Hotep and Greetings!
Let me start with many thanks - asante sana - to Cheryl Alexander, the Christian Education Committee and the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit of Bridgeport, Connecticut. To be invited to provide the culminating activity for their Black History Month Observances was an honor and a privilege... To also gain a glimpse of the vision of Bishop Kenneth Moales was simply inspiring!
Set within the heart of the African American community in Bridgeport, Bishop Moales' vision for what the people of God can do is nothing short of magnificent. Already operating a nursery school and a certified elementary school (Love Christian Academy), plans are in the works for a senior citizens housing complex... Then there's the ten million dollar facility - a majestic church - surely a beacon to a community in need... Wow! Indeed, I was blessed!
My thirty-minute poetic journey through Black history and culture began at the beginning of time and moved swiftly through time... Using selections from both Soul Poems: Life as Fertile Ground, Obamatyme: Election Poetry and the CD, From the 60's Spirit: Poems From The Black, my poetry spoke to our antiquity and contributions to world civilization (Inventors) and to our forced migration in enslavement (Lest We Forget); it gave reminders of our triumphant struggle for freedom (The Road Has Been Long... Until) and the historic celebration of our recent election (Obamatyme: Step Up!). I also wanted to bring our awareness to the historical backdrop of the disaster in Haiti (The Republic of Haiti), as well as prick the consciousness of our youth in challenging them to be mindful of their entertainment practices (What Are YOU Watching?!).
Thirty-minutes flew by as I recited poetry, sang and exhorted the congregation to look deeply into the lens of where we have been and where we need to go. I wanted them to know about the less examined persons and events of our history (Diamonds From The Rough)... I wanted to know if Life inspires them (Inspire) and what do they hope for (Hope: A Meditation for 2010)...
Passionate and deliberate, my poetry was at once lyrical and searing... I wanted to touch the people with the knowledge of who we are - our journey, struggles, achievements and potential. It is humbling to feel a measure of success; upon my completion, the congregation rose to their feet, their appreciation washing over me and filling me up with gratitude for the gift God has given me to give.
Signing books, talking with folks and greeting well-wishers made for beautiful fellowship, along with the shower of gorgeous flowers - long stem red roses - that were presented to me. On the train ride back to Philadelphia, gazing at those lovely roses and remembering warmly, I know that I am blessed.
Thank You Cathedral of the Holy Spirit... continue to bless the people!
All Praises...
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Posted by: オテモヤン | March 27, 2010 at 05:53 PM