Carnocopia of Thoughts

Afro-Mexican Exhibit

todd129 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:51:51 +0000

Almost forgotten in the annals of african diaspora history, the Anacostia Community Museum has opened a new exhibit entitled African Presence in México: From Yanga to the Present. Developed by curators Sagrario Cruz-Carretero and Cesáreo Moreno at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, the exhibition examines the history, culture, and art of Afro-Mexicans from the colonial era to the present. Highlights of the exhibition include discussions of African slavery in Mexico and the hero/slave rebel Yanga; artifacts related to the traditions and popular culture of Afro-Mexicans; and paintings, masks, photography, and other works of art. This exhibit will be on display until July 4. The museum, located at 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, D.C., 20020, is free to the public and open daily (except Christmas) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 202-633-4820 or visit http://anacostia.si.edu.

DC Sniper Executed

todd129 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:48:38 +0000

At 9:11 p.m. this evening, John Allen Muhammed, commonly referred as the DC sniper, was executed by lethal injection. As news of the execution comes across the wire, I find myself torn over the issues of capital punishment and the death penalty. A part of me sympathizes with the victim’s families. I can only imagine their relief that justice is finally served against someone who committed a heinous crime that terrorized the entire Washington metropolitan region and resulted in 10 deaths. On the other hand, I find myself wondering how much our culture that seems to glorify violence might have influenced Muhammed’s actions. His death is an immediate salve to the family, but it does not address the source of violence in our nation. Everyday various forms of violence plague our nation from the inner city to the outer suburbs. The rampage at Fort Hood, Texas, shows that even our military bases are not immune from internal violence. By no means am I justifying Muhammed’s actions, but I wonder how we can stop an ongoing epidemic and prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

Ledisi Proves Soul is Still Alive and Well

todd129 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:46:38 +0000

The fourth album from Ledisi, the sultry soultress from Oakland by way of New Orleans, displays her skill in capturing a wide range of emotions. In an era where so many singers are merely entertainers, she once again proves that she is a timeless vocalist in the tradition of Sarah Vaughn to Aretha Franklin. The title of the album “Turn Me Loose” is appropriate since Ledisi is able to let loose so much power with amazing vocal control. Her single “Goin’ Thru Change” shows her remarkable finesse in conveying a level of convincing vulnerability and raw emotions that many contemporary cookie cutter artists are unable to pull off.