Jonathan and I and Patois attended the Nia (Purpose) event at the Technology Resource Center here in Englewood. I brought along these books to share with folks in case there was the vibe, but it wasn’t. I am glad I brought my laptop though, because I was able to read two poems from it. Jonathan recited a poem by Bunchy Carter by heart. Very profound.

 

Brother Vega gave a great presentation on Kwanzaa’s meaning as it relates to us today, drawing on ancient texts to confirm we have always celebrated our unity and overcome odds and division within our ranks to be unified. Patois and I talked to him afterward, noting he never said Mdw Neter. Maybe he thought most of the people would not know what that is. His children were certainly smart in answering all the questions about Kwanzaa that came up after his talk and our poetry.

 

Jonathan shared with him his take on Ron Karenga and the US members who killed Black Panthers and RK’s being an operative for the CIA. I realized in the moment how almost all of these people who had generated “tipping points” had their dark side. There is always a balance to the great message a leader brings, a reminder that he or she is human, after all, and should not be deified. Al praise is for God Creator of Heavens and Earth.

 

Of course the poem I read is the “African from God” one, and the people laughed and even sang. It made me feel good I must confess. I told them my cousins laugh at me but I’m still plugging ahead with this song. At some point I’ll upload its raw version on the pomes+ page so you can laugh too.