I got home exhausted tonight. After running faster than Forest on an elliptical machine and showering I drove home ready to relax and listen to the smooth sounds of Lauryn Hill. I don't care what anyone says... she'll always be a Queen in my eyes no matter how the media portrays her. She sang to me as got my food ready and glided from side to side in my cocina. Running 4 miles will give you the munchies more than any illegal substance you could possibly take. The best part is that the high you get from running lasts all day and doesn't impair judgement. It actually opens up your focus and helps blood flow to the brain so that you can come up with clever phrases like...“running faster than Forest”.
After my brief meal I hit up the blog world and prepared to write this entry. Then I noticed the blog of an “Hermano En La Struggle”. He submitted words that expressed what many working for the betterment of the world feel. In it he admits that he has come to the realization that he will never be monetarily rich. But that won't change his mission of helping brothers and sisters the world over because that's what will profit his soul. AMEN AND POWER TO YA HERMANO! After reading his entry I recalled a gift that one of my sisters had given me years ago. It's a small plaque that had one of the most motivational phrases I've ever read. “We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give”. OOHHH SNAAAP! My corpus callosum (structure that connects the left and right sides of the brain) trembles at the mere thought of that phrase. Now mind you...this life isn't for everyone. The problem is that some don't see that good can be done one act at a time. Others don't even see the good they do on a daily basis. Some raise their children the right way. Instill respect, honor, and compassion into their seeds. Well guess what...by doing so you've planted a tree that can grow sky high and reflect all that is just. As my “Hermano En La Struggle wrote, all you need to do is one good act at a time. That alone can be revolutionary. If you don't want to do something big well just be nice to people, smile, donate a few hours a month to help out a community org, tutor someone, pick up a coin that someone dropped and say “Here you go sister (or brother)”, don't curse out the person that cut you off and instead pray that he or she is not in such a hurry because his or her loved one is spiritually ascending...you never know what good small acts can do. But they do add up and create a world of difference.
For instance, I work with children. I'm a Youth Worker at a youth center and I also teach workshops at schools and orgs. One of the workshops that I teach on a regular basis takes place once a week at a nearby High School. With this particular workshop I go in and teach ripening fruits how to be Spoken Word Poets. But I don't do just that. I teach the importance of confidence, self-esteem, education, knowledge of self, love, appreciation of history, etc. etc. and especially how to attain all of it. One of the problems of the public educational system is that children are told that education, history, literature and other things are important but we don't adequately explain why. They're just told “Because it is...now do what you are told”. I heard that plenty of times while I was in school.
The other day there was a young talented brother that has yet to see the power he possesses within. Every time I hear him speak I can hear a fire burning within him thats ready to destroy all of the statistical data that's ever predicted his now and tomorrow. He stands and birds fear that he too may have discovered the secret of flight. However, he was having difficulty seeing it. The words of his poem refused to make their exit because they kept being held by something many call nervousness. Something I call the unrealized “Superstar” within. Because we're all “Superstars”...it's just that some have difficulty realizing this. Teens have it worse because of the bombardment of all things they are expected be, sound, act, and look like. T.V. tells them they need to be sexy, inefficient teachers make them feel dumb and Apple tells them they should have an iPod to be “Cool”. When in reality all they need to do...is be. I took my time talking to him. It turns out that the piece he was performing was just too much for him. I let him know that not every piece should be for others to hear or read. Some need to be kept close to the heart because they are the purest expression of what lies within that heart. After a hug and my reminding him that there is nothing he can't do as long as he wants to do it he decided on another piece and seemed relieved. Those extra minutes that I stayed speaking with him made me a bit late to my Youth Center job...but they had a world of effect on a young man that is not only determined but also destined to be what he dreams of being.
My point is...take that extra minute to say “Good Morning”, pay for someone's coffee (or Chai Tea) because their wallet was left at home, remind a youth you know that he or she can become anything he or she can imagine, help a woman get her 5 cats out of the tree (hey it can happen). That my friends is revolutionary. That mis hermanos and sisters is what allows us to “make a life by what we give” (Winston Churchill).
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Another Day en la Oficina
Twas a good day in the life of Sir Latin. Had a rocky start but got through it like a champ and pushed forward to the tasks and mission of the day. The mission which I chose to accept was to head to Harlem and spit the words that get me up in the morning and settle me down at night. Free and I were scheduled to perform for the Youth (Elementary-High School aged children) of “New Settlement Apartments”in the South BRONX! My apologies for the capitals on BRONX! but it's a given rule that when one states a borough from the 5 of NY one must yell that borough out. For instance, I was born in QUEENS....not Queens. To not yell it out is to not rep and I am not going to be the one that doesn't rep his birth place to the FULLEST.
Moving along...the day was filled with workshops for the Youth of the program in observance of World Aids Day. All over the world people came together to discuss the disease that is ravishing our brothers and sisters young and old. A disease that for years has been misunderstood throughout the world. The main goal of the day is to educate and raise awareness. With that goal in mind the “New Settlement Apartments” Youth program did their part in educating our young inner city Youth on the importance of Safe Sex and abstinence. Before our performance I asked some of the youngins what they'd learned. After of a short timid pause hands began to raise up with pride and excitement to express what they'd learned. That's the beauty of Youth. Knowledge is exciting to them. Knowing something and expressing it gives them a rush. I'm sure many of us can recall a day in our lives when we couldn't wait to get home to tell someone about what we'd learned. Some of us forget that rush...others repress it. I hold on to it. Knowledge craves me as I yearn for it because it knows that I'll use it and or push it forward. While I know I need it to survive.
After the builders of now and leaders of tomorrow talked about the importance of safe sex, abstinence and why people should get tested regularly it was time. Free and I then decided to do what we had come to do. Allow our words to resonate through the room and build against inner cerebral walls in the form of neuronal connections. I introduced Free and every other word she uttered caused audience members to yell out supportive “Aha's” followed by the occasional “Tell it Sista”. The crowd of both Youth and Adults roared at the end of Free's piece. She then proceeded to give a brief lesson on the history of Hip Hop and it's importance to our generation. She intro'd me and a silence that amazes me every time flooded the room. It was as if they all knew something was about to happen but they just didn't know what. I performed with the passion that takes over my diaphragm whenever I step on deck and ended with a nearly whispered ....Peace. During my performance my hand had gone up in the air as it usually does but this time I noticed that my watch said they were running over time. We were only able to do one piece each since they began the performance a bit past go time. However, I made sure to let them know “No matter what happens after this performance...not matter what line you remember or forget...don't forget these words...Follow your dreams because only we can stop ourselves on the journey of success...DON'T LET NOTHING OR ANYTHING GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR DREAMS...
Free and I spoke with the event organizers and networked for a bit then headed home. We ate in her car as we discussed the work to be done and when the time came I bid her my Peace and caught my train back Upstate. On the train back I began writing this entry. As I wrote, I thought of the performance and one young brother that stuck out from the rest. His eyes seemed glued to each word Free or I uttered. As I recalled the world that I saw in his eyes I was smacked with the reason for why I do what I do. Because there are young soldiers out there waiting to receive the tools to go out into the battles of reality. Because if I did not I would not be. But most importantly...because of him.
Moving along...the day was filled with workshops for the Youth of the program in observance of World Aids Day. All over the world people came together to discuss the disease that is ravishing our brothers and sisters young and old. A disease that for years has been misunderstood throughout the world. The main goal of the day is to educate and raise awareness. With that goal in mind the “New Settlement Apartments” Youth program did their part in educating our young inner city Youth on the importance of Safe Sex and abstinence. Before our performance I asked some of the youngins what they'd learned. After of a short timid pause hands began to raise up with pride and excitement to express what they'd learned. That's the beauty of Youth. Knowledge is exciting to them. Knowing something and expressing it gives them a rush. I'm sure many of us can recall a day in our lives when we couldn't wait to get home to tell someone about what we'd learned. Some of us forget that rush...others repress it. I hold on to it. Knowledge craves me as I yearn for it because it knows that I'll use it and or push it forward. While I know I need it to survive.
After the builders of now and leaders of tomorrow talked about the importance of safe sex, abstinence and why people should get tested regularly it was time. Free and I then decided to do what we had come to do. Allow our words to resonate through the room and build against inner cerebral walls in the form of neuronal connections. I introduced Free and every other word she uttered caused audience members to yell out supportive “Aha's” followed by the occasional “Tell it Sista”. The crowd of both Youth and Adults roared at the end of Free's piece. She then proceeded to give a brief lesson on the history of Hip Hop and it's importance to our generation. She intro'd me and a silence that amazes me every time flooded the room. It was as if they all knew something was about to happen but they just didn't know what. I performed with the passion that takes over my diaphragm whenever I step on deck and ended with a nearly whispered ....Peace. During my performance my hand had gone up in the air as it usually does but this time I noticed that my watch said they were running over time. We were only able to do one piece each since they began the performance a bit past go time. However, I made sure to let them know “No matter what happens after this performance...not matter what line you remember or forget...don't forget these words...Follow your dreams because only we can stop ourselves on the journey of success...DON'T LET NOTHING OR ANYTHING GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR DREAMS...
Free and I spoke with the event organizers and networked for a bit then headed home. We ate in her car as we discussed the work to be done and when the time came I bid her my Peace and caught my train back Upstate. On the train back I began writing this entry. As I wrote, I thought of the performance and one young brother that stuck out from the rest. His eyes seemed glued to each word Free or I uttered. As I recalled the world that I saw in his eyes I was smacked with the reason for why I do what I do. Because there are young soldiers out there waiting to receive the tools to go out into the battles of reality. Because if I did not I would not be. But most importantly...because of him.
Monday, December 1, 2008
I'm BIZAAACCKK
Hermanos and Sisters,
I'm BIZAAACCKKK! I've been away since our U.S. tour but I'm finally back on here and plan on staying here for a while. I've had many writing projects in my mind but before one builds an empire one must start with building oneself. I've been in the stages of doing just that and will be until the day the book of my life closes. However, I've finally gotten to a point in my life where I can sit down and write. And gosh darnit write is exactly what I plan to do.
Some of you may have noticed that you can't find me on Facebook or Myspace anymore. Thats because Facebook decided to delete my account and I decided not to reactivate it. Myspace...well Myspace has always been a source of much aggravation in my life. To avoid the drama and prevent the rampant waste of time in mine and other lives I've decided to remain Facebook and Myspaceless. I'm not knocking either of them or anyone on them... (as a matter of fact you can still hit me up on my group's page www.myspace.com/readnex) But I do feel that having this here blog is the grown and sexy way of communicating with the world. Ju no wa I mean??? Je...ju no wa I mean. So with that written expect to see many an entry relating to the times, thoughts, ideas, realizations, observations and pretty much anything that comes to mind. I hope you read them and enjoy. If you choose not to that's cool too cause I'm going to put words out there anyway. An avid fisherman once told me that it didn't matter whether he caught any fish when fishing. What matters is that while he's fishing....he's at peace.
On that note...Peace, Paz, Salaam,
Latin
I'm BIZAAACCKKK! I've been away since our U.S. tour but I'm finally back on here and plan on staying here for a while. I've had many writing projects in my mind but before one builds an empire one must start with building oneself. I've been in the stages of doing just that and will be until the day the book of my life closes. However, I've finally gotten to a point in my life where I can sit down and write. And gosh darnit write is exactly what I plan to do.
Some of you may have noticed that you can't find me on Facebook or Myspace anymore. Thats because Facebook decided to delete my account and I decided not to reactivate it. Myspace...well Myspace has always been a source of much aggravation in my life. To avoid the drama and prevent the rampant waste of time in mine and other lives I've decided to remain Facebook and Myspaceless. I'm not knocking either of them or anyone on them... (as a matter of fact you can still hit me up on my group's page www.myspace.com/readnex) But I do feel that having this here blog is the grown and sexy way of communicating with the world. Ju no wa I mean??? Je...ju no wa I mean. So with that written expect to see many an entry relating to the times, thoughts, ideas, realizations, observations and pretty much anything that comes to mind. I hope you read them and enjoy. If you choose not to that's cool too cause I'm going to put words out there anyway. An avid fisherman once told me that it didn't matter whether he caught any fish when fishing. What matters is that while he's fishing....he's at peace.
On that note...Peace, Paz, Salaam,
Latin
I'm Back!!!...Soon.
Damas and Gentlemen,
I have returned to this here blog spot and plan on updating it as much and as often as possible. Please stay tuned for the additions and changes.
Peace, Paz, Salaam,
Latin
I have returned to this here blog spot and plan on updating it as much and as often as possible. Please stay tuned for the additions and changes.
Peace, Paz, Salaam,
Latin
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Fundraising!
Last Night's (8/1/08) Fundraising
On the bus traveling down a long and lonely road in New Mexico I write you all about yesterdays' fundraising efforts. As mentioned in the previous blogs we a very low on funds and each day finds us working harder to make enough money to get to the next spot. We had hoped that we'd make enough money before the trip so that we could focus on working with communities and performing. However, that wasn't the case. In reality we were only able to raise a fraction of the amount that we needed for this trip. When we realized our situation back home it wasn't a difficult decision to make. Go anyway! Go because we will learn more than any classroom could ever teach us. Go because men, women and children are waiting for our words. Go because some of those children will be inspired by our having gone, words or lives. Go because if we do not go and reach out to these communities and help out... who will? Go because our words have the power to create and we as a people must finds ways to do just that in order to counteract the destruction that exists in our world. That's why we spent all of yesterday fundraising. To continue what we've set out to do.
We picked up Jenny (Decora's Queen) in Phoenix the other and set out to to Whole Foods. Whole Foods is an organic foods supermarket that has been donating food to us along the way. Decora had called and the one in Phoenix was nice enough to set us up with a bag of groceries. PB&J here we come! After we picked up the food we headed towards the YMCA we had been at the previous day getting a workout to keep ourselves fit on this journey of ours. There, Graham had spoken to someone about a teen event happening the next day. The organizer of the event said that it would be cool if we came out and had DJ H20 spin with a possibility of a performance to raise some funds.
When we got to the YMCA we set up and DJ H20 started to spin. In the meantime Decora and Jenny headed towards something called First Fridays. First Friday apparently attracts tons of people for various art displays, street performers and vendors. Decora found a good spot for us to set up and we headed over there after the event in the YMCA. Larry and his family came too.Larry is the Couch Surfer that put us up for two nights. Couch Surfing stems from a website (couchsurfing.com) where people connect online and stay at each others places instead of going to hotels. The idea is to save money and also create an interaction where one can learn from each other by "interacting with the locals". When we got to the area where First Friday is held it was packed full of hundreds of people. Decora was there and he guided us to park in front of an art gallery called Inn Studio. The artist's name is Michael David Little and he had some great work on display. People take houses and display their art all throughout the house. It was a pretty cool concept and the streets were lined with other artists doing the same.
We learned that we only had a half hour before the noise ordinances went into effect so we had DJ H20 setup his equipment right in the bus. With one of the speakers blasting outside. While he spun on the ones and two's I hyped the crowd and mentioned that we had CD's for sale and were accepting donations. Crowds surrounded the bus before DJ H20 and I could even set up the equipment. They were all checking out the bus and trying to figure out what was going on. DJ H20 did an amazing set and we both had intermittent crowds surrounding the bus while he DJ'd and I lured them over on the mic. We made some more donation money while there and sold some merchandise as well(CD's and Shirts). The cops came around at 10pm (time noise ordinances went into effect) and told us we had to shut down. We did as soon as we could because there was a "Couch Surfing" party going on a few minutes away. Larry had put us on to it and we figured it could be another fund raising opportunity. Indeed it was. This house was PACKED full of people. Apparently it was a bday party for one of the people that lived at the house and word got around that there was a Hip Hop group from NY soon to be rocking the mic. The DJ there (DJ Noah) was off the chain and soon after we got there he passed on the equipment to DJ H20. He had the people dancing and groovin to his mixes while I (and on occasions Decora) reminded the crowd that we were accepting donations. A couple of hours later we got the crew ready (I gave a shout out to Free while on the mic because she was sleeping on the bus) and had the crowd movin with a couple tracks. While that went on I woke up (accidently scared her too) Corina who helped out by passing around the bucket and collecting money. After our performance we took some showers at that house and got back on the road. This time to New Mexico.
-Latin
On the bus traveling down a long and lonely road in New Mexico I write you all about yesterdays' fundraising efforts. As mentioned in the previous blogs we a very low on funds and each day finds us working harder to make enough money to get to the next spot. We had hoped that we'd make enough money before the trip so that we could focus on working with communities and performing. However, that wasn't the case. In reality we were only able to raise a fraction of the amount that we needed for this trip. When we realized our situation back home it wasn't a difficult decision to make. Go anyway! Go because we will learn more than any classroom could ever teach us. Go because men, women and children are waiting for our words. Go because some of those children will be inspired by our having gone, words or lives. Go because if we do not go and reach out to these communities and help out... who will? Go because our words have the power to create and we as a people must finds ways to do just that in order to counteract the destruction that exists in our world. That's why we spent all of yesterday fundraising. To continue what we've set out to do.
We picked up Jenny (Decora's Queen) in Phoenix the other and set out to to Whole Foods. Whole Foods is an organic foods supermarket that has been donating food to us along the way. Decora had called and the one in Phoenix was nice enough to set us up with a bag of groceries. PB&J here we come! After we picked up the food we headed towards the YMCA we had been at the previous day getting a workout to keep ourselves fit on this journey of ours. There, Graham had spoken to someone about a teen event happening the next day. The organizer of the event said that it would be cool if we came out and had DJ H20 spin with a possibility of a performance to raise some funds.
When we got to the YMCA we set up and DJ H20 started to spin. In the meantime Decora and Jenny headed towards something called First Fridays. First Friday apparently attracts tons of people for various art displays, street performers and vendors. Decora found a good spot for us to set up and we headed over there after the event in the YMCA. Larry and his family came too.Larry is the Couch Surfer that put us up for two nights. Couch Surfing stems from a website (couchsurfing.com) where people connect online and stay at each others places instead of going to hotels. The idea is to save money and also create an interaction where one can learn from each other by "interacting with the locals". When we got to the area where First Friday is held it was packed full of hundreds of people. Decora was there and he guided us to park in front of an art gallery called Inn Studio. The artist's name is Michael David Little and he had some great work on display. People take houses and display their art all throughout the house. It was a pretty cool concept and the streets were lined with other artists doing the same.
We learned that we only had a half hour before the noise ordinances went into effect so we had DJ H20 setup his equipment right in the bus. With one of the speakers blasting outside. While he spun on the ones and two's I hyped the crowd and mentioned that we had CD's for sale and were accepting donations. Crowds surrounded the bus before DJ H20 and I could even set up the equipment. They were all checking out the bus and trying to figure out what was going on. DJ H20 did an amazing set and we both had intermittent crowds surrounding the bus while he DJ'd and I lured them over on the mic. We made some more donation money while there and sold some merchandise as well(CD's and Shirts). The cops came around at 10pm (time noise ordinances went into effect) and told us we had to shut down. We did as soon as we could because there was a "Couch Surfing" party going on a few minutes away. Larry had put us on to it and we figured it could be another fund raising opportunity. Indeed it was. This house was PACKED full of people. Apparently it was a bday party for one of the people that lived at the house and word got around that there was a Hip Hop group from NY soon to be rocking the mic. The DJ there (DJ Noah) was off the chain and soon after we got there he passed on the equipment to DJ H20. He had the people dancing and groovin to his mixes while I (and on occasions Decora) reminded the crowd that we were accepting donations. A couple of hours later we got the crew ready (I gave a shout out to Free while on the mic because she was sleeping on the bus) and had the crowd movin with a couple tracks. While that went on I woke up (accidently scared her too) Corina who helped out by passing around the bucket and collecting money. After our performance we took some showers at that house and got back on the road. This time to New Mexico.
-Latin
Time Is Tight!
Time is Tight...Simple Update (As soon as time allows I'll write detailed ones)
We're in a reeeeaaaaaaalllllyyyyy nice house on the outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona. We're trying to see if we can set up an event for tonight to raise some money to get to the next spot. It's been a tough couple of days money wise and the Arizona heat doesn't help much. The minute we entered Arizona the sun came down and said ; Hey guys...I'm going to be ticking you off the whole time you're in this state...How do you like them apples? Since time is tight and we're all on the grind I'm going to write a basic update of what's been going on. Don't worry (Monica) I'll write a detailed update soon.
So we made it to San Antonio and met up with Monica. She has one of the most beautiful spirits that many of us have ever met. Not once in the time that we met her did she not smile or have an indestructible love for life. She works with the South West Workers Union (a 20 year old Organization that was created to fight for the rights of teachers and has grown to be an organization that works hard for others) under Ruben and introduced us to him so that we could stay at his house. He has a large house that wasn't as hot as it was outside (which all good with me). As soon as we walked in he welcomed us and let us know about his home's Mexican style plumbing (C=caliente H=helado). Soon after Monica re-arrived with some of the best breakfast burritos I've had. For those of you that don't know...Tex-Mex food is the bomb. During breakfast Ruben taught us an extensive After breakfast we all found a spot to chill out it and relaxed until we had to head over to our workshop.
Monica came by and picked us up so that we could head to our workshop. Actually we followed her in our bus. She stopped by the South West Workers Union office to pick some things up and we were back on our way. When we got to the venue Ruta Maya we found a basement packed full of youth. We presented our "Hip Hop and Poetry Save My Life" workshop and had a great time with this particular group of youth. The kids were wise beyond their years and threw out issues that they were seeing in their communities with no problem. When we did one of the techniques we teach (bubble technique) they immediately blurted out phrases that youth their age should not have to be concerned with. Phrases and words like police brutality, poverty, gentrification and others flew through the room we were in with the power of ancestral knowledge. Later on we learned that many of these youth are very involved in their communities working hard to stand up for the rights of su gente. After the workshop we had a few hours to rest before our performance that night.
The performance was at a venue called Cafe Latino. It was a packed house and some amazing artists vocal and musical artists like Vocab and Bombasta blessed the outdoor stage. We performed our set and dealt with some sound difficulties (mics kept giving off feedback) while at it we rocked a live crowd and had a great time doing so. There was an awesome party afterwards that had us all dancing and enjoying ourselves. There was a guy that liked the event so much that during the party he came up to me and said... You guys were awesome. Dude! Your like coffee...I wanna just drink you up! To which I politely answered thank you and slowly walked away lol.
The next day we had an outdoor performance in Hondo, Texas. the stage was setup on a long trailer and it was under the stairs. After the event there in Hondo we headed straight to El Paso which was a loooong drive. At El Paso we were greeted by Monica's beautiful family. The love and warmth that Monica had given us was granted to us by her family as well. In El Paso we realized that we had no money and needed to do so some fundraising. We were fortunate enough to get a couple of events where we made enough money to get back on the road.
This is a quick update to let you all know where we are. Hopefully if we get more time I can write a more detailed one soon. Thank you so Monica and her familia for being the warm beautiful people they are and for making us feel at home from the moment we met Monica to the moment we said good bye. Much amor para ustedes.
-Latin
We're in a reeeeaaaaaaalllllyyyyy nice house on the outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona. We're trying to see if we can set up an event for tonight to raise some money to get to the next spot. It's been a tough couple of days money wise and the Arizona heat doesn't help much. The minute we entered Arizona the sun came down and said ; Hey guys...I'm going to be ticking you off the whole time you're in this state...How do you like them apples? Since time is tight and we're all on the grind I'm going to write a basic update of what's been going on. Don't worry (Monica) I'll write a detailed update soon.
So we made it to San Antonio and met up with Monica. She has one of the most beautiful spirits that many of us have ever met. Not once in the time that we met her did she not smile or have an indestructible love for life. She works with the South West Workers Union (a 20 year old Organization that was created to fight for the rights of teachers and has grown to be an organization that works hard for others) under Ruben and introduced us to him so that we could stay at his house. He has a large house that wasn't as hot as it was outside (which all good with me). As soon as we walked in he welcomed us and let us know about his home's Mexican style plumbing (C=caliente H=helado). Soon after Monica re-arrived with some of the best breakfast burritos I've had. For those of you that don't know...Tex-Mex food is the bomb. During breakfast Ruben taught us an extensive After breakfast we all found a spot to chill out it and relaxed until we had to head over to our workshop.
Monica came by and picked us up so that we could head to our workshop. Actually we followed her in our bus. She stopped by the South West Workers Union office to pick some things up and we were back on our way. When we got to the venue Ruta Maya we found a basement packed full of youth. We presented our "Hip Hop and Poetry Save My Life" workshop and had a great time with this particular group of youth. The kids were wise beyond their years and threw out issues that they were seeing in their communities with no problem. When we did one of the techniques we teach (bubble technique) they immediately blurted out phrases that youth their age should not have to be concerned with. Phrases and words like police brutality, poverty, gentrification and others flew through the room we were in with the power of ancestral knowledge. Later on we learned that many of these youth are very involved in their communities working hard to stand up for the rights of su gente. After the workshop we had a few hours to rest before our performance that night.
The performance was at a venue called Cafe Latino. It was a packed house and some amazing artists vocal and musical artists like Vocab and Bombasta blessed the outdoor stage. We performed our set and dealt with some sound difficulties (mics kept giving off feedback) while at it we rocked a live crowd and had a great time doing so. There was an awesome party afterwards that had us all dancing and enjoying ourselves. There was a guy that liked the event so much that during the party he came up to me and said... You guys were awesome. Dude! Your like coffee...I wanna just drink you up! To which I politely answered thank you and slowly walked away lol.
The next day we had an outdoor performance in Hondo, Texas. the stage was setup on a long trailer and it was under the stairs. After the event there in Hondo we headed straight to El Paso which was a loooong drive. At El Paso we were greeted by Monica's beautiful family. The love and warmth that Monica had given us was granted to us by her family as well. In El Paso we realized that we had no money and needed to do so some fundraising. We were fortunate enough to get a couple of events where we made enough money to get back on the road.
This is a quick update to let you all know where we are. Hopefully if we get more time I can write a more detailed one soon. Thank you so Monica and her familia for being the warm beautiful people they are and for making us feel at home from the moment we met Monica to the moment we said good bye. Much amor para ustedes.
-Latin
El Paso We Love You!!!
El Paso helped us get back on the road.
I'm on the bus across from J-man and Corina. Their working on Corina's computer. Cuttz just woke up and is scrambling for whatever food and drink he can find. Graham, Free and Decora are sleeping while DJ H20 drives. We're officially in the desert. The heat is beating down and I'm trying to stay as hydrated possible. We're on our way to an event in Phoenix, Arizona after having spent a few days in El Paso. Originally we'd planned to perform in Juarez and then drive down to Chihuahua, Mejico. Due to extensive flooding caused by heavy rainfall in Juarez the event had to be canceled. In addition, we'd run out of money for food or gas. So inevitably we decided to do some fund raising in El Paso to help us get moving forward. Monica (our San Antonio, Hondo, Juarez and El Paso connection) hooked us up with a place to stay (her brother's house) some food and pretty much anything else we needed. With her help we were able to book a couple of last minute events (DJ H20 dance parties and short performance) that made us enough money to get back on the road. Local organic food shops donated some food too.
Our first event was at the Percolator in El Paso. There we hosted a dance party and short performance. As soon as we were done we headed to another venue called the Black Market. DJ H20 tore it up with both sets. He was even dancing in the DJ booth at both venues. Decora stood outside where he asked for donations for the DJ while we had a table set up inside selling CD's and accepting donations as well. Overall it was an amazing night and couple days that had us all coming together trying to make dinero to get us back on the road.
-Latin
I'm on the bus across from J-man and Corina. Their working on Corina's computer. Cuttz just woke up and is scrambling for whatever food and drink he can find. Graham, Free and Decora are sleeping while DJ H20 drives. We're officially in the desert. The heat is beating down and I'm trying to stay as hydrated possible. We're on our way to an event in Phoenix, Arizona after having spent a few days in El Paso. Originally we'd planned to perform in Juarez and then drive down to Chihuahua, Mejico. Due to extensive flooding caused by heavy rainfall in Juarez the event had to be canceled. In addition, we'd run out of money for food or gas. So inevitably we decided to do some fund raising in El Paso to help us get moving forward. Monica (our San Antonio, Hondo, Juarez and El Paso connection) hooked us up with a place to stay (her brother's house) some food and pretty much anything else we needed. With her help we were able to book a couple of last minute events (DJ H20 dance parties and short performance) that made us enough money to get back on the road. Local organic food shops donated some food too.
Our first event was at the Percolator in El Paso. There we hosted a dance party and short performance. As soon as we were done we headed to another venue called the Black Market. DJ H20 tore it up with both sets. He was even dancing in the DJ booth at both venues. Decora stood outside where he asked for donations for the DJ while we had a table set up inside selling CD's and accepting donations as well. Overall it was an amazing night and couple days that had us all coming together trying to make dinero to get us back on the road.
-Latin
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