endure being disrespected on the reg, and even being called a “trashy nigger”. But after getting his weight up (not his hate up), the “dirty ghetto kid” is a shining example of how far Blacks in skateboarding have come (i.e. spots in video games, a deal with Reebok and his own skateshop). WRG? founder Leslie Woods offers, “I hope that this project encourages everyone to learn more about black history and skateboarding. Black history is not only a black thing. It’s important for people to know, understand and discuss all cultures. It’s discussion and learning that will lead to acceptance and the end of racism”. Respeck.

And to wrap up the month, the deck in question will be featured alongside a collection of photos, paintings, multimedia and installations centered around skateboarding and black history. Featuring contributors from both the MTL and the international scene, it’s going down at Tokyo Night Club on February 28th. Do it to it, do it to it.

All the info can be found here. The puzzle is here, and you’re welcome for the pseudo-hints on the crossword tip, p.s.

Wednesday, February 27 at 7:30pm
Tishman Auditorium (66 West 12^th Street)
The Story Prize Awards Ceremony

I don’t often suggest things that cost money, but this is a good event for short story lovers. From the website: “The three finalists for the Story Prize, awarded annually for outstanding collections of short fiction, will be honored at an event at The New School. The finalists are Sunstroke and Other Stories by Tessa Hadley, Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures by Vincent Lam, and Like You’d Understand by Jim Shepard. The writers will read from and discuss their work with Larry Dark, director of the Story Prize. The evening culminates in the announcement of the $20,000 prize winner for 2008. Cosponsored by the Story Prize and the New School Writing Program. For more information, visit www.thestoryprize.org.” Tickets are $16, available in advance here.

Thursday, February 28 at 7:00pm
KGB Bar (85 E. 4th Street)
Kinky Jews’ Evening of Jewish Lit-Erotica

I’m sorry, did someone say “Kinky Jews?” Sign this Missouri boy up. More here.

The more you consider child soldiers, the more chilling they become. A powerful desire to place blame, point, or otherwise pin down victim and evil, circles around them, unable to rest. It’s a rare film that can capture such frustration with honesty and without overloading on pity.

Closing Tuesday, February 26th at New York’s Film Forum, Ezra: The Story of a Child Soldier is the fictional account of a boy, riddled with amphetamines to decimate his mind, memory, and conscience. Pointedly, the film does not give his story or the audience an ending to walk out of the theater with.

Nigerian/UK filmmaker Newton Aduaka is one to watch out for, and this film is not to be watched by the faint of heart.

Check out the trailer here. Tickets & Showtimes here.

To counteract the alarming shortage of public art programs, these days women are taking matters into their own hands to make real and lasting changes in the lives of inner city youth. Let’s face it, most public schools are underfunded, teachers are underpaid, and students often feel underappreciated or straight-out neglected. Female artists with grassroots backgrounds recognize the importance of reaching out to kids. Reminding them that their voice matters, showing them that their dreams of becoming poets, MCs, visual artists, or performers can in fact translate into reality.

Renaissance woman and true revolutionista at heart, Caitlin Meissner is living her dream of being an artist on a mission. Spoken word poet, educator, and graphic designer by trade, Caitlin makes things happen. Building on her long standing involvement in activism, and her natural ability as a community builder, she has been successfully running the Lower Eastside Girls Club’s Saturday Performance Series. The series hope to fulfill two objectives, showcasing today’s hottest female poets, singers, and artists in an intimate, free-to-all setting while fulfilling the Girls Club’s mission dedicated to “build ethical, entrepreneurial, and environmental leadership” for the next generation of female movers and shakers.

Since its debut two years ago, the Saturday Series has achieved many goals “making the Girls Club Art+Community Gallery and Café a downtown cultural destination for a socially conscious audience, connecting girls from lower income families with working artists, poets and musicians through the ‘VIP Luncheon’ series before each performance, and providing entrepreneurial training opportunities to Girls Club members through the adjoining café and gift store”, Caitlin explains. Some of the amazing women to grace the series this season included Honey Larochelle, Pyeng Threadgill, The Piper Jane Project, Maya Azucena, Shelly Nicole’s Blakbushe, Erika Rose, HeaVy, and Tamar-Kali. If you missed out on their performances, you can listen to the podcasts of past shows here.

This Saturday, you can check out some of New York City’s dopest female acts: 2007 Grand Slam Champ of the Nuyorican Poets Café, Aja Monet, who has been a favorite of both spoken word devotees and Hip-Hop crowds alike, performing alongside singer-songwriter, Maritri, whose bittersweet lyrics over piano, cello and guitar will take you to an inner space for reflection. I suggest you go early as seats get filled rather fast. Did I mention it’s free? For more info and schedules, visit the Girls Club online, or email Caitlin Meissner for more info at development@girlsclub.org

My intro to house music came by way of Black Box’s “Everybody, Everybody” some time around 1990- every time it came on, I would instantly get open and flail around happily (I was young, okay?). Last year, when I was trying to upgrade my house moves from my private flailings, I came across a track, “Testin’ Me” by Peven Everett that almost sent me back into my pre-adoloscent apoplexy.

With sensual, smooth beats and a bass line that won’t quit, the Chicago native’s house music comes out of the post-disco, dance culture of early 80’s Chi-town. Although the music has morphed into many very different forms (from R&B styling to the thump-thump, glow-stick, trance-like variety), what remains key about Chicago’s house music is its soul. And don’t think the music died with the early 90’s. Chicago and the UK continue to produce chill, soulful house music, and one of the best examples today, is Peven Everett.

Dubbed the “Prince of Soul” (in house circles), the 27-year-old singer is performing tonight at Cargo in Shoreditch. Everett doesn’t just sing, he plays his own instruments (all nine) and of course, since we’re talking about house music, dances as well. His performance tonight is sure to satisfy. Alongside Everett are the King of Grooves, Glenn “Underground” Crocker and PA Daisy Villa, performing songs of their latest release, Rize. If “Follow Me” and “Hot” can still get you open from time to time, you’ll enjoy the show. If you’re new to soulful house music, Everett just might make you a fan. Flailing around is definitely not required but you’ll be dancing by the end of the night. Check it out.

8P-3A
£6 B4 9, £10 adv, £12 after
LIVE: PEVEN EVERETT + GLENN UNDERGROUND + DAISY VILLA
DJS: RAP SAUNDERS

General Enquiries: 020 7739 3440

Tickets available through Ticketmaster and on Cargo’s website
www.pias.com/peveneverett/

Known in the 70’s as one of New York’s most “up” graffiti artist, James Top has painted the scene with his crew, tags, pieces and murals. He continued to evolve and contribute, by making the city a piece of art wherever he stopped to paint, and now he continues on canvas to bring consciousness to the “African American experience in America”. Opening to the public tonight, Afrology, is expected to be a historic night, attracting attendee’s from across the map, as Top exhibits 17 variations of the ‘Afro’ using graffiti art and mixed media.

Get your shovel out, trek down to the Lower East Side tonight and stop by the Essex Street Gallery! Come see this important figure in the history of New York subway art, as he shows through art what it means to be Black in America. “It is my time not only to be the voice of graffiti art but also to be the voice of the people in my community.”

www.essexstreetgallery.com

When most people think of Brazil, visions of sun bleached sands, tanned beauties in Ipanema bikinis, Rio favelas, and World Cup soccer usually come to mind. However, the same historical paths that led to the beauty of the world’s most outrageous Carnivale setting also produced pockets of forgotten Afro-Brazilian communities known as ‘quilombos’. In director Leonard Abrams’ new documentary, Quilombo Country, the origins of these communities are examined and light is shed on the current conditions of the ‘quilombos’ struggling inhabitants.

“Brazil, once the world’s largest slave colony, was brutal and deadly for millions of Africans. But many thousands escaped and rebelled, creating their own communities in Brazil’s untamed hinterland. Largely unknown to the outside world, these communities, known as quilombos, struggle today to preserve a rich heritage born of resistance to oppression.”- Quilombo Country

Narrated by the legendary voice of Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Quilombo Country is the culmination of over 5 years of travel, research, and interaction in the quilombos. Abrams provides an intimate and provocative glimpse into the lives of a people determined to keep their legacy in tact. This Saturday, February 23rd, Quilombo Country will hold its world theatrical screening in New York City’s Anthology Film Archives, at 8pm. Admission is $8, and the screening will be followed by a Q&A with Abrams and a celebratory reception. If you’re in the city come out to support this important documentary and be sure to carry the experience beyond Black History Month.

Back in 1985 Aretha and Annie said it, but here in 2008, these girls are actually doing it! That’s right the sisters are doing it for themselves by way of the MF Gallery. The all female art show is back for a second round “ding ding!” In 2006 Martina and Frank brought us GIRLS! GIRLS! GIRLS! Attracting many from all over NY and beyond. Fast forward a little over a year later, and they’ve done it again, presenting us with GIRLS 2! Again this show strictly exhibits the work of female artists, and will pay homage to a line up including Martina herself, and the likes of Lisa Petrucci, Aya Kakeda, Meredith Dittmar and Tracy Drury - just to name a few of these amazing ladies.

To launch the five week exhibit, an opening party will be held on Saturday, February 23rd, where you’ll be able to meet the women responsible for the work. It starts at 7pm and is totally free for all, no RSVP required. Don’t miss the show, attend any of the days between the 23rd and Sunday March 30^th. Be there or be square!

Opening Party Saturday February 23rd 7pm-10pm
Show runs Saturday February 23rd - Sunday March 30th (Wed-Sun 2-7pm)

www.mfgallery.com

Stuff White People Like is the first blog I have laughed at in a long, long time. The blog, which is becoming exponentially more popular by the day, lists–well–stuff white people like:

Knowing what’s best for poor people [SWPL #18]
Juno [SWPL #57]
Being the only white person around [SWPL #71]
Mos Def [SWPL #69]

In a prose which appears to be a hybrid between academic and journalistic tones, SWPL deconstructs the reasons for white peoples’ adoration of these particular subjects. Take the subject “Being an expert in YOUR culture [SWPL #18],” for example, which considers the white person’s ongoing quest for authenticity and desire to separate themselves from the guilt related to their legacy:

“It is imperative that you recognize how special and unique this white person is for knowing about your culture. Acceptable responses include ‘Wow, I’ve never seen white people order chicken feet,’ or ‘How did you find out about that film? I didn’t think they had dubbed it yet.’”

Of particular interest is the immediate popularity of the blog, which was launched shy of two months ago and has already logged over two million views. Part of its ongoing draw likely comes from the endless, masturbatory and over-analytical conversations that occur on each post’s comment message boards (that I have, admittedly, engaged in). If this dialogue weren’t so typically dense, serious, or off mark, it would likely be as funny as the blog itself. Take for example the commentary that came when then the blog attributed a liking of Mos Def to white people:

“You know what else white people like? They like to create ‘ironic’ blogs. So white, these blogs full of irony!”

“You’ve got the young trendy Democrats down, but I think you’re forgetting the other, less-PC bunch.”

“Imagine if I, as a white guy, started a blog called ‘Stuff black people like,’ and filled it with watermelon, fried chicken, dancing, gold teeth, cheap beer, pimping, etc.”

(more…)

American Gangster hit the DVD shelves on February 19th, and TRACE has 5 extra freebies to give away! We were on top of our game when we predicted the pending frenzy over the film, and interviewed its rising stars in our Sporting Life issue. With an all-star cast (Denzel Washington, Russel Crowe, and James Brolin) and a story based on one of Harlem’s most notorious crime bosses, the film was a box office hit. To get your own free copy, email TRACE’s Web Editor at lmarcus@trace212.com. We only have a couple handfuls of these DVDs, so get your own copy fast before all the gangsta glory is gone.