I thought about Prince today… January 1, 2008

I thought about Prince today; my friend, Prince Jones, who was murdered by an undercover PG County police officer on September 1, 2000, at the age of 25. He doesn’t cross my mind quite as often as he used to, but certainly when new tragedies like Sean Bell arise, Prince is foremost on my mind. And even still, when I think of my time at Howard University, Prince is in that mix of memories, and again I am reminded that he just isn’t here anymore. He was followed out of Maryland through the District into Virginia where he was eventually greeted with gunshot after trying to protect himself by ramming his Jeep Cherokee into the black Montero SUV that blocked the road he was on. HIT eight times out of 16 shots fired, five shots in the back, Prince lay dying. Standing well over 6′ tall, he was allegedly mistaken by the officer/gunman for a man of 5′6″ and stocky build, who apparently had stolen a police firearm. From what I remember, Prince was trying to reach the house where his fiancé and daughter were sleeping at the time he was shot down. Unimaginable to hear of someone you’ve never met, let alone someone who you sat with and called Friend. If it weren’t for the media coverage and court documents that I’ve uncovered on the internet in recent years, I still would not believe it. It’s been a while since I’ve tried to put together the current pieces of what’s been going on in his case, but from what I read [I gather] things have become a bit contentious in the wake of the $3.7 million that’s been awarded/revoked/appealed/settled between his mother, his fiancé/the mother of his daughter- who was an infant at the time of his murder, and his father, which hopefully will be resolved (completely ironic considering Prince’s knack for conflict/resolution). There are so many details of which I basically know nothing (in the grand scheme of things), and certainly I’m not in the slightest position to make any type of judgment on who would deserve what between whom… I’m just a person far removed from the situation but remembers a wonderful brotha who once stood with us.

—

To a friend I love with all of God’s agape, to whom I am grateful for showing me the essence of thoughtfulness, joy, smiles, & humanity, and who, almost twelve years later, is still as cherished as the day we met.

Charming Prince Carmen

At a time when Howard University’s main campus was still a foreign sea of unknown, I realized the power of a smiling face and outstretched hand the day I met Prince Carmen Jones: Freshman year, August 1996. I first met Prince one evening while waiting for the shuttle to Meridian Hill Hall. I noticed this tall brother coming towards the shuttle stop on 4th street across from the Quad on the back side of campus. When he reached the stop, with one of those classic broad- Prince Jones- smiles, he introduced himself. “Wow!” I said. “Prince? That’s you’re name?!” We made small talk, me finding out that he was an old head around the HU community, but it was all good. “As long as you’re taking care of business, take as long as you need, right!?” we laughed. Eventually, the shuttle came and we continued to chit chat until we reached our Meridian Hall destination and went our separate ways.

Imagine my surprise that Saturday when walking onto campus from Georgia Ave I ran into my new friend in front of Cramton Auditorium amongst a bus load of school-aged children. “HEY! What’s going on over here?” I asked. “This organization I volunteer with is taking these kids to the skating rink… What are you doing?” Before, “Ooh nothing much…” came out of my mouth, Prince was already convincing me to come with them. “Right NOW!?!?!? Don’t I have time to go change?” “NO!” he said, “Come on! If you’re going you have to get on the bus right now! COME ON!!!” I was convinced. “Okay, I guess…!” I mean, I didn’t have any plans and when was the last time I went skating anyway!? Needless to say, my spur of the moment skating adventure was a complete blast! Especially since being a new student there were limited off campus activities I participated in, and I had Prince to thank for the invitation.

Over the next four years, being that I developed a major yard-chill-mode of operation, I ran into Prince wearing his black cowboy hat quite often as I chilled on the steps of Fine Arts, or anywhere else on campus I saw fit. There aren’t too many folks whom I can say this about, but EVERYTIME I ran into Prince I was received with a RADIANT SMILE and ENCOURAGING WORD. By my senior year, it wasn’t uncommon for Prince to express how proud he was to see that I’d “developed into such a respectable young woman taking care of business!” People are often so quick to voice their displeasure or problems with you that it’s really substantial to receive genuine encouragement from our brethren. Maybe it was Prince’s example that led me to become such a gregarious sunflower during my four years Howard. There is a thin line between confidence and arrogance, the latter which I have zero tolerance for. And Prince honestly knew the measure of a confident and spirited existence.

And he also knew the measure of a helping hand, because there were times when I needed a ride to or from somewhere and if I saw Prince and asked, he happily obliged. One such episode was last fall when I had taken the metro to Dave & Buster’s for a friend’s birthday party. It was, as always, a pleasant surprise to run into Prince and he ended up joining us for the party! When it was over we were trying to decide how everyone was going to squeeze in the cars to go back to campus (since there were more people riding back than had come to D&B’s). Prince was quick with his offer, “You know I’ll give you a ride, sis!” When we got into his black Jeep Cherokee, one of my favorite songs, Fred Hammond’s “Blessed” came blaring through the speakers. “Let me find out you’re into Fred” I smiled. “Yeah” Prince answered, “I listen to this song every morning. The Lord has really blessed me.” He told me that he was not in school that semester because there were some things in his life that he was getting together. It did then and still gives me comfort to know that he truly found his joy in the Lord when he was here.

And even though in this human reality we can’t comprehend why our friend was taken from us in such a detestable manner, we can find our peace and confidence in knowing as Prince has departed his earthly body, absence from the flesh is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthian 5: 6-8). And so I don’t try to figure out why or how this happened, because I’ll NEVER know in this lifetime. BUT I now smile brighter than ever knowing that I WILL see him again.

September 11, 2000

Come Home to Solomon’s Porch November 7, 2007

There is a certain energy illuminating the neighborhood of Stuyvesant Heights, Brooklyn, which can be traced directly to the live event restaurant venue known as Solomon’s Porch. Converted from an antique shop, it has become a hip, urban meeting spot where one will find anything from a great bottle of Chilean wine to tasty bite-sized southern crab cakes. Under new ownership since the fall of 2005, it was determined that the residential aesthetic of Stuyvesant Heights, the vicinity bordered by Stuyvesant and Lewis Avenues in particular, far exceeded the commercial aesthetic of the neighborhood. The new management also concluded that nearby families shouldn’t have to travel outside of their immediate neighborhood for quality dining and entertainment experiences. Accordingly, in the past two years, Solomon’s Porch has evolved into a premier destination location for individuals living in Bedford-Stuyvesant and in other parts of New York City, at large. General Manager Ardenia Brown mentions how their clientele ranges from enlightened artsy types to more staid corporate types, noting that often guests travel from as far as Manhattan and Queens to their locale because of the caliber of talent showcased along with their first-rate menu. She also mentions that they’ve attracted a wide variety of people from various cultural backgrounds as the historic community continues to rejuvenate.

Describing the cuisine of Solomon’s Porch, Brown paints a picture of American Southern fusion cuisine with elements of North African spices that are used in dishes that create flavorful tastes to the pallet. Managing Partner, Quinn Isaac, adds that the menu’s southern American inspired dishes compliment the neighborhood as well. Whether it’s their Savory Tilapia & Clams, the Jerk Steak Wrap, or their vegetarian friendly Black Bean Cakes and Moroccan Lentil Soup (each created with its own savory sauce), Solomon’s Porch provides what people want to eat when they’re listening to great music. Personally selected by Brown, an incredible wine list is comprised of selections that range from California to imported wines from Italy, Chile, and Argentina. Their bar is rounded off with exquisite imported beer and “…a mean Sangria!” An incredible brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-4pm, which includes spicy shrimp and grits, salmon croquettes and a special French toast complimented by fresh bananas gives the menu an appetizing variety.

In keeping with the vibrant cultural tradition, Solomon’s Porch boasts an assortment of live entertainment acts six nights a week, ranging from straight ahead or hip hop jazz fusion to spoken word poetry nights. Talent is personally chosen by Brown, whose professional background includes executive experience in the music industry. She speaks of jazz musicians living in the neighborhood, and the Porch’s mission of providing a venue where the younger generation can be creative with their talents from every genre of music. Their calendar truly varies, and as a patron, “you never know what you will walk into, whether it’s dancing or comedy”. Supporting the arts in every sense of the word, Solomon’s Porch uses the interior space to exhibit works by visual artists of all ethnic groups. Chosen by Quinn’s keen appreciation for vibrant works that illustrate distinct artistry, various artists are given opportunity to introduce their inspired concepts to the community in which they reside through Solomon’s Porch.

When asked how he would like to continue building on the legacy in which Solomon’s Porch has diligently invested, Mr. Isaac is sincere with his desire to be even more involved with community outreach and neighborhood charitable events. Ardenia points out that while they are providing the space for entertainment arts, they also support events that speak to cultural education and cater to nonprofits that reach their clientele and the community. The Porch proudly fosters close knit relationships with adjoining businesses across Halsey and Stuyvesant, understanding the necessity in supporting other black owned businesses while encouraging dialogue about businesses dynamics within the community. The establishment also welcomes private engagements such as bridal or baby showers, birthday parties, and sponsored luncheons. Ultimately their customers are the most important element in the equation of their success. “Our customers’ input is very important” Quinn Isaac reflects, “because we are off the beaten path and have to create an environment where they’ll always have a reason to come back.”

Melissa Young September 19, 2007

Melissa Young Album Release

Solomon’s Porch recently hosted the pre-album release party of Atlanta-based soul singer, Melissa Young. Celebrating the upcoming release of her debut album, Just Up The Road, Melissa performed an acoustic set accompanied by Brooklyn-based guitarists Shelton Gardner and Teddy Crockett. During the listening party, selected songs from the album were played in conjunction with an engaging question & answer session from her New York fan base. During the session, the singer/songwriter from Greenville, SC recounted anecdotes of her life which she’s masterfully crafted into songs of love, courage and freedom. A filmmaker-turned-songstress, Melissa Young began her career as a background vocalist for Ky-Mani Marley touring around the world from Paris to Berlin. In all of her travels Melissa always dreamt of performing her own music in NYC where her film career blossomed, and before long, music became her fulltime gig. During the Q&A Melissa spoke about her debut album, released by SugaShack Music, having been inspired as a result of painful struggle she’s endured throughout her life, and the resolve to personally overcome in the most progressive ways.

Starting off the set with an ode to good brothas worldwide, “Mr. Sho’nuff” affirms: “Hey, Mr. Sho’nuff, tell me where you get your stuff, from your mama or your daddy, I sure can’t get enough…”, while the soulful melody of “Just A Girl” affirms her own personal and distinct walk through life. The album’s title track “Just Up The Road” oozes gospel sensibility, boasting a collaborative effort with Melissa’s dad (whose vocal range is reminiscent of the legendary Ron Isley). She was very proud to share the recording experience with her father who was never able to pursue his own passion of singing professionally choosing rather to provide for his family. In her own success, Melissa finds being part owner of SugaShack Music her saving grace and most rewarding, having secured a major distribution deal in the U.S. and Canada.

For more information on Melissa Young’s music and upcoming shows, please visit:

http://www.myspace.com/melissayoung1

http://www.sugashackmusic.com/

Gifted Soul @ The Porch September 17, 2007

The Gifted Soul

Thursday nights at Solomon’s Porch welcomes the ever-spirited artistic showcase Gifted Soul hosted by Brooklynite, K. Lamonte Jones. Highlighting up-and-coming and veteran talent from across New York City, Jersey, and Long Island K. Lamonte’s Gifted Soul embraces the artistry of unique vocalists, musicians, poets, comedians, and actors who are actively pursuing their artistic grind. Backed by his exceptional live band- featuring Aaron Swinn on keyboard, Camille Gainer on drums, and Dave Jones on bass- K. Lamonte fills The Porch with a unique flare each show whether delivering monologues from Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin In The Sun or performing his original spoken word testimonies. Each week, guests of Solomon’s Porch are greatly amused by the repertoire of K. and the Gifted Soul live band, which consists of classic funk and current R&B hits. Recent showcases have included performances by musical phenoms J-Nyse, Rogiers, Blind Fury, T.K. Rose, and spoken word poet Soulful Jones, with special guests Sy Smith, Anwar Robinson, and bassist Nate Jones of Taste The Stage. Guests of Gifted Soul enjoy dinner and drinks at Solomon’s Porch and generally have an idea of the performances scheduled for the evening, but are inevitably delighted by the whirlwind of a talent that takes over the entire establishment. With the standard of quality talent and entertaining showmanship (topped off by a platter of complimentary fresh fruit at the end of the night), Gifted Soul has become the place to be for Thursday night entertainment.

For more information on K. Lamonte’s upcoming Gifted Soul shows, please visit:

http://www.myspace.com/klamontegiftedsoul

They Call Her Letha August 31, 2007

 Letha @ The Porch

With a proven dedication in supporting the established and up-and-coming indie-artists of New York City, Solomon’s Porch welcomed the talent of soul-eclectic vocalist Letha, performing here for the first time. Backed by a four piece band, Letha took center stage with her interpretation of raw soul fusion. Sporting a gray floor length halter dress that complimented her cinnamon brown complexion, curly natural, and bangle jewelry, Letha was the essence of what her music embodies. Starting off her set with the Mos Def instant classic “Umi Says”, it was clear that the diverse crowd of Letha supporters were in for a musical treat of distinct taste. The band, which consisted of bass, drums, guitar and percussionist, along with Letha’s background singer, Dominique, created the musically rich environment for her to open up and share personal moments through song. With a style reminiscent of pioneers like Nina Simone, Bill Withers, and folk rock group Buffalo Springfield, Letha’s original songs carried heavy bass lines of funk that pay homage to the ones you’d hear in a Curtis Mayfield composition. One songs in particular, “Step Outside”, speaks from the yearning perspective of a free spirited individual trapped in the mundane day to day grind in which one may fall, yet is infused with a playful chorus (complete with tambourine) that you may have heard from Sly and The Family Stone, some thirty years ago. With dim lighting and tea candles setting off the ambiance, Letha’s fans could truly appreciate the clear sense of her introspective voice, which made for a successful debut here at Solomon’s Porch.

For more information on Letha’s music and upcoming shows, please visit:

http://www.myspace.com/theycallmeletha

Writing Sample for Youth: Jared Learns About Time Management March 20, 2006

        During the week Jared spent his afternoons at the Enrichment Community Center and participated in various activities until his mother picked him up after work. He was aware that her shift ended at 5:30pm and that she would arrive soon; but at a quarter past 6pm his mother, who had been waiting for Jared in the car, decided to go inside and look for him.  

Ms. Thompson was visibly tired and a bit displeased because she’d already indicated what time Jared should be ready to leave. She’d explained to him that they should get home from the center at a reasonable time so that she can prepare dinner.

        She walked into the center and looked around; the onsite counselor, noticing that Ms. Thompson was a parent, walked over. “You must be Jared’s mother! I could tell from the resemblance!” She nodded, “Will you please tell me where I can find him?” The counselor responded with a warm smile and ushered Ms. Thompson to the lab where Jared was engrossed at a computer. “He’s so dedicated that we designated this workstation specifically for Jared to use whenever he’s at the center!” Jared looked up surprised, and a little embarrassed that he was unaware of the time, and that his mother had to come in to find him. “Uh oh… HI MOM!!”  

    “Do you know what time it is?”

    “I know Mom, I’m sorry. I got caught up in this chess match!”

    “I waited fifteen minutes for you to come out, and you’re playing a game?! Jared, I’m tired. We need to go!”

    “But mom, please… Can I finish this one game!? I think I’m on to something!” Noticing his mother’s stern disposition he quickly added, “And if I can figure out this particular technique it’ll really improve my strategy… and help me when I play against Uncle in the park next Saturday!! I really want to show him that I can keep up!”

        Noticing the uncompromising look on her face, the counselor chimed in, “You know, Ms. Thompson, Jared has been telling us about the chess competition in Fulton Park for quite some time now. It’s all he talks about when he comes into the center”, he laughed. “Jared’s very excited about developing his techniques and our lab technician, Jorge, has been showing him how to study strategies online at a website called ‘Chess Prep’!”  

“Yeah, Mom!” Jared exclaimed. “Jorge started playing chess at my age and says I could become a real champion if I study these strategies! Come’re, let me show you the website!”

Ms. Thompson gave her son a familiar look that said, “I’m tired, we need to go!”, but she admired how passionately her son studied his hobby. She understood how developing his skills would allow him to become a great player and would also cultivate his ability to think critically, which is something she’s always admired about his uncle. “Alright Jay, show me this website?”

Knowing that his mom wasn’t as computer savvy as he was, Jared described to his mother how he was able to learn different strategies for playing chess against the computer and against his uncle. He was very excited to share what he’d learned with his mother, and she was proud of her son’s dedication to becoming a better player.

“See, mom, this is why I lost track of time! I want to get better so I can really compete against Uncle!”  

“Jared, I’m happy to see that you are learning and developing your chess skills. And quite honestly, I’m pleased that you are this dedicated. But son, you also have to be responsible with time management and recognize when it’s time to focus on chess and when it’s not. I waited in the car for you to come out on time, and if I hadn’t come in to find you, who knows how long I would’ve been waiting!” She laughed.

Collecting his belongings, Jared replied, “You’re right, mom. I knew you’d be here at 6:30, and next time I’ll definitely be ready!” She wrapped her arms around him, “Now that’s what I like to here!”

The History of Double Dutch March 20, 2006

Jumping rope began with ancient rope makers who jumped over ropes as they were winding them together. This jumping exercise eventually became a game sport when Dutch settlers brought it to New York City in the early 1600’s. Traditionally, there was basic jumping with one rope, with also a more difficult version for higher skilled jumpers. In the difficult style, a person skips over two ropes by stepping, jumping and turning to the best of their ability. This trickier style is called Double Dutch and is a mixture of culture and athletics, play and performance for all participants.

In Double Dutch two ropes are spun in opposite directions by a person at either end. Jumping in teams, each group generally has four jumpers, almost always girls. They jump between the spinning ropes simultaneously. The soft ropes are about 12 to 14 feet long and one-half inch in diameter. The jumpers often recite rhymes like, “I went downtown to see Charlie Brown/ He gave me a nickel to buy a pickle/ the pickle was sour, he gave me a flower/ the flower was dead, and guess what he said…!” Variations of these rhymes have become known around the world and remain a major part of the neighborhood jumping experience today.

In 1973 David A. Walker was a detective in New York City. He and his partner, Detective Ulysses Williams, worked with physical education instructors to think of rules that would transform the game of Double Dutch into a competitive sport. There were many reasons why they decided to develop Double Dutch into the World Class Sport it is today. For starters, they knew young children, girls especially, would excel in the sport. The detectives also wanted to help neighborhood children focus their attention on a positive activity. Many community clubs provide Double Dutch teams for elementary and middle school girls to join and it remains popular with schoolchildren as well.

On February 14, 1974, the first Double Dutch tournament was held with nearly six hundred fifth, sixth, seventh and eight graders participating. Since that first tournament, competitions have expanded with citywide and national championships. Nearly 100,000 girls and boys from schools and community centers around the world compete at the different events. At these contests, double Dutch jumpers perform all sorts of athletic feats—such as handstands and flips—while between the ropes. Mr. Walker is now the president and founder of the National Double Dutch League. In this league hundreds attend trainings to improve their jumping skill. The NDDL hosts “The Double Dutch Training and Tournament Camp” in Florida during the summer, and anyone aged 8 or older can participate. This is the nation’s only Double Dutch camp for coaches, teams and individuals who want to learn more about the sport.

Held on the campus of Saint Leo University, the four day camp hosts workshops led by the leaders in the Double Dutch sport. A typical camp day begins with breakfast at 7am. A thirty minute warm-up stretch helps participants get their bodies ready for a long day of activity. After warming up, participants go through performance drills for three hours to increase fitness. From noon until 2pm attendees eat lunch and rest from the demanding morning. After the rest period, freestyle training, classroom talks, lectures, and demonstrations are given until five o’clock. By this time participants are ready for another break. Dinner is served later in the evening and lights are out by 10:30pm, to guarantee that all are well rested for the next day. When morning comes, they do it all again! All are welcomed to attend and encouraged to start their own Double Dutch team once they return home if they are not already a part of one.

the Fader Issue 33 Party November 16, 2005

In what appeared to be a satellite location of the extraordinarily infinite Kodak Gallery depicted in recent television ads for the brand, Soho’s Kodak One Gallery provided the ideal atmosphere for The FADER magazine’s Issue 33 release party. Showcasing both the photography from featured article “Untold Hip-Hop Stories”, and the first-rate music of Brooklyn’s DJ J.Period, industry movers-and-shakers and general party-goers sipped cocktails— courtesy of Hennessy, while being hip and social, capitalizing on photo-ops and collecting fashionable gift bags throughout the evening— courtesy of Akademiks (who displayed original “denim-art” throughout the gallery as well).

 

Suspended by large easel clips were the remarkably hip-hop images of photographers: Dorothy Low, Joe Conzo, Al Pereira, Sue Kwon, Josh Cheuse, and Coreen Simpson, whose camera lenses chronicled the livelihood and everyday activity of Hip-Hop’s emergence. Enlarged black and white representations of our icons (Biggie & Pac w/ Redman at Club Amazon, a gold-fronted Jay-Z w/ Queen Latifah & Jaz-O at Big Daddy Kane’s birthday party in ‘89, JDC of the Cold Crush Brothers at a Bronx skating rink in 1980) provided visual stimulation as hip-hop fresh-face Juelz Santana of the Diplomats performed singles from his new album on a makeshift stage. The crowd rocked to an infectious Three 6 Mafia cut towards the end of the event as beautiful waiters collected empty glasses, a clear indication that this FADER party, and all its inner-workings, was eminent success.