aprilisms
the APRIL R. SILVER blog
Established 2008
4 Deaths, 11 Days: In Memoriam…
In memoriam: I’m praying for the souls of my cousin Bubba (from Mattie Mabry’s side of my family); of the grandmother of Lumumba Bandele, of the mother of Wm. Jelani Cobb, and of the grandmother of Marcella Runell Hall…all who passed between January 23 and Feb. 2, 2011 (an 11 […]
Quote of the Week: Rumi
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” Rumi Thanks to Mo Beasley for introducing me to Rumi.
Quote of the Week (from The Wiz)
“…and the world has got no shame…”
Quote of the Week: Immortalize Yourself
“We only live once. Since we are given the gift of life it should be our persistent endeavor to immortalize ourselves. No matter what field of endeavor we choose.” ~ Michael Jackson.
When Spirit Leads…
Right after the Haiti earthquakes, Kevin Powell and I organized several Help Haiti events and this one in particular was early April 2010. As a co-organizer of the community forum, I was supposed to arrive early to help set up. I was running late and wasn’t very happy about that. […]
My Stuff on Trial (Or: The Joy of Letting Go)
What I learned coming into 2011: I have separation anxiety about everything! Last month, my brother and sister-in-law visited for a weekend, right before Christmas. Omar barely took two steps into my apartment (which he hasn’t been in since 2004) and said, “Yeah, you have to get rid of some […]
Quote of the Week: Sekou Sundiata
“Good things come to those who wait. Better things comes to those who don’t.” ~ Sekou Sundiata
Just Answer the Question
If someone asks you “How long will it take for you to get here?” and your reply is “Well, I have to stop by the store and then go pick up something from Karima’s house, so I should be to you by 6 or later,” then this article is for […]
Quote of the Week: James Baldwin
It is very nearly impossible… to become an educated person in a country so distrustful of the independent mind. James A. Baldwin
When You Feel Insufficient
What do you do when everything you offer seems insufficient; when you have made your point and you are STILL mis-understood; when you have decided to make improvements in your life and nothing seems shifts for the better; when none of your burdens are light and you just need some […]
“I Love You, Nado” (revised and with a picture)
Monday he came back for me, Like he had before. Deep inside I knew I had to go. With his hard hands he handled me, He handled me so… When he took me Monday I had your favorite dress on. It was like dying slowly. Tears stayed hidden, longing for […]
[From Put On BLAST!]: Guru (of Gangstarr) Passed Monday, April 19
If you are having trouble reading this email, you may view the online version Known to most as Guru of the legendary hip hop duo Gang Starr (with DJ Premier), Keith Elam passed away Monday, April 19, 2010. He was 43. According to reports, he had been battling cancer for […]
[From Put On BLAST!]: Dorothy Height, 98, Has Made Her Transition
If you are having trouble reading this email, you may view the online version Dorothy Irene Height passed this morning (April 20, 2010) in Washington, DC. At 98, she was a highly respected, longtime civil rights leader, 2004 Congressional Award winner, and the 10th National President of Delta Sigma Theta […]
[From Put On BLAST!]: “Arts and Activism on the Air” A Success!
If you are having trouble reading this email, you may view the online version Earlier this year, we launched a radio show,ARTS and ACTIVISM on the AIR,on a new media outlet you should know about:www.blogtalkradio.com/AKILAWORKSONGS We Broadcast Every Last Sundayof the Month on the Internet.Tune In To Our Next TWO […]
“Daddy’s Girl and Her Music”
Late last summer, Words.Beats.Life invited me to write an essay about my relationship to my father and hip hop. It’s not as weird as it seems. I’m publishing it here today for his b’earthday. Happy Birthday, Daidy.Daddy’s Girl and Her Music” “Don’t give up now, baby.You’re closer to your goal […]
A Fundraiser for RAS BARAKA
Let’s Go HU! The “HU for RAS BARAKA” Committee(Matt Middleton, April R. Silver, Kamal Harris,Christa Miller, and The Legendary Chris Washington)invites you to the BIGGEST FUNDRAISER TO DATE!SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 20106:30pm – 9:30pmSEVENTEEN BELOWRestaurant and Lounge2163 Frederick Douglass Blvd.Harlem, NY 10026(between 116th & 117th Streets) Ras Baraka is Running for […]
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