honoring "common folks" {social justice}

One Common Unity To Host Awards Celebration To Honor ‘Common Folk’

Working For Social Justice And Peace

One Common Unity (OCU) is hosting the second annual common folk awards, honoring three dynamic individuals dedicated to nurturing sustainable, caring communities rooted in principles of social justice + peace. the common folk awards event will take place monday, dec. 7th, 2009 at Langston Room of Busboys & Poets, 2021 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 8pm-11pm.

the common folk awards international recipient for 2009 is Audri Scott Williams, an educator + visionary whom, earlier this year, completed a three-and-a-half year trek through 17 nations to emphasize peace-through-service with an initiative known as The Trail of Dreams World Peace Walk. upon being notified of her selection for the award, "Mama Audri" stated, “to be among the ‘common folk’ who are creating a positive impact on our world, yet remain largely unrecognized by society, inspires me + propels me forward on my personal path to stand up and step out for peace + social justice.”

the national recipient this year is Marian Wright Edelman, founder + president of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF). under Ms. Edelman’s leadership, CDF has created programs + supported legislation that expands education, nutrition + health care opportunities offered to children in the U.S., including the many millions currently living in poverty.

the 2009 local award recipient will be announced during the event itself. additionally, OCU will highlight its support for an important humanitarian effort by Jay Winter Nightwolf, native american activist + WPFW radio personality, to raise funds + supplies to be given to Oglala Lakota-Sioux families on the pine ridge reservation in south dakota, facing unimaginably harsh living conditions each winter.

founded in 2000, one common unity is a non-profit organization whose mission is to nurture sustainable, caring communities through innovative peace education services, arts initiatives + omni-media programming.

to support amazing folks doing their thang check:

Audri Scott Williams www.audiscottwilliams.com

One Common Unity  www.onecommonunity.org

Marian Wright Edelman www.childrensdefense.org/who-is-cdf/cdf-leadership-staff/marian-wright-edelman/

christmas breakfast in peru {community}

annual christmas breakfast for children in the sacred valley of peru

This Moment Events has been a proud co-sponsor of the annual "christmas breakfast" since 2001. this amazing event happens in the sacred valley of peru + is organized by the Quispe-Singona family + members of the cusihuayna (happy youth) group in chinchero. together, they have made it possible for thousands of children who would not be usually able to have this traditional breakfast to enjoy it christmas morning. the breakfast consists of a mug of hot chocolate + traditional "paneton" (christmas bread). music, dance + storytelling company the celebrations.

their goal this year is to provide 1000 kids with breakfast.  ($20 is hot chocolate + paneton for 10 kids)... i'm just say'n. 

to support + become part of this amazing project check:

http://www.thismomentevents.net/upcomingevents/xmasbreakfastinperu.html

check out puma quispe-singona with cameron diaz on 4REAL 
http://www.4real.com/tv/details.asp?pageid=14

awkward beauty {style}

awkward beauty is one of my favorite style blogs. t'ai rising-moore loves classic understated style that is inspired by iconic images + imperfection. i'm not saying all this just because she's my sister, she's dedicated + talented woman when it comes to her art. 

check her blog + website. 

assignment "taxi" {art}

time to get creative. once a month i'm going to be handing out assignments + posting your submissions on the paper-taxi blog. email me a photo, sound bite or film clip of your creation + a short artist statement of the assignment. 

it has to be inspired + include something having to do with "taxi".

info@monicamustelier.com

fall sky {photography}

the fall sky is one of my favorite things to photograph. 

raphael saadiq 'got me' {music}

a good fall day track.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQVOEvZVFOU

facing ali @ viff {film}

facing ali

a documentary by pete mccormack. 

"With exclusive interviews and vintage footage from the champ's unmatched career, Facing Ali re-creates his most unforgettable rivalries, and recounts his triumphs, tragedies and unstoppable spirit. Through fascinating and deeply personal conversations with some of Ali's most renowned opponents, including Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Leon Spinks and Larry Holmes, Facing Ali tells the story of modern prize fighting. As the boxers each recount their pivotal experiences in the ring with Ali, they also provide touching snapshots of their own remarkable careers, and unique insights into a man who remains one of the most prominent figures in American history."

(viff website)

last show oct. 14th, granville 7 @ 915pm.

http://www.viff.org/tixSYS/2009/xslguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=4256

soundtrack for a revolution {film}

i just saw 'soundtrack for a revolution' by bill guttentag, dan sturman executive produced by danny glover at the vancouver international film festival. this is one of the most amazing documentaries that i have seen to date. 

it tells the story of the civil rights movement in the u.s + how important the freedom songs where as people fought for justice, equality + freedom. the use of archival footage as the backdrop coupled with interviews from 'civil rights foot soldiers' + leaders was raw, ugly, heart wrenching, beautiful + funny at times. it reiterated that there is no excuse for this type of injustice. 

artists like the roots, wyclef jean, joss stone + john legend re-created the freedom song which evolved from slave chants, the labor movement + the black church. 

"you can break me, jail me + may even kill me. but you can never take away my song"

~civil rights activist

you need to see it.

http://www.soundtrackforarevolutionfilm.com/Home.html

nggrfg is back! {stage}

i saw ‘nggrfg’ written + performed by berend mckenzie directed by denis simpson at the fringe this past summer. in the title are 2 of the ugliest words in the english language. “buddy” made me laugh, cry, get angry, empathize + laugh again. the story allows us to see into his world as he grows up being black + homosexual in an intimate + humorous way.

the acting was riveting, the writing is great + the stage direction is amazing. its a must see. i LOVED it!!! this was my pick for best of the fringe. 

directed by canadian theatre legend denis simpson, nggrfg explores the impact of those two words in intimate and humorous ways.

nggrfg is just finishing a hugely successful Edmonton and Vancouver run, and the audiences want more! Critically acclaimed as a must see show, we invite you to attend our hold-over run here in Vancouver.

***** 5 STARS- Vue Weekly

***** 5 STARS- CJSR Radio

“Playful and touching. McKenzie is an ebullient performer, (It) left this crusty old critic in tears, nggrfg is for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.” Colin Thomas, Georgia Straight

“McKenzie turns ugliness into a thing of heart-wrenching beauty. This show comes straight from his heart and it will warm the cockles of yours.” Jo Ledingham, The Vancouver Courier

“McKenzie bares his soul, digging so deeply that he uncovers a sparkling autobiographical gem. McKenzie's absolute commitment to his material and ample gifts as an actor creates so palpable a presence that this show leaves you feeling exhilarated.” Peter Bernie, The Vancouver Sun

Opening  October 21, 22, 23 9:00

October 24 4:00 & 9:00

October 25 4:00

October 28, 29, 30 9:00

October 31  4:00 & 9:00

All 4pm matinees are pay-what-you-can.

$14.00 at the door-$16.00 in advance

The Firehall Arts Centre, 280 East Cordova St. Vancouver, BC

Ticket Information: (604)689-0926

 Smallbrownpackages.com, media contact: denis.denman@gmail.com

arts funding in bc today {politics}

it’s our job to express, interpret + reflect life. as art does, it keeps creating, evolving + inspiring despite government or economic pressures.

the new bc governments budget will cut arts and culture funding from approximately 47.8 million in 2008/2009 down to 3.7 million in 2010/2011.for more information on this read jessica werb’s article in the georgia straight. if this stirs something in you, please write to your local MLA and tell them what you think.

indi festivals, like the vancouver international fringe festival, is celebrating 25 years of theater. many actors, directors, writers, producers ect have gotten their start here. i encourage you to check out at least one of the 68 acts happening all over vancouver. the great thing about the fringe is 100% of the door goes to the performer(s).