October 06, 2016
By Zon D’Amour
Contributing Writer
A year ago, Nate Parker made headlines when “The Birth Of A Nation”, a film that he wrote, produced, directed and starred in was acquired by FOX Searchlight at the Sundance Film Festival for an unprecedented $17.5 million. The film tells the story of the rise and untimely death of Nat Turner, a Southampton County, Virginia slave who in 1831 led one of the most successful slave rebellions which resulted in the death of an estimated fifty to sixty-five white slave owners. While Parker is grateful for films such as “12 Years A Slave” paving the way for “Birth”, he shares that his faith-based, riotous film is less “12 Years” and more “Braveheart”. In the year since the film began receiving critical acclaim, there’s been a seemingly unshakable dark cloud that may hinder it’s box office success prior to it’s nationwide release on October 7th. Parker has had to repeatedly address a nearly 20 year old incident in which he was accused and acquitted of raping a colleague when he was a 19-year-old student at Penn State University.
While most people have the opportunity to grow and mature over time, the new levels of infamy and vilification that Parker has received in a few short weeks has caused the now 36-year-old husband and father of six to reflect on the situation (while still maintaining his innocence) in a way that’s less selfish and more empathetic towards women, especially survivors of sexual assault which includes his films co-star, Gabrielle Union.
During a press conference at the Toronto Film Festival, the actor and director strived to rise like a phoenix from the ashes and refocus the narrative of the conversation back onto the powerful and prolific film that should be required viewing in schools nationwide and abroad. Parker as Nat Turner gives a stellar performance on par with Denzel Washington’s embodiment of Malcolm X in the 1992 film directed by Spike Lee. After seeing this work of art, it’s hard to imagine the film not coming to fruition. However, the multi-hyphenate thespian shares that a myriad of financial challenges in addition to many of his colleagues lack of support in assisting with the project tested his faith and his unyielding commitment towards getting the film made. While it’s yet to be determined how the film will do at the box offices or how Parker will withstand his personal storm—one thing is clear, once you have a better understanding of his journey to make “The Birth Of A Nation”, regardless of what happens next, you’ll have an intuitive feeling that Nate Parker will be okay.
When Did the story begin to resonate with you and what example are you looking to be set in this moment?
NP: The story was revealed to me in my adulthood, I went to school in Norfolk, VA, 43 miles east of south Hampton county and I never learned about Nat Turner, no one ever mentioned him as someone that could give me strength. As a young man growing up in the projects, I had self-esteem issues as so many of us do. I had a chip on my shoulder that I didn’t understand but I was cognizant of the fact that there was a very clear value system associated with my skin color and I had a problem with that. Learning about people like Nat Turner allowed me to question my own identity as an American and as a Patriot.
I remember putting my hand over my heart, saying the Pledge of Allegiance ending it with “…one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” not understanding that those words didn’t apply to me but knowing that I might get in trouble if I didn’t participate; it was conditioning. Through Nat Turner, I also learned about Toussaint L’Ouverture, David Walker’s Appeal and Sojourner Truth. I began to unravel the true history of my ancestors and the triumphs of the people that came before me.
When I became an actor, I was constantly given roles that would support the insecurities of that 13-year-old boy in grade school. I had to ask myself if I was going to operate in this business in the context of my grandmother having pride in my work, I would have to get involved in the narrative. So I began my journey to only portray progressive roles that I thought would change the narrative of people of color in this country.
I also began to write, before I got my first acting job, I brought a book called, “Save The Cat” which was a $5 screenwriting for dummies type of book. I didn’t know at the time that one day that I would write a script but I was more so thinking how one day I might put myself in a position where the oppressor, Hollywood or whomever couldn’t pull the plug on me and what God was calling me to do. That writing manifested itself into several scripts and that led me to what I thought would be the role of a lifetime and that was Nat Turner and “The Birth Of A Nation”.
In the midst of filming, “The Birth Of A Nation”, were you able to separate yourself from the role?
NP: Nat Turner’s only aspiration in life was to be Christ-like, as we’re all called to do. When I got writers block, I would go to the Bible. Nat was so deeply entrenched in his faith. He felt every action was literally motivated by his connection with the Lord. Through that I learned very quickly that I couldn’t just be regular Nate—go hang out with my friends have a drink, then go home and write about Nat Turner; this film changed a lot of things about my lifestyle. Especially in the beginning, the biggest obstacles were when it came to the financing. The way this country was put together, so many of the decisions we make are based on capitalism. When it came time to make this film and ask people for money, no one wanted to hear about the liberation of people of color. What they wanted to hear about was profit margins and returns so it was a lot of how am I going to get people to invest in this faith-based film? I walked away from acting because no one would support me—whether they looked like me or not and I can say that with absolute, explicit vocabulary, no one would help me in my community. It was very difficult but I thought, ‘well there’s no material to support’ but then you try to change the narrative and you realize the obstacles are much bigger than you can imagine and thats when you have to remind yourself, I know who my father is and he’s bigger than a dollar sign.
At the time I had just lost $3 million for the film and my grandmother suggested I fast in order to ‘make room for God’ so I said, ‘Here’s what I’m going to do Lord, I’m going to fast every week until we’re in pre-production’ but I didn’t know when that was going to actually start. But I wanted to do something out of my control that was so daunting and terrifying that it would kind of petition God into doing something because I didn’t have earthly help in the way I thought I would…Then the money came. I was describing to my daughter ‘God Moments’ when you realize that God put you through a situation to remind you to rely on your faith. Oftentimes after you’ve accomplished something, you start feeling yourself then it’s time to be humbled again. I was drawn to Nat in such a way that I could not shake him. Throughout the production process, there wasn’t really in difference between portraying Nat Turner as an actor and Nate Parker the director. I just had to assume all of those roles with his spirit inside of me.
As a man that’s married to a Caucasian woman and the father of mixed children, how do people that feel apart of both sides of the spectrum have progressive dialogues about the film?
NP: Black empowerment doesn’t mean white hate, it never has. If we were to peruse all of our heroes from now back to Fredrick Douglas we’d recognize that interracial relationships were very prevalent, it’s not a new thing. You love who you love but that shouldn’t affect your activism. I met my wife when I was 19-years-old. If at that time I said I’m now discounted from contributing to the liberation of my people, then there would be no Nat Turner film. I think we get caught up and held back when we say liberation can only be achieved by a certain person that looks a certain way that has a certain set of beliefs. Everyone has a role to play and by excluding anyones contribution, we slow ourselves down. Not to say that European American’s should be leading the charge in our liberation—I’m saying theres a role for everyone to play. In the same way we need to deal with our inferiority complexes that have been drilled in our heads. We spend so much time saying ‘white people need to know xyz’ I don’t think we need to be concerned with how white people see us we need to focus on how we’ve been conditioned to see ourselves. Carter G. Woodson has a quote that I love, “…When you control a man’s thinking, you don’t have to worry about his actions…” Our liberation lies within us. The liberation of most oppressed people lies within the oppressed people.
I constantly ask the Lord why I am what I am, why I make certain decisions and whats to be gained from any and every situation that I’ve dealt with in my life, Whether it be any issue in the past, even having a wife that’s European American, there are no mistakes. The point of not being able to go back in the past in my opinion is God’s way of saying learn from it but don’t relive it. I’m not looking back at the legacy of Nat Turner [and pointing fingers at Caucasian people] like, ‘look what you did!’ This is part of our identity too and if it was taught to us, I may not need to be making this film.
We need to work towards leaving an inheritance for our children’s children. We need to stop thinking about what we’re doing in the now and think politically about what we’re doing for the next two generations.
How do you feel now that your personal controversy seems to have deflected the chances of the film receiving award nominations?
NP: Denzel Washington told me a long time ago, ‘man gives the award, God gives the reward’. In making this film, I didn’t even know if anyone would see it. I made a film about Nat Turner, I didn’t even know if I would get distribution. So the fact that I’m here at this point, I can’t forget the reason why the Lord put it on my heart. So anything that comes as a result, I welcome and respect it but that wasn’t the purpose of making the film.
October 06, 2016
Aries
March 21 – April 19
Both business affairs and romance can blossom this week, although where money is concerned you may be eager to get the best deal possible and could be quite pushy about it. The same may be true of a new love affair or budding liaison, where a touch of obsession could cause you to do or say more than you intend. However, the Libra focus suggests that you might be eager to keep everything nice even if you feel emotional about it.
Taurus
May 21 - Jun 20
You may wonder whether you should be gracious and go out of your way for others or stick to your own agenda. The current blend of energies could mean that you swing between these options and may even decide to do nothing if you can't decide what to do next. However, there might be a way to compromise even if you have reservations about doing so. If it saves clashing with others and the resulting bad feelings, it might be worth it.
Gemini
May 21 - Jun 20
You may want to give a good impression, but underneath the charming smile you could have an agenda that you feel would be rude to share with others. The truth may be that you're eager to get your own way concerning romance, business, and money matters, but you don't want to make it too obvious. If you're going to get the results you seek, you may need to be honest with at least one person or you could lose out.
Cancer
Jun 21 - Jul 22
A somewhat intense connection could make it easier to talk someone around to your way of thinking. But you might find that if you try too hard, they could back off and even become unapproachable. The present focus on tact and diplomacy encourages you to tackle the subject from a different perspective, resulting in a much more desirable outcome. The Quarter Moon over the weekend could mean that someone will boss you around unless you can be firm with them.
Leo
Jul 23 - Aug 22
There's a lot to be said for socializing, as it could bring opportunities your way that you might not come across otherwise. You may even find that a creative idea leads to a project you enjoy collaborating on, one that could quickly become a done deal. On the home front, a plan to change your eating habits can be successful if you have a strong reason to look and feel better. If not, you might require more stamina to keep going.
Virgo
Aug 23 - Sep 22
If you have items to purchase for the home, don't take the first deal you come across. Present influences suggest that you might be able to get a better one elsewhere - in fact, one you'll be really pleased with. On another note, the tendency to indulge could cause you to spend more on leisure activities than you need to. However, if you're investing your cash in a creative project or blossoming romance, you may feel it's money well spent.
Libra
Sep 23 - Oct 22
If you're to make the most of this week, you might find that it goes more easily if you keep an open mind and are willing to put yourself in another person's shoes, especially if you're experiencing a degree of conflict with him or her. It might even add extra sparkle to the relationship if it encourages fresh ideas and lets you see things in a new light. However, you may have no option but to compromise over the weekend.
Scorpio
Oct 23 - Nov 21
The focus on your psychological sector intensifies this week and may be even more reason why you're so eager to make changes. This might not involve doing more, though, but rather letting go of activities that no longer serve you, which may lead to you do a lot less. This is also a chance to think about your life purpose and how far you've come working toward it. If you aren't sure what it is, use this opportunity to reflect on it.
Sagittarius
Nov 22 - Dec 21
Early in the week could see you getting serious about collaborating on a project that is deeply meaningful to you. In fact, this partner could be the driving force that encourages you to try, as he or she may see some dazzling possibilities in your idea. But try not to overthink this, as that could delay everything. If you try to get it perfectly right the first time, it might not work out as well as taking a more spontaneous approach.
Capricorn
Dec 22 - Jan 19
It looks like a busy week, but it could become even busier once Mercury jogs into your sector of career and responsibility. With a very positive focus at the top of your chart, you may be geared up to accomplish a goal or make a career move. To do so you'll need to be cooperative, diplomatic, and charming. If you seem too self-serving, you could close the door on an opportunity that might be very good for you.
Aquarius
Jan 20 - Feb 18
The focus on far horizons could see you making travel plans and considering study options. And the more willing you are to move out of your comfort zone, the more exciting the doors that open up can be. Regarding a career move, it might be wise to trust your instincts. The job might sound perfect, but if you suspect that it isn't, investigate further. It's also possible that a pattern of belief may be holding you back from trying something new.
Pisces
Feb 19 - Mar 20
New possibilities are opening up for you, but you need to decide whether you're ready to embrace them or not. There could be some doubt in your mind concerning your ability to tackle something that you've never tried before. It all comes down to confidence. If Jupiter in your sector of change suggests anything at all, it's that you have more than enough chutzpah to engage in activities that are pleasantly challenging. Soon you'll hit your stride!
October 06, 2016
By Brian W. Carter
Contributing Writer
The StarQuest finalists have been chosen and they are set to perform at the 11th annual Taste of Soul Family Festival (TOS) on Oct. 15. StarQuest is the community’s premier talent competition that gives a platform to local talent. The competition will take place on the StarQuest Stage located at where only two winners will be chosen from the adult and kids competition respectively.
The StarQuest adult finalists are: Kwame Alexander, Jeriell Laconn Anderson, Vincent Berry II, Darien Fisher, H'Atina Gilliard, Doc Martin, Naorai Michele, Dennis Lorenzo Parker and Skyler Reed. The StarQuest kids finalists include: Jhala Angelique, Lilly Angelique, Chelsea Chism, Kennedy Chism, Sanaa Gray, Chastity LeSueur, Davon Smith-Murphy, Chloe Roston and Kai Wilson.
This year, TOS put StarQuest in the hands of the people via online submissions with two winners being selected based on public votes. Minerva Larry aka DUTCHess and Ryenn Hubbard were chosen as the online winners. Hubbard swept the StarQuest Kids web auditions with over 300 votes and DUTCHess racked in 350 votes in the StarQuest Adult web auditions. Both will perform with the other finalists chosen from the in-person auditions held at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza on Sept. 24.
Starquest allows so many people who have finally gotten the courage to get on stage to let their voice be heard,” said Starquest producer Pat Shields.
StarQuest contestants will get the chance at TOS to perform in front of a distinctive panel of judges, many of whom are award-winning artists, record executives, managers, publicists. The winners will join the ranks of past StarQuest winners: Beau Williams and Adrian Battle (2012), Nathan Davis, Jr. and Noah Jay (2013), Mothership and Tim Jr. (2014). In 2015, Tia P. and Terrence Smith were the StarQuest winners.
On October 15, from 10am-2pm, the contestants will perform on the Starquest Stage sponsored by HepCHope. The kids competition winner will perform on the KJLH stage and the adult winner will perform on The Wave stage. From 2pm-6pm, the Starquest stage will turn into the ‘Emerging Artists Showcase’ with local talent will perform as well as a live performance from a band.
Congratulations to all the contestants and good luck!
September 29, 2016
LAWT News Service
Multifaceted R&B-Pop musician Kashif passed away from undetermined causes in his Playa del Rey, California home on Sunday, September 25. He was 59 years of age.
Family members Mike and Pam Stitt state, “We are saddened by the passing of our brother. We ask for your thoughts and prayers to be with us at this time.”
Kashif Saleem sprang to success in the early 80s as a pioneer of a fresh new stripped down sound of R&B production centered around exquisitely and spaciously dispatched synthesizers and drum machine patterns. This sound produced mega club/radio hits for himself and others before he landed his greatest success at the helm of Whitney Houston’s breakthrough classic, “You Give Good Love.” Kashif parlayed his windfall of success into a career second half spent largely as an author, educator, mentor and documentary filmmaker. He wrote the book“ Everything You’d Better Know About The Record Business” (a more artist driven matter of fact spin on a more technical existing industry bible), and founded Kashif University at Morningside High School in Inglewood as an integrated education and arts program. And he was in the process of working on an epic ten-part documentary “The History of R&B Music and Its Influence On World Culture” at the time of his sudden passing. Kashif had conducted over 200 interviews on four continents and in 18 cities. It was to be the ultimate evidence of Kashif’s continued and passionate commitment to African American culture, history and the education of young people in the arts coming behind him.
As a product of the foster care system, Kashif’s steadfast passions were having close friendships and a loving family environment for himself as well as creating such situations for others. Kashif founded the Team iCare Foundation to improve the quality of life for children in the foster care system through educational programs, enrichment activities and mentoring. On July 26, 2008, his foundation held a 5K Walk/Run event that resulted in 247 individuals signing up to become foster parents. Blessed with a boisterous personality and an infectious sense of humor, Kashif Saleem had a heart of gold.
Born Michael Jones in Harlem, New York, December 26, 1956, he grew up in various Brooklyn foster care homes. Music would be his salvation from abusive treatment suffered there, starting with self-teaching himself a $3 song flute in elementary school. Attention and nurturing from his junior high school music instructor Robert Wedlaw found him laser focused on mastering many musical instruments, primarily keyboards. As a teenaged protégé, he became a member of the Disco/Funk band BT Express, arriving as a teenager on the road with them before notching electric piano/Moog synthesizer/organ/clavinet and sole songwriting credit for the song “Time Tunnel” on the band’s third LP, Energy to Burn (Columbia – 1976). He wrote “Sunshine” on Function at the Junction (1977) and contributed keyboards on Shout (1978) before striking out on his own. His first gig was working as keyboardist with Stephanie Mills which led to studio work with the likes of Nona Hendryx, Gloria Gaynor, Pleasure, Change, Fonzi Thornton, Tavares and the Four Tops. Studying Islam, Michael took the name Kashif which means “discoverer” or “explorer.”
The early to late `80s proved particularly incomparable years for Kashif. Overall, he racked up 17 R&B charting singles in Billboard magazine between 1983 and 1990, five of them Top10 hits, including “Baby Don’t Break Your Baby’s Heart,” “I Just Got To have You (Love r Turn Me On),” “Personality” and a duet with Melba Moore entitled “Love The One I’m With (Love Turn Me On).” His highest charter was “Love Changes,” a remake of a 1978 hit penned by Skip Scarborough for interracial Rock band Mother’s Finest that Kashifrearranged as a duet with Meli’sa Morgan which soared all the way to #2 in 1987. For his efforts, Kashif received six Grammy nominations, the majority in the R&B Instrumental category and the best known being “Edgartown Groove” featuring largely wordless vocals by jazz great Al Jarreau.
Kashif’s greatest successes were by far as a producer/songwriter for others, beginning with Evelyn “Champagne” King whose disco career he resuscitated with the cutting edge 1981 funk-pop hit “I’m In Love” followed by “Love Come Down” and “Betcha She Don’t Love You” from her runaway smash 1982 LP, Get Loose. That same year he also nailed the biggest hit of singer Howard Johnson’s career with the club fire-starter “So Fine,” contributed to the album Feelin’ Lucky by the trio High Fashion (forging his relationship with group member Meli’sa Morgan), and composed and produced “Inside Love (So Personal)” for a man he considered an idol, George Benson.
Snatched up by Clive Davis at Arista Records, Kashif was instrumental in spinning a little known saxophonist named Kenny Gorelick (Kenny G) out of jazz group The Jeff Lorber Fusion into R&B-Jazz crossover solo success with the album, G Force. He also wrote the lead single “Easier Said Than Done” for the original lineup of Average White Band’s final LP, Cupid’s in Fashion. But it was his production of the song “You Give Good Love” for Davis’ priority artist Whitney Houston that launched the superstar into orbit with a self-titled album that sold over 17 million copies worldwide. Though the song was written by a young up and comer named LaLa, it was Kashif’s biggest success as producer. Kashif also wrote and sang a duet with Houston on that album titled “Thinking About You.” This renown led to a duet with legendary Arista label mate Dionne Warwick entitled “Reservations for Two” and, later, an album cut co-write with the great Barry White titled “I Get Off On You” from the legend’s final 1999 CD, Staying Power.
In 2004, super producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis helmed Janet Jackson’s hit “R&B Junkie” which was liberally built from a sample of Evelyn “Champagne” King’s Kashif-penned hit, “I’m In Love.” That same year, Kashif was inducted into the R&B Hall of Fame as a Living Legend. In 2015, TV-One’s award-winning music documentary series “Unsung” devoted an episode to his career.
Kashif dreamed big, working tirelessly and selflessly to bring those goals to life. He packed an incomparable and daunting amount of achievement into his time on this planet. He will be deeply missed yet rests mightily in the seeds of inspiration he placed within the hearts of so many, be they peers or students.
Memorial Services for Kashif have yet to be determined.