Thursday, May 19, 2005

Beautiful

I love beautiful people
who are ugly sometimes
beautiful people
who wear no disguise
beautiful people
too smart to be wise
beautiful souls & beautiful minds
I love beautiful speech
that reaches to teach
adore wonderful magic
I reach to explore
I'm enamered with love
I want to endure
on & on & on
I love expressive songs
that write the wrong
grateful for the ones
who make me feel strong
keep close to my heart
my own true song
and I sing it on & on
I found my voice not long ago
and I believe in the power
of collective soul
I spread my story
'cause I'm tryin' to relate
believe in the possibility of social change

And I changed my name
'Cause I changed my mind
I changed my direction to see what I could find
I changed my perspective
'Cause I learned somethin' new
I change like the season
that's how I do

Saturday, May 14, 2005

The Genesis of B Girl Be

Today at Intermedia we had our first open discussion on the creation and evolution of the B Girl Be Summit. It turned out to be more fabulous than I had expected. Miranda Jane was the camera woman and the curating team (Deanna, Rachel, Melisa, Leah and Myself) along with Theresa (the driver of this B Girl Bus)all talked about our contribution to the creation of the new little B Girl Baby.

People from the community came to listen & ask questions. And from what I heard, many stayed after it was over to continue discussions. I had to leave to get to the "where my girls at?" conference happening in downtown Minneapolis at the Radisson. I have been a part of this event for the past 4 years and every year I am more honored to be there. Today, it was an extension of the discussion that happened at Intermedia Arts.

I arrived at the Radisson and waited for all the youth to gather back in the conference room after their workshops. They all got the chance to tell about their experience and talk about what they learned.

Tawanna Harper, the creator of "where my girls at?" was there. Every year she amazes me with her presence, her stories and her leadership. I wish that every woman I know could have the chance to meet her. She is truly an amazing woman, activist and organizer.

I performed a poem called, "Don't listen to the lyrics" after I heard the youth talk about their experiences. Hip Hop music was a hot topic. My poem spoke directly to what some of these young women were struggling with. Just one more piece of eveidence that tells me I'm doing the right thing.

Things are about to change people. I can feel it in the air...in the music...and in my heart. All of these things are happening - building up to something big. And to all the women who are fearlessly stepping forward, ready to fight - get ready 'cause it may be a rough ride but I know it will be worth it.

Today was fabulous, energizing and motivating. Inspiring, or course. If you missed it don't worry, there is more to come. Check out Intermedia Arts for more info on the B Girl Be Summit. It's history in the making...Or should I say, HerStory in the Making.

Sunday, May 08, 2005

Elevation - Illumination

I haven't officially "released" my CD but I have been selling them. The plan is to sell them myself until after the B Girl Be summit. Then I will put them in stores and have a release party.

The experience of putting this project has been amazing and without the help of my closest friend, Deirdre I wouldn't have been able to do any of it. Seriously. She has helped with every aspect and I appreciate her beyond belief.

I have learned so much and I hope the CD is a success. So far, all I have gotten is great feedback. And now, all I can think about is what's next. I have lots of new material waiting to be worked out. And I'm excited about the possibilities. This is the first time I've ever been able to really see growth in my work and it's awesome and scary at the same time.

I am hoping to do a couple of EP's in the near future. One that is more experimental and one that is maybe more of a maxi single. We'll see if I can make it happen.

If you are interested in checking out my new CD - email me at desdamona4@aol.com

I will be putting it on CDBABY.COM very soon.

peace
des