Amistad Arts Collective

"Never Lie" By Samantha Skillings

"Never Lie"
By Samantha Skillings

No, the eyes never lie.
They just weep and cry.
They see too deep inside
How do I sleep at night
...with this on my mind?

Even if you looked at me
You cannot see my dreams.
You see only how I seem.
Ignore my flesh and blood
That'll just mess you up.
You must look in between
And pull apart my seams
To not only hear my unseen
soul's laughter and screams
But to feel what each means.
That's being human beings.
It's more than just genes.
My soul can't be disguised
So look into my eyes
And through my eyes.
You won't see any of the lies
That each of us hides behind.
I know it is a scary thought
Letting down guards that
we've only barely got.
But if we can't even act
human then we're clearly not.
We know to trust no one,
that shows it must go on.
Hate's been immortalized.
Love's been immoralized.
So it is no surprise
Ignorance is on the rise.
And no one hears when I try
to give a word to the wise.
There is no hope in your lies
It's dismal unless you open your eyes.

I feel a cold gaze.
It's just another
One of those days.
I'm just another
One of those ofays.
Look at me and see
A legacy of snakes.
See those who sold slaves
And died of old age.
See conquerors who take
Through murders and rapes.
Why wouldn't you be fearing me
If my people sneeringly
Brought yours only tyranny?
I want it all to erase
But these mistakes
Are impossible to shake.
You cannot escape
The stereotypes in your face
Even with rights for your race.
I look in the mirror
And hope it breaks.
Why? Because I
know what flows through
every one of my veins:
It's nothing but blood stains.
And for all this pain
It's myself I blame.
I've got no pride
Only racial shame.
And so my soul's cries
And shouts pour out through my eyes.

If we stand together
We cannot fall.
We can never fail.
Maybe one here and there
But never us all.
And never our soul:
That's what unites us.
That's what ignites us.
That's how we always knew
What wrong and right was.
Love goes on despite us
Because it's righteous.
And that's why they fight us.
They can't see
through their own lies
Because they cannot open their eyes.

AAC member artist," What they are doing"

To support AAC member artist is to support AAC. All of these artist give back through various means. There is an opportunity to bring Ummi and M1/ Stick (Dead Presidents) to Maine, CT., and Boston. Ummi's new album is releasing on 11-11-08. Any suggestions or connections to bring them to Boston or Maine. We have N.Y.C and CT. covered.

This is how AAC artist step up to help out the cause. Please help in finding a place to do a show in your town.

"DON'T THINK ITS GOING TO CHANGE WITH A NEW PRESIDENT,

THE REAL POWER IS IN THE PEOPLE NOT THE GOVERNMENT"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSfnEmOhOy8


SUPPORT UMI AND THE OTHER SIDE OF HISTORY!!!!

IN STORES WORLD WIDE ON NOV. 11TH!!!!!

AAC's Student Team building sail aboard the wooden schooner La Amistad. Apart of AAC's Student Youth Summit. Aug. 18, 2008.

Houseboat performance at AAC's,"Freedom Through Expression" festival. Aug 16-17, 2008. At the Maine State Pier, Portland, ME

AAC Fundraising

AAC is kicking off it's first ever all out fundraising drive. AAC has a goal of $10,000 dollars which it is trying to raise to continue in our efforts of fundamental grassroots programing. Amistad Arts Collective, Inc is a pending 501c3 organization which has made accessible alternative programming and community events focused on Diversity, Literacy, and Social education through the use of art, music and literature. AAC has a youth out reach program that is specifically geared to reach out to the students of families of the urban poor population of the cities we serve. There has been a major focus in the Congress St./ Parkside, West End, Kennedy Park and Riverton communities. This summer AAC along with Amistad America brought the historic floating museum, "La Amistad", to the port of Portland, Me. This event was apart of a week long series of events and workshops that celebrated Portland's diversity and community spirit with a weekend free concert of more than 20 local bands that played out on the Maine State Pier. Tours and public sails of the wooden tall ship La Amistad, and a youth summit which had Mayor Ed Suslavic come down and meet with the youth for two hours about a community issue which he had to address late in the week with the City Council members. AAC has also ran a Literacy and Social Diversity programs for student labeled,"At Risk" with the REAL school system as well as poetry programs and performances with Westbrook Middle school, the entire Vinal Haven school district, and many other municipalities in the State of Maine for the 2007-08 academic year. We are looking to continue funding these proven to be worthy programs as well as to continue with the diverse cultural artistic, musical entertainment that AAC has been known to provide with performances that included the Latin sounds of Combo Sabroso, Hip-Hop from N.Y. with Flava Link, and Crunk Dance workshops out of Boston. Please click on our website to make a secured tax deductible donation through paypal or please send a check to: Amistad Arts Collective, Inc P.O. Box 15158 Portland, Maine 04112 We thank you for you support and hope to be able to continue to serve the communities in which we live!!

Black Panther elders visit WMPG's Freedom Through Expression

Black Panther elders visit WMPG's Freedom Through Expression from CTD3 on Vimeo.

Think MTV in Portland Maine

PEACE

PEACE
How was your weekend? Spent all day with my son. Finally, his time. We went out to eat; along with a brother that works with him from the Portland Rec., "Aftercare Program", and his sitter.  It feels as if they have been spending more time with him that I have over the last two weeks.  In the words of Ice Cube, "Today was a Good Day".  My mind is already back on business though why I can't sleep. It feels like I am being sabotaged and scrutinized by, "White America".  I sometimes wonder if moving here to Maine was the best thing for my son and I.  The politics and policies of, "RACE" is so alive in this state.  It makes me question my judgement and wonder when I meet someone who I believe is good, honest and has a pure sense of inquiry. My heart will be heavy this week because of a legal battle I must enter because of these forces but I guess the struggle continues. The subject of, "Racial Prejudice", should be one of your topics. I would love to hear the overall opinions verbalized throughout the morning. Your show reaches the Mid-Coast / Southern, Maine psyche. (Humm "Southern")  Well, I am going to listen to Nina Simone and get focused. Maybe the politics of segregation is the only way. Separate But Never Equal. Stick to your own kind. This is a struggle that would have been over if humanity was the real consciousness of this nation. The very phrase of, "We have to practice tolerance", is a condescending one. It eludes to the fact that someone is less than and the superior person must be patient with them. Economic oppression is the aspect of this fight that is never voiced but the number one tool of racial parlor tricks. It seems as if a person of color has to be totally represented even legally by color otherwise the art of deception will be practiced. I feel as if I must become an attorney, a Phd. of varied disciplines and a medical specialist if I am to have any chance at overcoming or staying relevant in this fight. Grassroot activism is not a true fight for color because we must pimp out ourselves for, White is Right", social policies which is the mindstate that one needs these degrees to become relevant. Truthfully it is just the bigoted practice of colonizing color through commerical economics which is nothing other than a disguise for a new age of slavery. Oppressive social policy is the REAL ID that NO ONE is addressing!!!!
MY LIFE, THIS FIGHT, is STILL IN THE NIGHT. When will all US FOLK see DAYLIGHT!! or is it just THEY RIGHTS. Hypocrisy disguised as democracy, mocking Me mockery

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This is the response to the letter that I wrote to a friend. The Response is in RED
With Friends like this I believe there is hope and meaning to the struggle. So my struggle continues in the Whitest State in the Nation whose State Motto is, "The Way Life Should Be."  .7 percent of the population of Maine is Black yet over 30 percent of the prison population is Black. One of the most accepted phases or statement from a Mainer is, "You're from away."  This is the number one reason they give for not engaging with a person of color. It is time that a light be shined on the overt racial disparity in the social communities and political policies of the State of Maine.
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PEACE
How was your weekend? My weekend was restful and uneventful.  Spent all day with my son. Finally, his time. We went out to eat; along with a brother that works with him from the Portland Rec., "Aftercare Program", and his sitter.  It feels as if they have been spending more time with him that I have over the last two weeks.  I am sure that you're thankful for such caring people to look after him when you're not around.  It makes all the difference in our ability to perform @ work and attend to things outside the home, when we know our children are safe and happy.   the words of Ice Cube, "Today was a Good Day".  My mind is already back on business though why I can't sleep. It feels like I am being sabotaged and scrutinized by, "White America".  I sometimes wonder if moving here to Maine was the best thing for my son and I.  The politics and policies of, "RACE" is so alive in this state.  It makes me question my judgment and wonder when I meet someone who I believe is good, honest and has a pure sense of inquiry. Hashim, I am shocked to read these words...  The impression you give of your life, and all that you stand for is one of tolerance, acceptance and patience.  This is the nuts and bolts of what you do and why you do it!  Isn't it a passion for you to teach tolerance and equality?  I am just getting to know you, but I never would have guessed that YOU (of all the people I've met in my short 36 years on this planet) would ever allow yourself to be controlled by the words of others, or at the very least, let others make decisions for you in how you regard people. My heart will be heavy this week because of a legal battle I must enter because of these forces but I guess the struggle continues. I am sorry to hear this, I hope things go well for you. I shall say a prayer and keep optimistic thoughts open and headed in your direction all week.  The subject of, "Racial Prejudice", should be one of your topics. I would love to hear the overall opinions verbalized throughout the morning. Your show reaches the Mid-Coast / Southern, Maine psyche. (Humm "Southern") As much as we'd like to crack open the mic and let hell loose, we are governed as to show content.  We have a specific audience, and we are to keep within the confines of the listening audience. As you know, that's how it is when you work for 'The Man'. If it were a community show such as yours that would be a different story.  Well, I am going to listen to Nina Simone and get focused. Maybe the politics of segregation is the only way. I don't believe that for a minute and neither do you. Separate But Never Equal. Again, I don't believe what I am reading. Stick to your own kind. This is a hurtful statement, no matter how you look at it or who you are... This is a struggle that would have been over if humanity was the real consciousness of this nation. Unfortunate, but true. The very phrase of, "We have to practice tolerance", is a condescending one. It eludes to the fact that someone is less than and the superior person must be patient with them. Economic oppression is the aspect of this fight that is never voiced but the number one tool of racial parlor tricks. It seems as if a person of color has to be totally represented even legally by color otherwise the art of deception will be practiced. I feel as if I must become an attorney, a Phd. of varied disciplines and a medical specialist if I am to have any chance at overcoming or staying relevant in this fight. I am saddened by this, truly.  It is shameful that someone as intelligent as yourself, can't see the good you're doing, because you're feeling overshadowed in this moment.  Why must you feel that someone can dictate to you what you stand for, or that you must have a million college degrees to back your sustenance or cause?  Grassroot activism is not a true fight for color because we must pimp out ourselves for, White is Right", social policies which is the mindstate that one needs these degrees to become relevant. Fuck that! Those so called ' social policies' are handed to us by hypocritical individuals and politicians who wouldn't know truth if it smacked them right dead on in the soup coolers.  It makes me sick that a Judge can sit on a bench and pass out rulings to 'defendants' regarding their behaviors and actions - then 5 hours later, be caught in a hotel room doing drugs and having sex with girls young enough to be my fucking daughter!  Truthfully it is just the bigoted practice of colonizing color through commerical economics which is nothing other than a disguise for a new age of slavery. Oppressive social policy is the REAL ID that NO ONE is addressing!!!!

MY LIFE, THIS FIGHT, is STILL IN THE NIGHT. When will all "US FOLK" ??? Why categorize yourself that way?  You're falling into the trap that the hypocrites have set out for you! Some days, I see such power and resistance from our diverse community, and other days that the oppression is evident in the spirits I see walking all around me.  see DAYLIGHT!! or is it just THEY RIGHTS. Hypocrisy disguised as democracy, mocking Me mockery Hashim, you have a beautiful spirit - don't let the ignorance of the community, state, nation or world put such a damper on you.  Do your best every day, and fuck everyone else.  You have peace in your soul and heart.

I just read an article about Ruby Dee in Interview magazine.  She mentioned the friendships that she and her late husband (Ossie Davis) had with Malcom X and Spike Lee; and how they were early supporters of Dr. King.  She also discussed how her mother raised her to be an 'agent of change' stating that her mother placed high values on education and discipline. Interesting article.  I'd never heard of her before this morning.  Here is a quote where she discusses why she thinks racism is beyond race "in too much of the world the thieves are in the saddle calling the shots and no matter what country you live in, you're going to recognize your own kind.  When they first started talking about globalization, my husband said 'there goes democracy". I remember when the slogan was 'workers of the world unite', but you can bet that workers are not united now!  My husband Ossie understood that the only unity that was going to be allowed was the unity of worldwide capital."

The struggle continues.  It will always continue to some extent. Hashim, don't give up on what you're doing.  Many people depend on you for guidance and see you as the fuel of their dreams and the vehicle of their aspirations.  You are a formidable opponent - don't fret.  After some sleep and a strong coffee, I hope your spirits are renewed and you can once again 'resume the fight'.  Don't become complacent or lackadaisical with your purpose.

If a genie popped out of a bottle for me today and granted me 3 wishes, one of them would be for worldwide 'color'-blindness.

I hope that by your comment "Separate But Never Equal.  Stick to your own kind" wasn't meant to indicate that I am no longer welcome to share your company.  You said the other day, that you would be considered a 'sell out' if you were to keep company with a white woman.  That is terribly dispiriting.

Keep your chin up, I am sending good vibes in your direction.

H

Maine's Hottest MC & Hip-Hop DJ Battle

May 19th

Cake Restaurant, 50 Wharf Street, Portland

Doors open 8pm, Registration 9pm

SHOW BEGINS AT 10pm

For Competition Rules go here.

AAC Kicks off Youth Summit Program

Amistad Arts Collective, Inc, a national non profit organization that last October officially open a chapter in Portland, Maine; Launched its Youth Summit Program last Tuesday, with a joint venture between the MCLU, Amistad America and Amistad Arts Collective, Inc. The mission was to bring a group of local Maine youth to N.Y. City to participate in the, “United Nations Observance In Remembrance Of Slavery Victims”, program. The program which was held on Friday, March 28th, was apart of a week long series of events that kicked off with the opening of the exhibit, “The Middle Passage: White Ships / Black Cargo”. The Amistad Arts Collective delegation of 8 student youth from Bath, Brunswick, Portland, and made up of area high school and University of Southern Maine students accompanied by their Chaperone's, (Brianna Twofoot-MCLU and Hashim A’Allah- AAC) were the first, officially invited, Youth delegates to view the collective exhibit of art work and photos of the Schooner Amistad America’s first Transatlantic sail.

Ms. Brianna Twofoot of the MCLU staff arranged a visit to the ACLU’s home office where the student delegates were greeted by a staff of five paralegals and attorneys that work in the Center for Racial Equality and Justice. The ACLU staff took an hour out of their busy schedule to provide lunch, dialogue and answer questions about U.S. constitutional rights. They ended the visit by providing every student delegate with an ACLU Tee-shirt and a package of civil rights awareness info that included dvds, stickers and a racial profiling survival kit. Social, Civic responsibility and instilling the value of grass roots activism gets no better than this. We at Amistad Arts Collective, Inc thank the staff of the MCLU for providing such an experience for the student delegates.

A day of touring impoverished urban neighborhoods interacting and speaking with adults and youth who inhabit the challenging environments of CT. and N.Y.City, a tour of Yale University’s main campus and the offices of Amistad America provided some background of the Amistad Arts Collective, Inc and what inspired the creation of the National Non Profit organization whose motto is, “Freedom of Expression”.  Thursday concluded with the students hanging out at “Horizon Music Studio” and meeting the Queensbridge recording artist, “AZ”, and getting free cds from “Red Coat Records” and discounts on their clothing purchases from “Jimmy’s Hip-Hop Fashions.”

The fact filled trip of discovery concluded with a train ride on Metro North and participation in the Multi National Student Video Conference at the United Nations. Student delegates from classrooms in Sierra Leone, Norway, Saint Lucia, Canada, Cape Verde, and the United Kingdom joined students from Maine, CT, and NY. A simulcast teleconference of open, honest dialogue about how they can make the world a better more inclusive world society of tolerance; Students at the U.N. were able to speak directly with the students participating from the named nations while being able to see them respond to their questions and were asked questions from those students of the other nations. The students from the AAC youth delegation were able to see how students dressed and got a chance to see the inside of classrooms in the nations that participated as well as meet their teachers. The students participated in a photo session with Captain William Pinckney, The first African American to sail solo around the world, and with U.N. officials as well as Amistad America Board of Directors and administrative staff. 

The students that participated in the AAC, U.N. event will have the chance to sail aboard the schooner Amistad America and sail with her into the Port of Portland when she arrives for her visit in August. Amistad America will visit the port of Portland, Maine from the 17th to the 24 of August and the Amistad Arts Collective, Inc. Maine youth summit will be held with the multinational youth from the Sankofa program that sail aboard the vessel to discuss how tomorrows future leaders of Maine can evolve our state’s society and communities into one of tolerance and inclusion of the new cultures that are, “From Away”, that live within this great toss salad called, “America”.  More about the teleconference and summit can be found at: Unesco, “Breaking the Silence: The Transatlantic Slave Trade Education Project (TST) ."