I'm with Spike

Hey family. It's been a long time since I last typed with y'all. I've been really busy taking care of some things in my time away from saving SUNO, of which they'll be voting on tomorrow. While I was off, I've been hearing about beef. Not Grade A, but beef between to black directors. Spike Lee and Tyler Perry have been feuding over the quality of movie making between the two. Spike thinks Tyler's movies are buffonish, while Tyler says Spike shouldn't get to heaven. (Not in those exact words, but same meaning.) Now, I'm an artist myself, and I believe artists should be able to be creative and do all things. But after spending my last $7.50 on Madea's Big Happy Family, I will say, I'm with Spike.

Now, I've got nothing against Tyler Perry. He's given opportunities to other black actors, whether rookie or veteran, and they've gotten exposure. In an industry that largely ignores black actors, Tyler has adopted them.  Not to forget, he's also given opportunites to writers, directors, waterboys, flower girls, the whole nine, the opportunity to work. But with that being said, I can't really say that I quantity of work outshines the quality of it. Tyler Perry's movies, to me aren't really realistic when it deals with relationships with black men and women.

For example, in Why Did I Get Married?, Parts 1&2, Michael Jai White is married to Tasha Smith, who's loud, abrassive, abusive and annoying. So annoying, that even her friends are embarrased to be around her at times. What black man, with a great job, benefits, good-looking, (Not gay, but you get the point) will put up with being married to a woman like that? The sex has got to be that good.

In a recent interview with Russ Parr, veteran actor Clifton Powell blasted Spike Lee for his treatment of black actors and how he handled money with the cast and crew on his movies. He also talked about how he doesn't like Spike and how he would "kick his ass" if he had a problem with that. Now, I don't know anything on their relationship or what Spike may or may not have done, but I can tell you this: Nearly all of Spike's movies I can say are classics. From Do the Right Thing to School Daze to Malcolm X, and even the ones that weren't really financially successful like She Hate Me (Oh, the Sex scenes. Anthony Mackie, you the man.).

So, with all that being said, I really like both of these brothers. I do hope they have success with their movies and work. And I'm saying that in part cause my butt is looking for a job! I hope that Tyler can grow to make more movies than just a 6'3" grandmother in drag. Daddy's Little Girl's was a great movie  that was closer to dealing with black men and fatherhood. Perhaps if he can get more balance, then I may see things differently. Til then, Spike: Where's She Hate Me 2: The Return?

Peace

SUPPORT SUNO!!! PART 3

Calling all my family. Come out with me Tuesday at 10:00 a.m to support our legacy S.O.S. Support SUNO!!!!

Support SUNO Part 2

SUpport SUNO UNO!

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z5j0eY30NQc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This is another video that I have to support SUNO as well as UNO. We say no to a merger, Bobby Jindal. And I lay out some counter points to those that say close it.

Rally

The Battle to Save SUNO

Alright fam,

Yesterday, I went to Living Faith Christian Center to rally with Southern University students of all black people. ? I know that throws you off a little, but seriously, SU Alumni from Southern University of New Orleans, Southern University in Baton Rouge and Shreveport gathered in unity to save the SUNO system. Rev. Jesse Jackson was in attendance to speak against the merger and in support of the Southern University system.

It has come to my attention that the Board of Regents have announced today their recommendation that there should be a merger of SUNO and UNO or a new College system.(Source: HBCU Digest)That is why I am urging all students to phone call the governor's office at 1-866-366-1121. Just tell em "I'm an SU Alumnus/Student or SUNO supporter and I am letting the governor know my disapproval of his position to merge SUNO and UNO. Thank You." We don't have to give your name if you don't want to. I know nobody don't want to receive a letter from the office or have the cops follow you, though that time may have passed. But let your voice be heard family.

One love

DICK GREGORY FOR THE MARK TWAIN HUMOR AWARD
(Picture from the NY Daily Post, through Google)

I just stol..I mean bought the latest copy of Ebony Magazine. In honor of April Fool's month, Ebony placed Steve Harvey, Monique and Chris Rock on the cover and interviewed each. While it was not surprising that these three greats were on the cover, it was surprising that one man's name was not mentioned at all. I read the book from cover to cover. Ok, I skimmed through the whole thing but I got the most important parts.

Ebony, through the survey conducted by the public, (I didn't know about it) picked the top twenty black stand-ups that ever lived. And I must admit, I was happy to see the younger comedians that were on there, from Eddie Murphy Chris Tucker, Martin Lawrence, Sinbad, Chris Rock and others. Redd Foxx, whose comedic genius has not really been talked about like Rock or Murphy, was mentioned.

But what disappointed me the most was there was not one mention of the man Dick Gregory. Dick Gregory, who hails from St. Louis, MI, like Redd Foxx and Cedric the Entertainer, was/is a true pioneer of black comedy and stand up for the past 50 years. Mr. Gregory spent his early years performing in front of all-white audiences and gave his thoughts on racism, politics and poverty in ways that made people laugh, but also changed the way they thought of Black Americans.

Dick Gregory was the first Black American to be on the Tonight Show with Jack Parr. At that time blacks were not allowed to even sit on the show! When he was invited to perform, he declined due to that very stigma, until Jack Paar called him and told him to please come and sit. It was the first that White Americans saw a black man on televison in a natural, one-on-one human conversation.

When his comedy career was taking off, so was the Civil Rights movement. At his zenith, he sacrificed his career for the rights of blacks and the poor, rather than the glamor and flashing lights on the red carpet.

"I am really enjoying the new Martin Luther King Jr stamp – just think about all those white bigots, licking the backside of a black man."

"Political promises are much like marriage vows. They are made at the beginning of the relationship between candidate and voter, but are quickly forgotten."

These are just a few of the thousands of jokes over a career spanning since the late 1950s.
Once a year, the Mark Twain Prize Award for Humor is awarded Since 1998, when Richard Pryor received it, the award highlights those that have made millions laugh using great wit and humor, and also the ability to highlight social issue, as what Mark Twain did.

Dick Gregory is so deserving of this award. He should also be on the list of one of the greatest standup comedians to ever pick up a mic. Being a friend of his, a fellow comedian, and having met Mr. Gregory back in 2009 with my father, even at the age of 79, Mr. Gregory never looked sharper. So, I do hope that he's considered for the Mark Twain award. Now, if you'll excuse me, I got to finish this magazine before I return it to the Doctor's office.

Peace Fam.