Interview: Maya Angelou, Author Of 'Mom & Me & Mom' : NPR

Interview: Maya Angelou, Author Of 'Mom & Me & Mom' : NPR

Miss Maya Angelou

April 4, 1928 to May 28, 2014

Thank you.
Claudia Helena Ross

The Changing Face of Harlem

I met Shawn Batey at the San Diego Black Film Festival in January. She told me about her documentary, The Changing Face of Harlem. I wanted to see it, but had missed the showing. Fortunately for me, Ms Batey had a DVD with her available for purchase. Without hesitation, I purchased it. This was a FABULOUS decision.

The Changing Face of Harlem, a documentary directed by Shawn Batey, takes a thought provoking, comprehensive look at the redevelopment and gentrification of Harlem. Batey begins with a brief pictorial history of Harlem starting with its birth as a Native American settlement, through each of its incarnations to present times. Once a retreat for Manhattan’s Upper Crust in the 19^th Century, Harlem reinvented herself, next becoming the seat of African American culture and thought during the Harlem Renaissance of the  early 20^th century, later enduring the struggles and pains of the Great Depression, going on to survive an era of upheaval, political unrest, and neighborhood deconstruction from the 1960’s through the 1970’s. Now a community perched upon prime real estate steeped in history, culture, and architecture, many groups are taking a new look at this neighborhood. Ms. Batey presents an unbiased, discerning view of the different factions vying for a stake in this magical two mile area, which has fueled the world’s imagination for decades.

In this film, Batey encourages viewers to consider options on how to sustain the vested interests of native Harlem residents, while at the same time creating opportunity for real estate investors and their affluent clients, without disenfranchising or excluding either group. How does Harlem maintain its identity without losing itself to corporate America and gentrification? Is there room for all to coexist?  Batey leaves this question open for her audience to decide. She simply paints a global picture, incorporating the opinions of all those involved: the street vendor, the 50 year resident, the upper income investors looking for cheaper housing stock (with Victorian architectural accents), the politician, and the corporate investor.

The Changing Face of Harlem is an excellent film, providing insight to residents of historical neighborhoods, community activists, real estate developers, politicians, and corporate investors who desire to understand the dynamics and challenges involved with revitalizing, rehabilitating, developing and investing in cultural and historical neighborhoods like Harlem around the nation. Ms. Batey’s film should be viewed and considered by anyone planning to engage in any community redevelopment and revitalization plan.

To learn more about Shawn Batey and The Changing Face of Harlem, please visit her website: http://changingfaceofharlem.com/.

Happy Birthday Toni Morrison

Today, Ms Toni Morrison turned 83 years old. I just want to say...

"Happy Birthday Ms Morrison. You have been an inspiration to me, giving me the courage to sit down and write my novels. I hope you had a great day!"

First Blooms

Last Saturday I was sitting on the balcony with my friend and neighbor, Maggie Christie, reflecting on the state of our little garden oasis. "I want flowers for my balcony," Maggie confessed. So, we hopped in her car and headed over to Green Gardens located on Cass Street in San Diego. They offer such a great selection of perennials, annuals, shrubs, and succulents. Well, just anything and everything you could want. The staff was extremely helpful, available to answer any questions their customers may have.

I purchased a beautiful purple ranunculus and red anemone, bunking them together in the same pot.

Maggie purchased geraniums for her balcony, mingling the pink and white flowering plants together in a single pot for a fabulous effect. But I really loved the geranium with the multicolored leaves (left); I'm not sure if I've ever seen that one before!

I've been toying with the ideal of starting an herb garden in a contractor's garbage bag, so I picked up several packets of seeds. I had hoped to start them on Sunday, but didn't get to it.

Although up for a DIY project, I decided to take a look around the Internet to see if I could find better ideals. I want to go vertical off my banister, but I don't want to junk the place up. I found one ideal on that I thought was good; re-purposing shoe bags as vertical planters. I think this would work great for me.

You can learn more about ideas such as these on GreenUPGRADER.com. Another cool site I found was Windowfarms.com offer vertical indoor gardening solutions, sustainable year-round.

Happy Birthday Lela!

Today, February 12, 2014, Lela Chevalier Roberts would have been 167 years old. Lela was born in 1847 to her master Augustus Chevalier and his slave cook, Sammie, in St. Helena's Parish Louisiana. Lela had a half brother and sister, Jean Charles and Lily Chevalier. Lily loved Lela deeply, not caring she was half black; however, her father could never accept her because of it.

Escaping her father's abuse and murder attempts, Lela escapes to New Orleans with her half brother and his wife. Lela perseveres, surviving the trials and tribulations of being Negro in 19th Century Louisiana, but to live a vivacious going on not only to rule New Orleans, but Heaven and Earth, and all those who dwell within.

Happy Birthday!!!

San Diego Black Film Festival 2014

I've begun this year with a bang by attending the San Diego Black Film Festival, held at San Diego's Reading Gaslamp Theater, January 30 - February 2nd. I found out about the festival via a weekly email from OfficeTeam detailing upcoming events in San Diego. I had almost forgotten to read the email, but noticed it as I was closing down my laptop on Friday evening. Once I read it I raced home, changed clothes, and then blazed a trail  for the Gaslamp District to attend the Industry Party at 9pm.

Once I arrived at the Reading Theater and collected my ticket from Will Call, I was informed the party didn't start until 10pm. Dangit! I could have used that extra hour to prepare for evening. But it was cool. I walked down the street to Seersucker's and enjoyed a nice meal. I returned to the theater just as the staff was admitting guests into the party.

I had a great time! I met so many wonderful authors and filmmakers, promoting their works. Ready to snap a bunch of pictures, I reached into my purse for my camera and realized I'd left it at home. So my new friend Elva Nelson Hayes, author of Unnamed, snapped a few photos and sent them to my phone.

Elva Nelson Hayes (left) Claudia Ross and Stefhen Bryan (Right)

The gentleman to my right is Stefhen Bryan, writer, director and actor in the stage production, Doodu Boy. I wish I had been able to catch his performance at the Santa Monica Play House. Perhaps one day he will bring his production to San Diego (hint). The next performance will be held at the Soho Playhouse in NYC, March 2nd. If you live or will be in New York City, be sure to check it out!

The following day, I returned to the festival, this time attending showings of In Da Cut  directed by Lamont A. Coleman (winner for best Inspirational Film), Momma's Own, and The Devil Goes Down. Momma's Own (written and directed by Harrell Williams) and The Devil Goes Down (directed by Nicholas Julius) are short, poignant films; leaving a lasting impression on the viewer. I would recommend them both.

The screenings started late; therefore, ending late. I feared arriving late for the dinner ceremony at the Hard Rock Hotel, five to six blocks away. As soon as In Da Cut ended, I bolted from the theater and raced back to the Marriott Gaslamp, changed, and then hurried over to the Hard Rock Hotel to attend the awards dinner. Much to my relief, the event hadn't started, so I had the opportunity to mix and mingle a bit before dinner.I met an interesting man at the bar, Winston A. Young, director of the film The Light Is Still On. Thanks for the libation (wink)! I will view his works soon, posted in several parts on YouTube.com.

Shawn Batey, Claudia Ross

Assigned to table 23, I sat with Shawn Batey, the Producer of The Changing Face of Harlem, nominated for best documentary. Although I had missed the screening of her documentary earlier that day, I purchased the DVD. It is an excellent documentary, where Batey provides her audience with a unbiased presentation of the different philosophies surrounding the revitalization and future of Harlem, showcasing the differing perspectives of each of the vying stakeholders, each attempting  either to retain or to gain control of this historic community. I'm working on my review of the film and will publish it later this week. 

Sitting to my left were Rommie Martinez (Make Up Aritst) and Dave Rutherford (Steadycam Operator), two members of the crew of Tula the Revolt. I haven't seen this movie as of yet, but plan to do so. The film received great reviews and won for Best Picture at the Film Festival. Danny Glover is one of the stars of the movie.

After dinner, Robin Givens (Head of the Class, A Rage in Harlem, Boomerang) emceed the awards ceremony. The ceremony began with a award to Bill Withers, who screened his documentary Still Bill (which I missed). He gave a great speech, summing up his career and life experiences. He looked great, cooing to his fans with his sultry and sexy voice; he is Still Bill.

Sunday February 2nd was the final day of screenings. Although pooped, I got of bed to hike over to the Reading Theater, following a fabulous brunch at The Broken Yolk, to catch the last few flicks of the festival. First up was Tim Lopes - Historia de Acanjo, written and produced by Bruno Lopes. In the film, Bruno recounts the life of his late father, Tim Lopes, a legendary investigative reporter in Brasil, and the events leading up to his murder. The film was great. Although the subtitles skated across the screen a bit too fast at times (please take into consideration I'm a slow reader), the film still proved to be moving, gripping the audience's interest and compassion for not only Tim, but the Brazilian people as well, from the very first moments of the film. I recommend this film. Afterwards, the Bruno engaged the audience in a short question and answer session, granting everyone a better perspective on the life of his father.  

Apiyo Amolo, Bruno Lopes, Claudia Ross

Immediately following Bruno's film, the festival presented the short film, Not Swiss Made. I love this film which is only about five minutes long; however, it spoke volumes in the time allotted to Kenyan born Apiyo Amolo's life in Switzerland, her love for her adopted homeland, and the heartbreak she continues to suffer surrounding the nation's rejection of her.

Much to my delight, I ran into Bobby Hill once again at the screening. I had met him the preceding Friday and Saturday nights of the festival. Bobby is the producer of Prayer Changes Things, directed by Marrill Clayton. Both Bobby and Bruno were gracious and allowed me to snap a photo of them.

Bobby Hill, Bruno Lopes

I had the great fortune to meet many great artists at this event; I will be sure to attend next year. For more information on San Diego Black Flim Festival, please visit http://www.sdbff.com.

Photo Gallery

Tracey Phillips Boone and Shawn Batey

Marrill Clayton and Bobby Hill

Claudia Helena Ross

San Diego Black Film Festival 2014 Winners

Madiba

Nelson Mandela made his transition on Thursday, December 5, 2013 after blessing the world with a lifetime of service. What incredible challenges he overcame and great accomplishments he achieved! After decades

in jail, he is freed; going on to liberate South Africa of Apartheid, and then to be elected President.

Once I arrived home on Friday, I turned on the evening news to watch the coverage of his passing. I expected to see grief stricken people in the streets, mourning. What I saw completely surprised me.

South Africans rejoicing in the streets.

They were celebrating his life, dancing, joyously attired, thanking the Lord for blessing their lives with Madiba. Yet when you think of Mr Mandela's life, how can you mourn and be sad? There aren't many leaders of change who lived to the ripe old age of 95 years old. Not only did he lead his nation through a revolution, but was elected President and embraced by his all South Africans, both Black and White. Now that is something to celebrate. Nope, sure can't cry about that. Once you think about it, we understand why South African's can't sit down.

Or the world for that matter. I was fortunate enough to catch the Memorial Service live, at 1am-ish Pacific time this morning. It was amazing to see the 'who's who' of the United Nations fly in from around the world to honor him. It was even better to see the citizens of South Africa rejoicing in the rain for the great leader who'd gone home to be with the Lord.

Mr. Mandela was more than a blessing for South Africa alone, but for the international community as well. It seems as if he changed the world with a gentle admonishment and a smile, but I know this isn't the case. Leaders listened to and respected him. He didn't seem to get the push-back that some leaders experience. He had a way of talking to folks, of interacting with them. He was like a grandfather, who having raised his children in the callousness of youth, now molds his grandchildren with tenderness, love, and compassion in the twilight of his years.

OK, so I'm romanticizing him. So what? I can if I want too. But much of it is true, isn't it?

Rest, Madiba, our chief.

Coming Soon! La Rose Book II Le Baton Chronicles

Coming November 1, 2013

On August 28, 1963, while waiting for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom telecast to begin, 116 year old Lela Chevalier Roberts continues her recount of the Chevalier family history to her great-grandson, Julian Charles Chamberie, with the life of her late husband, James Roberts, in 19th Century Louisiana.

Assisted by angels and heaven, James escapes his father’s hatred, forced enlistment in the Civil War’s Confederate Army, and Mammon the Devil’s repeated attempts to annihilate him by fleeing America for France and taking refuge with his cousins, Emmanuel and Jonathan. Once settled into French society, James searches for his wife, the one he has dreamed of for centuries. Much to his delight, James falls in love, marries, and honeymoons with his new bride in Milan, where she soon becomes pregnant. Yet, Mammon finds James and destroys his new family, propelling James into a battle against madness; nevertheless, James triumphs over insanity and escapes hell, returning to life once more.

Rebounding from the loss of his wife, James remembers a love he has yet to find, his true love, his Rose, and resumes his quest to find her. When James returns to the Chevalier Mansion of New Orleans at the war’s end to save his friend from self-destruction, James discovers his Rose, Lela Chevalier. But Mammon is busy, and initiates his greatest plan yet to destroy Lela’s and James’ love, jeopardizing the lineage and future birth of Le Baton.

Available on Amazon.com November 1, 2013

We Remember

To those who lives were taken

And to those who sacrificed theirs

Thank you