When I asked the group what was it like to be on the same performance bill with Method Man and Redman, their responses were; “Great!” “It’s an honor,” and “These are two of my favorite MC’s.” Jon Quest also added that both Method Man and Redman are synonymous with the music movement that they are involved in locally.

During their individual interviews a few of the artists described their style as a step back but above the present day hip hop scene, meaning, they are reaching back to the roots of hip hop to bring forth a better sound. By studying the groundwork of the 90’s hip hop, Jon Quest has created a unique music sound birthed by old school but with a new wave twist. Most agree the greatest contribution of the 90’s music was the message. “We want to bring back the positive message, lyrics and beats that will not only entice people to nod their heads and move their bodies, but a sound that offers thought provoking insight into everyday situations that are important to the public.”

More than 10 years later after debuting with Wu Tang Clan and EPMD Method Man and Redman are still relevant on the Hip Hop scene, a testament that makes the rarest of MC’s great, Another great MC that Kid A comments on is Nas; “Nas is the greatest writer in our generation, also on my list are OutKast and Radiohead.” He says while they are similar to his own style, these artists are also not afraid to expose themselves through their music, flaws included; “I’m about lyrics that speak on the highs and lows of the common man’s struggle.”

Beedie from Pittsburgh, East Side recalls his first introduction to rap through Biggie Small’s initial CD. “During this time Biggie expressed a passion for the mic with a lot of grit and raw hunger,” he says. But unlike Biggie, Beedie’s hunger for the mic continues to grow with each project he takes on. Creative development is a factor that separates MCs, Beedie believes in the exploration of a diverse gene of music, taking his infused style to another level. “If you check out my mix tape I have piece called ‘Around my Head,’ it’s almost an electro-techno beat and it works.”

Creating good music is about evolution, and it is also about change, an artist can’t stand still and think he’s going to grow. More often than not an artist has to re-invent himself to evolve. Gene Stovall a man of many talents and changes can attest to that statement. Last Soul Pitt heard from Gene he was moving to Erie, Pennsylvania, but he has now returned to Pittsburgh. “I felt as though I moving in the wrong direction. I didn’t realize all the work I had to do to make it happen,” he said and adding, “I was big on being an underground artist, but when you think you stay there, you might die there.”

An important factor in the growth of any career is to be honest. Gene was asked why he was not into the local music scene; his response was he was not happy or satisfied with what he was experiencing. But through his experiences Gene has reinvented him and originated a new band, ‘Fulfillingness’ [named after a great Stevie Wonder CD] to be that all inclusive musical performance offering audiences a sensory filled journey flowing with music and lyrics to stimulate all senses.

Along with his new musical venture, he feels that this particular group of artists represent the exceptional of local artists along with DJ Vex well deserve to be on the bill with Method Man and Redman.

They all agree that it’s going to be a good show and each will bring something great to the show and it is going to be fun.

New Releases to check out:

Jonathan “Jon Quest” Brown: The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest

Gene Stovall: Mixed tape Muppet Face

Beedie: Sleeping In [Following him on Tweeter @beedie412

Kid A: Blunt Guns and Glory and Back to Life

Thanks to Rory Webb for inviting the Soul Pitt to interview this group of talented and cool young men.

Let me whisper into your heart
Whispers are believable
Let me whisper into your soul
Whispers are parables
Let me whisper into your spirit
Whispers are eternal
Let me whisper my whisper.

Lewis Colyar

Location: Amani International Coffee House & Café
507 Foreland Street, Pittsburgh, PA  15212
Plenty of parking available adjacent to the venue

Call Out for all lyricists: Poets, Spoken Word Artists, Musicians, all who have a message to share. 

Participate in this open mic summer sessions and be a part of Pittsburgh’s growing cultural scene.

Not only will you become part of the continuing legacy of Pittsburgh’s creative talent, but you will also support a black-woman-owned business, Amani International Coffee House & Cafe (Ms. Tara Jones). 

Enjoy the message of the scribes and the selection of coffees and teas from around the world.  Also, try  Amani’s famous cold fruit smoothies, salads and sandwiches.

Does my child have allergies?

-by TaTanisha Smith, MD

As the weather heats up and the plants begin to bloom, many children begin to develop the watery eyes, sneezing, and a nose that seems to run forever. Welcome to allergy season. Pittsburgh is notorious for its horrible allergy seasons, thanks to all the green space that we are know for. But how can you really tell if it’s an allergy versus our 27^th cold virus. Some allergies are easy to identify by the pattern of symptoms that invariably follows exposure to a particular substance. But others are more subtle, and may masquerade as other conditions. Here are some common clues that could lead you to suspect your child may have an allergy.

· Recurrent red, itchy, dry, sometime scaly rashes in the creases of the skin, wrists, and ankles.

· Repeated or chronic cold-like symptoms – runny nose, nasal stuffiness, sneezing and throat clearing.

· Nose rubbing, sniffling, snorting, sneezing and itchy, runny eyes.

· Itching or tingling sensations in the mouth and throat.

· Coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Coughing may be an isolated symptom

· Repeated ear or sinus infections or persistent middle ear fluid associated with nasal symptoms

But we can’t just blame the outdoors. There are quite a few allergens in our homes, including:

· Dust (contains dust mites, particles from other allergens such as pollen, mold and animal dander as well as irritants).

· Fungi (including molds too small to be seen with the naked eye)

· Furry animals (cats, dogs, guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits, and other pets)

· Latex (household articles such as rubber gloves and toys, balloons)

· Foods (cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish)

So, what are you to do to make your child feel better? It’s helpful to use air conditioners, where possible, to reduce exposure to pollen in both your home and your car. Remain indoors when lawn is mowed. Avoid playing in fields of tall grass if allergic to grass. Outdoor mold levels are highest in the spring and late summer, particularly around areas of decaying vegetation. Children with allergies to molds should avoid playing in piles of dead leaves in the fall. Indoor exposure can occur from mildew as a result of water intrusion problems or elevated levels of moisture (e.g. bathrooms, use of humidifiers).

Dust mites congregate where moisture is retained and food for them (human skin scales) is plentiful. They are especially numerous in upholstered furniture, bedding and rugs. Padded furnishings such as mattresses, box springs, pillows and cushions should be encased in allergen-proof, zip-up covers, which are available through catalogs and specialized retailers. Wash linens weekly and other bedding such as blankets, every 2 to 3 weeks in hot water (minimum temperature to kill mites is 130 degrees, so care must be taken to avoid scald burns when washing bedding if young children are present in the home). Pillows should be replaced every 2 to 3 years.

· Antihistamines – Ones taken by mouth can help with itchy watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing, as well as itchy skin and hives. Some types may cause drowsiness. Nose sprays that contain an antihistamine are also available and can be helpful, but should not be used more than three days.

*****************************************************************

The Importance of Physical Activity
 By TaTanisha Smith, MD

After being afforded the extraordinary opportunity of speaking with children in Brooklyn, NY, about childhood obesity, one thing became very apparent, many parents and children are confused about what ‘physical activity is.  Many organizations promote 60 minutes of physical activity daily for children, including the Academy of American Pediatrics  (AAP) and the NFL Play 60 campaign, and but does little to define what constitutes physical activity. And with concerns about the safety of our neighborhoods, youth-on-youth violence, and many of our extended work days, just going outside and playing doesn’t seem like a reasonable option.  So, what is a concerned parent to do?

 The one reason I believe there is a lack of definition is that these organizations did not want to limit a parent’s creativity as to how to get his/her children to start moving.  It’s important to recognize that physical activity is literally anything that gets children up off the couch, and their hearts pumping.  It can be as organized as joining a structured sports team, such as little league baseball, youth soccer, and/or basketball, to dancing around in the living room to your favorite songs.  The other nice thing is that the activity doesn’t have to be continuous.  If you can only afford 20 minute intervals of walking to and from a destination, then getting 3 of these are sufficient.  That could be walking the dog in the morning and the evening, and hula hoop in between.  Many studies have also looked at motion games, like many of those associated with the Wii console.  But a word of caution with motion games, if the game doesn’t invite you to get up and move around, then it’s probably not a good alternate form of physical activity. 

 Another thing the recommendations call for is moderate to vigorous intense activity. Many of you may be wondering ‘what does that means?’  Moderate activity simply means any anything that makes your heart beat faster, and little out of breath. Vigorous activities are those that make you sweat. I’ve seen some children and their families that are so unaccustomed to activity, that when they do decide to become active, their afraid that they where having a heart attack because they got a little winded.  This is called poor conditioning, which gets better over time with repeated activity.  We have gotten so used to modern conveniences that we, as a society, have forgotten what it is like to be active.  As parents, we must be good ambassadors of change, by role modeling activity and exercise. Because whether you think they are or not, you children ARE watching what you do.  

 References

 1.  “Let’s Move Campaign.”

2.  “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans”

3.  “AAP: Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Overweight and Obesity”  

March Article 2010

ADHD……What is it really?

Many of our children have been diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but do we really understand what that means?  When we compare our childhood to those of our children’s, there were several things that were considered “normal” that is now diagnosed as ADHD.  So what really is ADHD, and how can we differentiate it normal child development?

The definition of ADHD is a developmental disorder of the brain that makes it difficult for children to control their behavior.  It affects not only behavior, but also affects attention and learning.  It is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood. Approximately 4.5 million children are currently diagnosed with ADHD.  It affects 4% to 12% of school-aged children, occurring about 3 times more boys than girls.  Symptoms include persistent day-dreaming, acting without thinking, easily distracted, disorganized, constant motion or fidgeting, and trouble waiting for things.  These may seem like harmless characteristics, but many children can but themselves in danger by jumping into oncoming traffic, engaging in risk taking behaviors (i.e. drug use, promiscuity), or frequent injuries. 

Now all children from time to time have moments when they lose focus or get hyper, but the difference between normal development and ADHD are the duration of this behavior and the behavior causes impairment.   According to the DSM-IV, symptoms must occur consistently for longer than 6 months by age 7, and must interfere with daily functioning.  For most children, this translates into difficulty in school.  Often, your child’s teacher is the first to alter to behavior difficulties.  This can present as difficulty completing assignments, frustration with instructions, withdrawing from peers, or inability to stay in his/her seat.   Once symptoms have been recognized, it is important to schedule a visit with your child’s pediatrician to rule out other medical/social/developmental causes.

Many things can produce symptoms of ADHD.  Children who are chronically sleep deprived, as children with obstructive sleep apnea are, often have problems with inattention and forgetfulness.  Children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia or speech impediments of avoid engaging with peers and don’t finish tasks for fear of embarrassment and ridicule.  Children who live in a chaotic home environment often act out to attract attention they may be missing in their home.   

ADHD is a complex disorder that affects 6% of school aged children.  The exact cause of the disorder is unknown, but scientists are believe there are multiple factor that contribute, including genetics, environmental exposures, direct brain injury, and prematurity.  Despite not knowing the cause, there are many treatment options.

Many people have concerns about stimulant medications.  It is important to note that medication is only one portion of treatment for ADHD.  Behavioral therapy is a major component of therapy, in which the child learns to control impulses, developing routines, and breaking down tasks into bite size pieces that can be accomplished.  Medications, both stimulant and non-stimulant, should be viewed as an adjuvant to behavioral therapy. 

In summary, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a complex mental health disorder that affects approximately 4.5 million of American children.  However, with early diagnosis and consistent treatment, ADHD is a very manageable disorder and many affected individual go on to lead very successful lives.

Dr. TaTanisha P. Smith, M.D.,  our newest Soul Pitt columnist, will be covering all topics pertaining to the good health of our children.  Her first column “Childhood Obesity” touches base with Michelle Obama’s campaign.

TaTanisha P. Smith, M.D., has returned to her childhood home of Pittsburgh to care for children at AGH Kids Ambulatory Pediatrics Clinic at Allegheny General Hospital.

A proud product of the Pittsburgh Public Schools, Dr. Smith received her bachelor’s degree in biology and pre-medicine from Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, FL, and her doctor of medicine degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. She has recently completed her Pediatrics Residency at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, also in Nashville.

The recipient of several honors and awards throughout her college career, Dr. Smith is currently affiliated with a number of professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Medical Association.

Dr. Smith has actively participated in research in a variety of fields including infectious diseases, neurology, oncology, anatomy and physiology. However, her first love is in childhood advocacy, where she strives to be a voice for Pittsburgh most at risk children.

Childhood Obesity….It’s not that big of a problem, right?
By Dr. TaTanisha Smith, MD

          With the First Lady taking on the challenge of childhood obesity, many people are asking, “what’s the big deal?”   As a pediatrician, I have had a front row seat the growing trend of children’s waist lines. And as a pediatrician, I have heard every reason under the sun as to why a parent’s son/daughter is overweight.  “His/her father is built the same way”, “everyone in the family is heavy”, “he/she is just big-boned”, etc.   Despite all these excuses and many more, the childhood obesity epidemic persists.   The statistics do not lie and are shocking.  Approximately one third of American children ages 2-18 years old are overweight, defined as having a BMI >85^th percentile.  Additionally, almost 20% of American children ages 2- 18 years old are considered obese, defined as having a BMI >95^th percentile.   What does that mean for minority children? The statistics are even worse.   African American girls have the highest prevalence of obesity, with almost 30% being obese (BMI >95^th percentile) between ages 12-19 years old. 

          The overwhelming issue with childhood obesity is that it put these children at risk for a plethora of health problems, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, high cholesterol, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and repetitive skin infections. Approximately 60% of overweight children 6-11 already have one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.  Type 2 diabetes mellitus, formerly called adult onset diabetes, is now being found in overweight children, with anywhere 8-40% of new diagnoses of diabetes being type 2 or insulin resistant diabetes.   We may be looking at the first generation whose life expectancy is less than their parents.

          We can sit and blame our genetics, the schools, the government, and anybody else we choose for this problem. But the more important issue is how to we correct it. And just as the problem didn’t happen overnight, it will not be solved overnight.   It will take hard work, perseverance, and determination, characteristics that have defined the African American community throughout history.  So we must once again strive for change, but not in the political arena, but in our homes.   So let’s work as an entire family, and for on these five principles to improve the health of our children:

• 5 servings fruits or vegetables a day ( medium sized apple, a banana, 10-20 grapes)
• Limiting TV/computer time to 2 hours a day
• Strive for 1 hour of activity each day
• Avoid fried foods
• Avoid sugar laden beverages (i.e., Kool-Aid, pop/soda, juice boxes)
• Eat dinner together at the table(not in front of the TV)

If we can strive to take on these simple steps, we can defeat childhood obesity.

References

1. CDC Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
2. AAP Policy Statement Prevention of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity.  PEDIATRICS. Vol .112 No. 2. August 2003. P424-430
3. Healthy Children.org

National best selling author will be holding a book signing at the Joseph-Beth Booksellers, South Side Works at 7:00Pm on Wednesday, July 7th.

ReShonda is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, and recently voted a Top 25 Woman of Houston by Rolling Out Magazine.

She is the national bestselling author of 20 titles (Eight adult novels, seven teen novels, one non-fiction, three anthologies and one poetry book). Her sophomore novel, Let the Church Say Amen, is being made into a movie of which she is Executive Producer and actress Regina King is the Director.

A former television and radio news reporter, ReShonda has always had an active imagination. After experiencing numerous rejections from publishers, she stepped out on faith and established her own publishing company and released her first novel, My Brother’s Keeper. The book caught the attention of Simon & Schuster who signed her on as one of their authors.

To read more about ReShonda check out her website and click back to the Writers Block for a full length interview conducted during her book release tour.

ReShonda Tate Billingsley will be signing her new book

Wednesday, July 7th at 7:00 pm

Joseph-Beth Booksellers-SouthSide Works

510 South 27th Street

                      After putting in serious grind of establishing my own business, I have finally had the chance to enjoy the fruits of my labor by doing a casting call in Chicago as well as seeking a new star for my movie, Infatuation starring Larenz Tate and many other big-time stars.  Like Larenz, she was a Chicago-bred beauty mixed with three other nationalities besides Black:  Latina, Irish, and Chinese.  In other words, she was African-American except her last name was Gomes and her beauty accentuated with slanted eyes and an ass that just screamed, I can shake what my momma gave me, pimpin’!            

            Anyway, I was telling the coffee shop manager how I admired Chicago’s culture, the people, style, etc., because of its realness and individuality.  He smiled and chuckled at what I told him. “I see that you’re not from here because real Chicagoans don’t talk like that,” he joked.   “Where are you from?” he asked me. 

“I’m from Florida,” I said proudly.  The manager looked at me with a raised brow.  “Okay, okay. So, what brings you here?”   I took a sip of my orange juice. “I’m here on business.”  He raised his brow again, wondering what was up.  “What kind of business?’ he asked; trying to get as much information as he could.  I let out a slight cough. 

“Well, I’m a movie director.  I’m in town looking for a talented actress for my movie, “Infatuation”.  The manager’s curiosity had piqued as if he had hit the jackpot. He grinned. “I think I have just the girl you need for your new film,” he said, snapping his finger.  

I shrugged. “Who is she?” I inquired, sipping on my orange juice. Before he had a chance to say who the girl is, I asked, “Who are you?”  The fat, jolly guy with rosy cheeks, pearly white teeth, and a gray goatee had extended his right hand to me. “I’m Peter Reynolds, Selena’s boss,” he declared. 

“Nice name. Where is she?” I wanted to know.  Peter grinned harder than expected. “Oh, Selena’s in the back, baking more pies and cakes. She’s a very good baker, you know? She bakes everything from pies, cakes, cookies, doughnuts! Give it a name; she does it all,” he said excitedly.    Interested in who Selena was, I asked more questions.  “So, about this Selena lady.  Has she mentioned about being on TV before?”  Peter sniffed.

“Once or twice, but I’ve never paid that much attention because I had a lot on my mind,” he said nonchalantly.  Yeah, you had money on your damn mind. The more cakes and pies her ass bakes for you, the more money goes into your stomach and wallet, Santa Claus, I contemplated with a huff.   I resumed. “Uh-huh. Since you’re so eager to help Selena, tell me a bit more about her, if you don’t mind,” I declared, folding my hands while anticipating what this man had to say about his employee. 

“Well, let me start off by saying that Selena Gomes is one tough bitch, my friend,” he said, looking behind him.  “She’s not your average flashy, look-at-me type of chick. She’s more of a kick-ass girl like that R&B singer, uh, what’s her name?” he asked me, scratching his head.  A light bulb had gone off in his head. “Pink! Yeah, she’s definitely a bad-ass in the music game,” he said with a slight chuckle.  We laughed at the thought of watching Pink kicking someone tail for being stupid.  Suddenly, his face had hardened. 

“Anyway, Selena has a pretty face and a nice body, but she doesn’t use what t he Lord has blessed her with,” he said with small concern.  He continued. “She walks around the damn shop with a damn rag on her head and wears nothing but casual clothes,” he explained.   Peter resumed. “I have not once seen her in a skirt and a pair of slutty pumps that I see other women wear every now and then and they’re just purchasing tea and doughnuts,” he said sarcastically. I laughed at his description of Selena being known as a tomboy more so than a lovely, flirtatious woman. 

“Really?” I asked.   Peter shook his head. “Yes. I’m telling the truth, man.”  Pete gave out a slight cough. “Oh and here’s another thing I want you know about her, too.”  Oh shit! This should be good, I contemplated about what was next to come.  “What is it?” I wanted to know.  Peter scratched his goatee. “She’s as nutty as a road lizard,” he explained. “Here’s an example.  One of my customers had come in the shop and told Selena that her doughnuts weren’t as hot as she wanted them to be, right?” I nodded my head yes.  Peter resumed.  “Well, Selena told her that she was busy and that she would be right out in two or three minutes, but the lady wouldn’t let up. Instead of the broad sitting down and wait until Selena comes out from the back, the damn customer starts talking about how rude Selena is and so on,” he paused to blow his nose. 

He expunged the tissue and carried on the dialogue. “Well, Selena didn’t like how the lady was talking to her, so she jumped over the counter and kicked a tail bone out of the lady’s rear and believe me when I tell ya; the scene was pretty deadly, my friend,” he explained to me.   

My antennae had suddenly risen. “Damn.  Selena got a little hood in her, hunh?”  I affirmed, shaking my head.  Peter had bit his bottom lip due to nervousness. “Yes, sir. She sure does.” I shook my head, not believing a word about Selena being loony. Then again, what the hell I did know about her? I never met her before.   I had to see for myself what kind of girl Selena is.  Peter caught on to my movements.  “You don’t believe me, do you?” he asked.   I shuddered my head no.  Then, I said, “I wanna see this Selena girl for myself,” I told him.  “Is she here?” I inquired, clearing my parched throat. 

Peter replied. “Oh, she’s here,” he pointed towards the back of the shop.  He stood up from his seat. “I’ll get her for you,” he said, walking towards the kitchen.  I heard a woman’s voice in the background. I assumed it was Selena because of her Latino accent.  I gotta admit, she sounded quite sexy in there. Moments later, Peter bought the girl out of the kitchen to meet me for a part in my movie, Infatuation.  She didn’t look bad with her long, curly jet black hair and smooth, caramel skin, but she didn’t look as show-offish as I would expect her to be, either.  Peter was right about Selena’s choice of style, but from what I observed; she didn’t seem like the crazy type. 

She seemed timid and harmless like a mouse if you ask me. Again, what the hell did I know?  From what I heard the quiet girls are the ones who lose control of their lives in the end.  I extended my hand out to her. “Hi, I’m Rashaun Whitaker. Nice to meet you,” I affirmed, shaking her hand.  She smiled. “I’m Selena. I’m one of the bakers here,” she explained.    I noticed a tattoo on her right arm that said La reina with a bloody switchblade under it. I whistled due to shock. “Whew! Some tattoo you have there, lady,” I affirmed, wondering what made her get the tattoo in the first place. 

Selena smiled. “I wanted to try something different,” she said, shrugging her shoulders.  I saw Peter making a coo-coo gesture behind Selena’s back and left.  Wanted to get the show on the road, I pointed towards a seat next to her and told her to sit down so we could talk. We got down to business. “Okay, here’s the deal. I’m looking for a new actress to partake in my new film, Infatuation.  Larenz Tate and a few others are in the movie. Peter told me a lot of good things about you,” I told her. She looked at me with a perplexed look. “What did he tell you?” she asked.  That you’re a crazy girl, but we won’t get into that, because your affair has nothing to do with you making me lots of money, I contemplated with a smirk. “He said that you’re a talented woman who has a lot to offer in the movie business, that’s all.”  She sighed. “Okay. If you say so,” she commented.   I resumed, feeling my patience wearing thin. “Anyway, here’s, uh, damn, what I would need you to do for me,” I stuttered, trying my best to manage my words correctly but it was too late. Selena had caught on to my weakness and snatched my ass up like a vulture looking for fresh meat. “Oh shit! I sense that Mr. Director isn’t looking for a new star for his movie. He’s looking for a private dancer for his new motel room,” she commented, making my ten-inch dick harder than a bag of bricks.  

Yeah, I’m about to knock that Latino accent out of her sexy ass not now, but right now! I thought, looking into her slanted, hazel-brown eyes as sweat beads dripped onto my face. I smirked, knowing that if I didn’t hurry up and take her home; I was going to explode in front of everyone in the damn shop. I tried to maintain my composure and talk solely about business but as soon as Selena had made that comment about rocking my world, I’ve decided that the only business I wanted to handle was her.  

I touched her hand and told her to grab her things. “Come on, let’s get out of here,” I demanded, grabbing my things. Sadly, the manager came out from the back and began asking us questions. “Where are you guys going?”   Selena walked towards the door and left the shop as she waited for me outside.  I looked at her boss. “Uh, we’re going to my place of business so she can, uh, audition for the movie role,” I told him.  He smirked at me, knowing a lie when he heard it. “Okay, just make sure she gets back here soon. We have shit to deal with over here, as well,” he told me. I nodded to his comment and left.

 We arrived at the hotel room three blocks from the shop and the rest was history. Selena brought out of my inner- freak that I hadn’t tapped into a long time, especially since I had escaped my sex addiction long time ago.  Now because of her, I’m back to square one and that’s kicking my fever cold turkey- again.

Come to where the fire warms your heart, a place where you can always share your thoughts

It’s where Poetry Lives on Yours Truly With Poetic Heat

Call in on 917-388-4407

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Yours Truly Poetry Show

With Brother Stubbs aka Poetic Heat brother like no other bringing the fire feel the heat

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Photographer: Elnora Fortson 2010

Toi Derricotte and Cornelius Eady, founders of Cave Canem explained the name of their Organization.

Entryway mosaics were preserved in the ancient remains of Pompeii, Italy.  In one particular house “There on the left as one entered…was a huge dog with a chain round its neck. It was painted on the wall and over it, in big capitals, was written:  Beware of the Dog.  This mosaic of a guard dog, one of several in Pompeii, is on the floor of the entrance hall to the House of the Tragic Poet.  Cave Canem represents the guard dog of African American poetry.  We provide a safe space for poets.  Notice that the chain around our dog’s neck has been snapped.  “Once you cross the threshold into Cave Canem you have entered into a safe space of poetry,” Eady explained.

Henry Reese and wife Diane were gracious hosts of the friends of Cave Canem Poets.  The shrimp and wine are usually the main attraction at receptions as you eye the featured guests.  Force small talk and introduce yourself to folks who may be interested in your thing, but truth be told, you’re there receiving them because you want to know how they got where they are and how do I get there.  Of course, the sponsors are there to see where their money is going and I’m there to meet them to see how to get a piece of the action.  So you meet and greet, rub shoulders and network anticipating the main event.

Outside under the tent we hope the promised rain doesn’t ruin a poetic evening.

First up was Jamaican born Claudia Rankin, Professor of English at Pomona College.  She reads from her most recent book Don’t Let Me Be Lonely. The character she reads is about the first African descent nurse on the front lines in an American war.  She was devoted to saving the lives of white soldiers who treated her less than human.  But now some want her to hold them in her bosom as she listens to their confessions, but some would rather die.  Claudia held the audience captive as she read in her deep, soft and low, Jamaican vernacular.

Next up is Carl Phillips. Professor of English and African American Studies at Washington University in St. Louis.  He read several pieces in which he described “not upbeat”.  Still trying to get in touch with his sexuality, we listened patiently… some of his poems were good for the moment but left no lasting impression.

On fire with Sapphire!  (You know it takes all I got to articulate that “r”.)  Author of the novel Push which the movie Precious was adapted, she read from her most recent collection of poetry Black Wings and Blind Angels.  She was exhilarating and cutting edge, her light but stern voice was mesmerizing as she poetically sang her pieces.  She dissed poetry workshops in a poem (even the workshop she facilitated for Cave Canem) saying Fuck all that shit and say what you got say… which brought all of us poets to our feet.  And once she knew the F-word was acceptable… well she got real raw, straight out of Brooklyn, the sister showed up and showed out.

“Brown skins have souls of sentiment”… Opening statement from Dr. Colleen McElroy, 70 years plus… Kicking it!  Professor of English at the University of Washington.  “Why the fuck do I have to follow such a talent… Sapphire”, she applauds and the audience follows her lead.  Reading from her book Sleeping with the Moon the Dr. held her own.  With a boldness and spryness she read in celebration of jazz, Billie Holiday, African American culture… and then “shit… I fuck too” she speaks in a sarcastic, light, authorative tone… The audience is in shock and can’t stop laughing, but she began reading sensuous F-word poems that sometimes sounded like love poems.  70 years plus, the Dr. had it going on.

Guests were gifted with Gathering Ground a book of poems by Cave Canem poets.  3.5 hours of poetic atmosphere is heaven to me.  Thank you City of Asylum and Cave Canem.

Thursday – June 24^th

Readings begin at 7:30 p.m. in a tent on Monterey Street between Sampsonia and Jackson streets.

Cave Canem, national organization for African-American poets will be featured. Scheduled to read are Colleen McElroy, Carl Phillips, Claudia Rankine and Sapphire. It’s part of Cave Canem’s annual poets retreat at the Greensburg campus of the University of Pittsburgh.

Sapphire, poet and author of the novel “Push,” the material for the Academy Award-nominated film “Precious,” and also the author of three poetry collections.

FREE, but reservations are required by e-mailing cityofasylumpittsburgh@gmail.com

Mr. Phillip, author of eight poetry collections include the 2006 “Quiver of Arrows.” He teaches English at Washington University.

Ms. Rankine, author of “Don’t Let Me Lonely,” and co-editor of the anthology “American Women Poets in the 21st Century: Where Lyric Meets Language.”

Ms. McElroy has published poetry, fiction and nonfiction and is currently on the Cave Canem faculty. Previously, she was a professor at the University of Washington.

Wednesday, June 30th

Letras Latinas, Reading begins at 7:30 p.m. at the City of Asylum House Poem home located on Sampsonia Way.

FREE, but reservations are required by e-mailing cityofasylumpittsburgh@gmail.com.

Feature Spanish-language poets and singers Brenda Cardenas and Francisco Aragon.

1. The Black and White Festival is a one-act play festival consisting of eight plays. Each play submission must be 25 pages or less.

2. Each play must be written by a Pittsburgh playwright, meaning that he or she currently lives in the Pittsburgh area, is from/grew up in the Pittsburgh area, or lived in the Pittsburgh area for a minimum of two years.

3. Each playwright may submit up to two one-act plays for consideration.

4. Any and all subject matter is encouraged.

5. No musicals please. Plays using music as a story-telling device will be considered, but musicals, in the conventional sense, will not.

6. Your submission package should include the following:

a) Two (2) hard copies of each play you are submitting. If you are submitting 2 different plays, then we should receive four separate scripts.

b) A cover page for each submission containing the following:

i) The title of the play
ii) Your name.  DO NOT WRITE YOUR NAME ANYWHERE ON THE SCRIPT ITSELF. PUT YOUR NAME ONLY ON EACH COVER PAGE.
iii) Your contact information, including address, e-mail address (this is most likely how we will inform you of our decision), and phone number. This information should also only be on your cover page and not on the script itself.
iv) The word ‘BLACK’ or ‘WHITE’. The B&W Festival is made up of 8 plays, 4 by black playwrights and 4 by white playwrights. Please indicate with which category you identify yourself.
v) A short biography of both you and the play, indicating your relationship with Pittsburgh (i.e. currently residing here, grew up here, went to school here, etc.) and your play’s history (i.e. if it’s new, if it’s been produced before, and if so, when and where).

7. Please seal and send your complete submission package to:

The Theatre Festival in Black and White
c/o The Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company
542 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

8. The DEADLINE for play submission is August 16, 2010. All submissions must be postmarked no later than this date.

9. There is no submission fee.

10. The eight playwrights’ plays which are chosen will receive a full production during our October play festival.

11. Last year’s festival did not take place. If you had entered last year, your play or plays will be considered for this year’s festival. There is no need to re-submit.

12. It is possible that 2 of the 8 plays may be from guest playwrights from outside of the Pittsburgh area. This will be determined by the quality of this year’s submissions to ensure a successful festival.

13. The top three plays will receive awards.

14. Interested directors may forward their resume to A/D Pgh Playwrights Theatre Co. 542 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Any questions, please contact Mark Clayton Southers,
PPTCO founder and producing artistic director at 412-377-7803.

www.pghplaywrights.com