August 08, 2019
By Bertram Keller
Contributing Writer
This Monday, “Beloved” novelist Toni Morrison died at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, from complications of pneumonia, according to her publicist. She was 88-years-old. Born Chole Ardelia Wofford in Lorain, Ohio, Toni Morrison became one of the most prolific writers in modern literature.
In a statement, Morrison’s family and her publisher Alfred A. Knopf said, “She was an extremely devoted mother, grandmother, and aunt who reveled in being with her family and friends. The consummate writer who treasured the written word, whether her own, her students or others, she read voraciously and was most at home when writing.”
Morrison’s freedom was immeasurable through her writing. She crafted a unique use of language to depict the identity-struggle of being Black in a White society, contributing a most unique voice that will remain and impart a Black consciousness through her work.
Morrison studied English at Howard University and then received her Master’s at Cornell before captivating audiences through prose. At Howard University, she quietly began crafting her first book, “The Bluest Eyes” (1970), which was circulated as a literary masterpiece.
The novel confronts a deep-rooted perspective regarding African American’s association of whiteness and beauty. In the novel Morrison wrote, “You looked at them and wondered why they were so ugly; you looked closely and could not find the source.
Then you realized that it came from conviction, their conviction.” Morrison challenged readers to question these convictions, explore their individual subconscious, and dissociate physical characteristics; such as, pigmentation with predetermined beauty.
In an essay for The New Yorker, titled “Mourning for Whiteness,” Morrison addressed the nation’s attachment to the Whiteness in Trump’s America stating, “Personal debasement is not easy for White people (especially for White men), but to retain the conviction of their superiority to others — especially to Black people — they are willing to risk contempt and to be reviled by the mature, the sophisticated, and the strong. 
If it weren’t so ignorant and pitiful, one could mourn this collapse of dignity in service to an evil cause.”
Morrison empowered African Americans to question the perpetuated racial judgement fashioned by mainstream American culture.
Her work speaks to the unheard breath of the clandestine moral aspects of the human psyche of the mainstream that does not fairly represent African Americans. Morrison created a new way of thinking, an honest observation that writers can use in narrative discourse, regardless of their color.
Former President Barack Obama took to Twitter to pay his respect to Morrison, writing, “Toni Morrison was a national treasure, as good a storyteller, as captivating in person as she was on the page. Her writing was a beautiful, meaningful challenge to our conscience and our moral imagination. What a gift to breathe the same air as her, if only for a while.” In 2012, President Obama bestowed Morrison with the Presidential Medal of Freedom — a meritorious contribution to the national interests of the United States, world peace, and further significant public endeavors.
The author of 11 novels, including “The Bluest Eye" (1970), “Beloved” (1987), and “Song of Solomon” (1977), Morrison was an activist, literary critic, editor, publisher, and great thinker. She was a recipient of the most prestigious awards; including, the Pulitzer Prize (1988) for “Beloved” (1987), an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Oxford University (2005), and she was the first African American woman awarded with the Nobel Prize in Literature (1993). Among the illustrious names, Morrison helped publish Black authors, such as, Toni Cade Bambara, Gayl Jones, Angela Davis and Muhammad Ali.
Oprah Winfrey directed her public condolences via Instagram, stating, “In the beginning was the Word.
Toni Morrison Took the word and Turned it into a Song… of Solomon (1977), of Sula (1973), Beloved (1987), Mercy (2008), Paradise Love (2012), and more. She was our conscience. Our seer. Our truth-teller. She was a magician with language, who understood the Power of words. She used them to roil us, to wake us, to educate us and help us grapple with our deepest wounds and try to comprehend them. It is exhilarating and life-enhancing every time I read and share her work.”
In October 1996, Oprah selected “Song of Solomon” as the second book for Oprah’s book club segment on the Oprah Winfrey’s Show.
Following Oprah’s endorsement, Morrison’s sales increased, projecting her to a household name while commencing a 30-year friendship between the two.
The loss of Toni Morrison is heartbreaking to the Back community, literary arts and great thinkers alike. Particularly, in today’s world of social media, Morrison was our moral compass; she spoke her reality in America with elegance and without fear of consequence.
She spoke with the hopeful intentions to inspire positive change for the Black community and overall humanity, with an imposing tone of wisdom.
Morrison’s impactful writings will live on for generations to come. Though, you may have a heavy heart, remember the words of Morrison: “We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may be the measure of our lives.”
August 08, 2019
Aries
MAR 21 - APR 19
If there ever was a time in your life when you truly believed in the power of love, that time is now! The Sun and Venus are both moving through your true love sector and will be at a gorgeous angle to expansive, lucky Jupiter this week. A major blessing is in the works for you when it comes to your romantic life and you will not be disappointed! Adding to the mix, Mercury enters the same area of your chart on Sunday. Communication is the most essential ingredient in any relationship. Now, you and your sweetheart will find it easier than ever to talk about any and everything under the Sun!
Taurus
APR 20 - MAY 20
The best part of your love life these days is that your family adores the person you're with. If you have recently started to date someone, this is an extra special feeling. Whether or not we want to admit, we often crave the approval of those we love the most. When it comes to your clan, you are definitely someone who makes family a priority, so their opinion of your significant other will have an impact. Happily, it looks like your parents, siblings, and/or children truly get along with your love. That only makes you love him or her even more. Single? A relative may set you up on a date. It looks promising!
Gemini
MAY 21 - JUN 20
You and your partner are likely to feel as if you have the ideal relationship. In fact, other couples might look at the two of you and silently whisper, "Relationship goals!" It's true that these days you and your lover have the most impeccable communication and ability to convey exactly how much you appreciate each other. This week that trend continues, and you'll even feel as if your relationship is ready to go to the next level in whatever area you want to grow most together. A positive decision you and your partner make this week will be the catalyst for your spectacular new growth spurt.
Cancer
JUN 21 - JUL 22
The crazy buzz in your social life might begin to calm just enough for you to figure out whether or not you have true feelings for one of your friends. This may just be an incredible ego boost, because it's clear that this person does think the world of you. Still, while you may be flattered at all the attention, something might be nagging at you because you're not entirely sure you feel there is genuine compatibility in the romantic sense between you and this person. Take your time figuring this out. There's no rush.
Leo
JUL 23 - AUG 22
It's a non-stop love fest for you these days, Leo! Not only are the Sun and Venus in your sign, making you an absolute showstopper, but this week both planets in Leo will be at a perfect trine to the luckiest planet of all: Jupiter. And guess what ... Jupiter is placed in your romance sector. Connecting the dots here is easy and you can surely see how much the stars are supporting love, dating, and pleasure this week. If you're single you, can anticipate a beautiful first date with someone special. If you're attached, you and your lover are sure to have the time of your lives. Together, of course.
Virgo
AUG 23 - SEP 22
You're having the time of your life in love these days. But the funny thing is, no one else seems to know about it. It's as if you and your lover are keeping your affair completely private for your own reasons. Perhaps you simply don't want anyone knowing your business. Or it's also possible that you and your sweetheart have another reason for needing to be so discreet. You might even be planning on moving in together this week, and no one else has any idea things have progressed this much. Enjoy. What matters is the fact that you are loved.
Libra
SEP 23 - OCT 22
On Sunday, Uranus, the planet of innovation and erratic behavior, will turn retrograde in the house of your chart connected to intimacy. You've been craving more unusual erotic satisfaction than usual lately, and you and your lover might have started to do things together in more unconventional ways. This doesn't have to be anything taboo, but of course, it might be. One "PG" example could be that you realize you sleep better in separate rooms. Whatever the details, this week you'll start to feel that your strange situation is now becoming part of your new routine together. It works.
Scorpio
OCT 23 - NOV 21
All of the chaos in your relationship life might simmer down this week ... at least long enough so you can process the rapid-fire changes that have recently occurred. It might be that your partner has been expressing a major urge for freedom. Either you were able to support this desire, or it made you feel insecure and you started to hold on tighter. With Uranus transiting through your partnership sector, however, the more you hold on to someone, the more they'll want to break free. Now that Uranus is retrograde (after Sunday the 11th), why not consider what's really going on in your relationship? And if you still even want to be in one...
Sagittarius
NOV 22 - DEC 21
You're in your glory this week! On Sunday, Jupiter, your ruling planet, will turn direct in your sign, making you feel as though you have all of your magical powers back. Guess what ... you do! Now, you'll have nothing but green lights ahead as you pursue the life -- and the love life -- you desire. Whatever your heart wants, you know it will be yours now because you have such remarkable faith and a certainty that all good things are coming your way. They are. Make a wish!
Capricorn
DEC 22 - JAN 19
Your partner might surprise you this week with extraordinary financial news. He or she might find out that they're receiving a sizable raise, bonus, or commission check. Another possibility is that the two of you are working quietly together on a top-secret investment opportunity. There is every indication that it will pay off, so be sure to remain confident about this prospect. When it comes to love and money, it's certainly a "no risk, no reward" type of week. Take your chances, you won't be disappointed.
Aquarius
JAN 20 - FEB 18
The Sun and Venus are moving through your partnership sector, and this week they'll make a dazzling link to Jupiter, the planet of blessings. There is no way you can have this much cosmic luck pass through your relationship sector and not benefit from it. If you're in a relationship, then you can rest easy knowing that your partner has your back no matter what. He or she has remarkable faith in you and will do something really nice to support one of your personal aspirations. Beautiful!
Pisces
FEB 19 - MAR 20
You and your partner might be helping each other get into better shape or improve your health in an instrumental way. This week, you'll feel more beautiful than ever as your lover showers you with compliments about how great you look. Whether it's your skin, your new muscle tone, or your overall physical appearance, you'll appreciate that he or she is noticing the effort you're putting into your mind and body these days. Single? You could easily meet someone this week while you're working out or even on the job. Love potential is there. Look for it.
August 08, 2019
By Lapacazo Sandoval
Contributing Writer
The Food Network was founded on April 19, 1993, as “TV Food Network” and for a very long time, most of the food hosts were White men. There were early attempts at diversity by the network which included Down Home with the Neelys and Big Daddy’s house with host Aaron McCargo, Jr. but for the most part, The Food Network is populated by White hosts.
There is a toxic myth that African Americans have not contributed to the culinary landscape of this country that they built. For example, red peas are from rich African soil. It’s documented that Slave owners sent back and got seeds for what the slaves were used to eating in Africa, because they weren't used to the food in America. In short, that meant what the slaves could plant for themselves. The existence of okra in America began in West Africa and is a popular ingredient in slowly stewed meat dishes, which are also from Africa. Our food—American food—is an important symbol and a historical roadmap for our journey from the African Motherland to what is now called the United States of America.
Even gumbo, which is the signature dish of New Orleans is an adaption of a Senegalese soupy stew that enslaved African cooks prepared in plantation kitchens for both themselves and their owners.
African Americans have shaped everything in this country, despite the White slave owners doing their best to make people believe otherwise. They wanted African Americans silent, forgotten, but our food still speaks.
In Kardea Brown’s new show “Delicious Miss Brown,” which debuted on the Food Network, Sunday, July 29th, she celebrates contemporary Gullah cuisine. Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, her passion for cooking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where she learned to make traditional dishes from the Gullah/Geechee people of which she is a descended.
Gullah/Geechee is a term used to describe a distinct group of African Americans living in the coastal areas of South Carolina and Georgia who have managed to preserve much of their West African language, culture, and cuisine. Chef Brown never viewed her home cooking as nothing more than a hobby. Instead, she studied Psychology at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA, and worked in social services for many years.
In 2013, Brown moved to New Jersey to continue her education in Psychology. A year later, she found herself taping a pilot and her television career took off. She has since appeared on Food Network’s “Farmhouse Rules,” “BBQ Blitz,” “Chopped Junior,” “Beach Bites,” “Beat Bobby Flay,” “Cooks vs Cons” and “Family Food Showdown.” Kardea also created The New Gullah Supper Club, where the menu pays homage to the dishes her grandmother and mother passed down to her. Now with her brand-new show “Delicious Ms. Brown,” she’s expanding her mission to spread love through food and tell a unique story one dish at a time.
Here is an edited phone conversation with Chef Kardea, host of “CupCake Championship” and her new show “Delicious Miss Brown”:
L.A. Watts Times: You are on two Food Network television shows: ‘Cupcake Championship’ as the host and now, with your very own new show ‘Delicious Miss Brown.’ How did that happen, chef? There was a time when it was hard to find a Black person with a show on the Food Network.
Kardea Brown: (laughing) That’s true. I fell into a pilot for the Food Network.
I’ve always loved cooking. I come from a family of cooks but I did it as a hobby. I went to school for psychology and I worked in social services for the majority of my career after I graduated from college. Although the pilot didn’t get picked up by the Food Network the producers and Food Network executives saw something in me and asked if I had thought about a career in food television; I had not. I never thought of cooking as a career thing. So, after being on set and cooking it felt right. It gave me that push to change my career and do what I love to do, which is cooking.
LAWT: That’s impressive. In the beginning, the network was filled with mostly white men—come on—I’m speaking the truth. I use to DVR all the shows because I love to cook but it bothered me that us, African, African American and Latinos were absent. If we can’t cook who can? Thoughts on the truth I just shared?
KB: You know I recently had someone reach out to me. A Black woman and her daughter and they told me how much they were looking forward to seeing someone that looked like them on the Food Network that represented our culture. The comment that they left under my picture [social media] said: It’s a feeling of joy to see someone that looks like me and for my daughter to see someone that looks like her. That means so much to me growing up. I was a fan of the Food Network and what I remember ‘Down Home with the Neelys.’ I think now the Food Network is moving in a more positive direction in diversifying their talent and I feel honored that I’m a part of that change, as well.
LAWT: So am I. Specifically what makes your show ‘Delicious Miss Brown’ different?
KB: In my show, I’m cooking from my Gullah/Geechee background. That’s different. In my show, I not only want to show people of color, but also to show a part of the world you don’t hear about which is the Gullah/Geechee people.
LAWT: What makes this type of cuisine special?
KB: The Gullah/Geechee retained so much of our language and our culture in our food and our storytelling. That makes our community unique. The show does encompass the Southern culture in general, of which the Gullah people are part. You will hear our accents from my mother and my grandmother and you will hear the stories as well. We will also highlight the type of ingredients that we cook with and that will be highlighted throughout the show.
LAWT: I’ve never had crab mac & cheese? I’d like to, it sounds delicious.
KB: (laughing) It will change your life. In the show, I use freshly picked crab from my backyard. It’s so fun to see how I get the crab and shrimp used in my show are caught; fresh, it’s very much farm to table.
LAWT: Are you a producer on your new show?
KB: I believe that I’m written in as producer on the show. I have a lot of input. All the recipes are mine.
LAWT: Do you also plan a cookbook after season one?
KB: (laughing) There is a cookbook in the mix. I’m looking forward to writing my very first [cook] book. It will be based on the recipes used on the show. It will be low cooking and Gullah cuisine.
LAWT: I’m proud of you Kardea Brown. Chef, did you ever think of yourself as an author?
KB: No, but I always said that my life story was very interesting and if I had an opportunity I would love to write a book or a cookbook. So, an autobiography and a cookbook.
LAWT: What are three recipes from the show that any level cook can make?
KB: My aunties Lemon Soda bunt cake. It’s the first cake that I learned to bake. It has a lemon-lime glaze. The second one from the show would be fried shrimp and my mother’s homemade steak fries.
LAWT: What makes the homemade steak fries special?
KB: Because the same batter that we used [to fry] for the shrimp we used for the steak fries.
LAWT: Yummy. Nice.
KB: (laughing) Yes, it’s delicious Mrs. Brown. The third one that is home cook-friendly is Blackberry Hand pie.
LAWT: Did you say Blackberry Hand pie?
KB: It’s a portable pie, just big enough to fit your hand.
LAWT: So tiny, that can’t possibly be packed with calories, wink-wink. Let’s talk about health and the Black community for a second, please. Do you address that in your show?
KB: We don’t make direct references to that but a lot of my recipes are very simple. I don’t use a lot of salt or seasoning salt. They are very fresh. I find a way to balance. Weight has always been a struggle for myself and my family. Southern people, we like our food. I found a happy medium with my recipes.
LAWT: Last words about your new Food Network show — ‘Delicious Miss Brown.’
KB: Expect the unexpected.
Delicious Miss Brown debuted on The Food Network, Sunday, July 28, 2019. To learn more go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/delicious-miss-brown
August 01, 2019
By Shannen Hill
Contributing Writer
Gunshot Medley: Part I is the latest play to hit the stage at the Electric Lodge on Abbot Kinney Boulevard near Venice Beach. Running until August 19, the play tells the story of American history through the eyes of three slaves.
The playwright, Dionna Michelle Daniel, was inspired to write this play in 2015 after the Charleston Church shooting. While in North Carolina, she visited a graveyard where she found the graves of Betty, Alvis, and George who would eventually become the characters for Gunshot Medley: Part I. All that was left on the graves were their names and the dates that they died, each before the Emancipation Proclamation. Daniel also found something unsettling in the graveyard — newly placed Confederate flags.
“At the time that I wrote Gunshot Medley, there was so much going on with killings and discourse over the Confederate flag,” said Daniel. “For me the play is an awakening. It is so vital for Black people to tell our stories because we have lived through these experiences and the pain is real.”
Set in a haunted graveyard in North Carolina, audiences see the connections of racism through past and present. Betty, Alvis, and George are not able to rest their souls. They want to believe that things are better, and cover up the pain, but what they see in the present takes them back to their own past hurt. They see happy moments in Black culture as well, referencing famous songs and dances, but they are reminded of pain with each gunshot that they hear.
Betty represents a mother figure, constantly cleaning to cover up her pain. Alvis takes on a more playful role, looking for the beauty in everything, and George represents revolutionaries fighting and dying for change. The fourth character is High Priestess Oya. When Daniel originally wrote the play, she made a lot of reference to the wind and the rustle of leaves and treetops. One of her friends told her about Orisha Oya, an African goddess who is the ruler of storms and winds, and the protector of cemeteries. From that comes the majestic character garbed in elegant reds and an expression of pain upon her face.
“The play was very powerful and moving,” said Tenille Jones, one of the audience members. “I think that it will open people’s eyes and make change for the better. I like how the main character, Betty, thought that she had to clean something up to solve the problems, but in the end, it showed that racism is more of a comprehensive problem. It’s not just a one-person problem, it’s a worldwide problem. I was very entertained. It’s a great way to spend an hour and support Black theatre.”
Gunshot Medley: Part I started as a project for a program at California Institute of the Arts, or CalArts, where Daniel graduated. She presented it in their 2016 New Works Festival and won the chance to go to New York to have a reading of the play and get it published. One of the readers from New York put Daniel in contact with Desean Terry of Collaborative Artists Bloc, a production team that produces performances that explore of cultural identity and promote social change. Terry became the director of Gunshot Medley: Part I, giving the play a Black cast, Black director, and Black playwright.
In 2018, Rogue Machine Theatre joined in and brought the production to the stage at the MET Theatre in Santa Monica for a two-week run. Gun Shot Medley: Part I also did a two-week run at the Watts Village Theater Company, where tickets were based on a donation of any amount and audience members could register to vote. Rogue Machine Theatre has brought the play back this year to the Electric Lodge. Gunshot Medley: Part I runs through August 19. Student tickets are $25.99 and general admission is $39.99. For more information and reservations, call (855) 585-5185 or visit www.collaborativeartistsbloc.org.