mandrake society radio “make love. give birth. change your community.” Audio intersections at community life and music, hosted by JW Richard.

Ok, I really didn’t want to talk about the Perez Hilton/Will.I.Am debacle because its foolishness, however I found a great post from Liz Smith (h/t Bernard) that asks a right question when it comes to GLAAD, The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, asking for Perez to apologize for his use of the word, “faggot” in the incident:

Well, OK – sure. But this got me thinking. Did GLAAD rear up and ask Perez Hilton to apologize to the conservative beauty queen Carrie Prejean when the former “Miss California” answered pageant judge Hilton’s question about gay marriage? At that time, Perez referred to Prejean as a “bitch” and a “dumb cunt.”

Forget what may be your opinion and/or mine about Miss Prejean, who has now found her voice and a forum for speaking out against gay marriage. Did she deserve to be so outrageously and viciously insulted even if millions did not agree with her? Did GLAAD have anything to say back then? Did it bother to correct Perez Hilton?

Smith’s office did contact GLAAD, and you may be surprised at their response.

Liz Smith full article is here: http://www.wowowow.com/entertainment/liz-smith-perez-hilton-punched-black-eyed-peas-323553

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Today, I’m sharing a phone conversation with songwriter and vocalist, N’Dambi. Once recognized as a background vocalist for Erykah Badu (the one with the afro!), N’Dambi not only performed vocals but also co-wrote with Erykah, as well as several artists in the Dallas music scene. We discuss the making of her latest independent EP originally released in Japan (now available on eMusic here in the States), A Weird Kinda Wonderful, as well as her upcoming CD, Pink Elephant on the new Stax Records label.

She’ll soon be performing two shows in Dallas, including an exclusive solo concert performance for the kickoff of Honey Entertainment’s “Sweet Sensation” on July 4th. Be sure to click the picture flyer to get more information on the “Sweet Sensation” event, especially if you looking for great live music and socializing with other LGBT people in the D/FW metroplex.

N’Dambi played the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, and their website had this to say about:

While collaborating with Badu definitely proved a step in the right direction, N’dambi had her own muse to follow and released her first project, the jazzy soul Little Lost Girls Blues (1999) independently on her own label Cheeky-i Productions. She became known as a pioneer in the indie soul movement and developed a loyal cult-like following in the States and abroad. She followed-up with the second indie set Tunin’ Up & CoSignin’ (2001), a stirring double cd with more of a raw soul/funk aesthetic which went on to be licensed in the Europe and lead to N’dambi’s inclusion on twelve (12) compilations worldwide as well as features on Universal France artist Jean-Jacques Milteau’s Blue 3rd (Daddy’s Gone and Only the Lonely Knows), Narada Records group Down to the Bones’ Spread Love Like Wildfire (single – Angel Baby) and Hidden Beach Recording artists Jeff Bradshaw’s Bone Deep (Ms. Celies’ Blues and True Love) and Keite Young’s The Rise and Fall of Keite Young (single – If We Were Alone). Her next project A Weird Kind of Wonderful, released exclusively in Japan, is an eclectic mix of pop, soul and rock. On this collection of straight-no-chaser aural snapshots, N’dambi peels off the layers to share her soulful vocal instrument, rock-chick attitude, pop songcraft, and playful bravado. Each project has received international recognition resulting in high profile festival and club performances throughout the United States, England, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, France, Japan, Tanzania and Uganda.

More N’Dambi: www.ndambionline.com and www.myspace.com/ndambi

As for the track that opens the show:
Plastic Operator
“Peppermint” (mp3)
from “Peppermint – EP”
(Fine Day Records)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Napster
More On This Album

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Here’s the lineup for today’s mixtape of podsafe jazz music, thanks to IODA! Enjoy! Leave a comment or hit me up on Twitter (@MandrakeAM) to let me know how you like it.

1. Kiko Loureiro – Feijo De Corda
2. Jon Gordon – Sicily
3. Vanessa Daou – Passed
4. Skyline Drive – Al Williams feat. Scott Ambush and Tom Schmann
5. BYU Synthesis – Trash Fire for JJ
6. Ron Blake – Waltz for Gwen
7. Tom Scott, Jonathan Butler – Holding Back the Years

Listening to the debate between Human Rights Campaign’s, Joe Solmonese and Bishop Harry Jackson on the Diane Rehm show today was troubling in its concept for me. Hear it for yourself: http://wamu.org/programs/dr/09/06/18.php#25908

First, while I know who Joe Solmonese represents in terms of his organization, why is this W/white man having a discussion with a B/black preacher about civil rights? Could they not find anyone from the National Black Justice Coalition to discuss this with? At least that way, Jackson couldn’t have throw that tired line about “immutable characteristics” that differentiate between civil rights for B/blacks and gays and may have actually answered some direct questions instead of dancing around like he did with Solmonese. (To Solmonese’s credit, I appreciated the move of Human Rights Campaign to be involved with the Jena 6 issue in Louisiana a couple of years ago. Many gays were pissed off, but I felt it was a smart political move.)

Second, while we’re looking for that B/black person to debate with this preacher, why not find someone who is also a Christian (if you’ve got to go the Christian route as NPR is want to do these days). There are far too many B/black people of Christian faith that support marriage equality that could have been in Joe’s seat. Instead the only B/black person in the discussion further drives the stereotype that B/black people could be more homophobic than others. Please!

I’ve written on this blog many times how I’ve grown weary of seeking the approval of the B/black Church for our lives as LGBT people. These same preachers aren’t down at the radio and television stations picketing and starting letter writing campaigns about the way popular music and their videos degrade B/black women and men, yet they find time to preach against the “sissies” that have always served in their congregations—believing they can do and say any thing to the LGBT community in the name of God. I, for one, am tired of it!

Great to see a focused voice in the LGBT ranks that is firm on his stand to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and is also not bashing President Obama after 6 months in office. Good on you, Anthony!

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This case involves a mental health nurse who was daily ridiculed and finally injured by subordinates in the year that she worked for Beacon of Hope House because they did not want to be supervised by a B/black woman. Beacon of Hope House, an operation of the Archdiocese of New York, has residences for approximately 200 individuals and a day program for the mentally challenged in Staten Island and the Bronx. The incidents happened in Staten Island. Talking with me about the case and its progress from New York is attorney, Ifey Ugopkwe.

If a picture says 1000 words, let this picture speak freely

The events starts Thursday, June 18th, at various venues. Be sure to check the calendar for the latest on the happenings this weekend!

On Wednedsay, June 17th, a conversation is proposed between members the African-American and the gay community at the Resource Center Dallas, 2701 Reagan Street, from 6pm – 8pm. The meeting is called, Is Gay the New Black?, in reference to the protest cry from (primarily W/white) individuals in the wake of California’s passing of Proposition 8 in November 2008 and the workshop will be hosted by Gus Klein.

At the Facebook page for the event, there are a list of questions that attendees can answer in person or submit anonymously for the host to read. This purpose the forum is to identify the differences and congruences of LGBT/AA civil rights struggles, and if any civil rights movements should be comparable to other adversity. You can read all the questions here (Facebook registration required).

Gus answered a few questions I had about the workshop.

JW: What moved you to do this workshop?

Gus: a “warm” discussion over dinner prompted clarity among issues that didn’t have the resolution I expected. I’m concerned we are not talking enough across the demographics.

JW: Is this a panel discussion, and if so, who else will be on the panel?

Gus: No. You take a question, produce your thought on it while an audience listens. it can be anonymous if preferred. There will be no room/time for rebuttals. This round a a forum for awareness.

JW: Any guess as to who this workshop will truly impact?

Gus: It’s interesting. I’m afraid if no one shows up, that that says something. and if many show up, that also says something.

JW: Will this be a one-time event?

Gus: I don’t know. it depends on the thoughts that conclude it, and if additional interest is expressed.

It will indeed be an interesting experiment in building bridges. As the movement for LGBT equality grows louder, it could just be about time for some experimentation in building potential alliances to advance equality for everyone.