That time of year … the big holiday push! This week it’s “turkey time,” “stuffin’” and some football, or maybe just “family time.” Whichever it may be … the best from The Weekly Volcano and Live From I-5. Let us also remember as we say thank you (too bad many of us don’t adopt this gesture daily throughout the year) that Thanksgiving is also not the most celebratory occasion for the victims of Thanksgiving … our mighty nations and tribes of the Native people of the Americas. Thank you to the ancestors and survivors of authentic American terrorism. … Thank you for keeping the spirit of “life” alive! In a real way …



Also, in the midst of criticism about hip-hop and our young people being “pests,” “underachievers” and “nuisances” in our communities — I must extend a real hip-hop and community-based thank you to instructors like Amy Lavold at Tacoma’s Lincoln High School. Last week Lavold, along with other Tacoma school district faculty/staff and community members spent their Saturday conferencing with some of our youth. The conference was meant to redirect youth who are making decisions that do not reflect their brilliance and ability, and Lavold and her teammates are some of those rare teachers who do not see this kind of behavior as acceptable, permissible or excusable … so she, some of her peers and her fellow community members spent Saturday with some youth and discussed these concerns as well as potential solutions and alternatives. DOPE! This is what is needed … some extra effort! Lavold should also be recognized as one of the faculty leaders who advised and oversaw a Northwest Urban Debate League team at Lincoln. The team traveled to the Bay Area in California and Chicago, competing amongst national talent, including some of the elite private schools from around our country.



Speaking of cats tapping the talent of our youth with education-based programs that infuse hip-hop and empowerment … Todd Denny of The Gear Up with Music Program in Olympia is hosting a self-esteem building music camp from December 8-13 in Tumwater. The program is so dope that the attorney general, several school districts and the youth have endorsed its efficacy.



Dig it … for five days, Denny and his artists-in-residence (including professional writers, lyricists and producers) mentor students to explore their voices and encourage them to write and journal about their thoughts of anti-drug, anti-violence and anti-substance abuse. The program has worked at Native American reservations already, and at the tail end of the camp the youth are presented with the opportunity to record their songs to music and present the music live. Big shot to Todd Denny for creating this opportunity for young people … many of the youth remark that they never knew that they had a voice or the ability to express themselves creatively.



These two stories are amazing and necessary — so I had to give thanks, because for as many people that can talk it, but don’t walk it, here are two who can do both and do it on behalf of future generations. BIG SHOTS!



Now dippin’ a bit outside of the mighty 25360, we welcome a dope MC from Washington, DC to the Puget Sound tonight … Tabi Bonney. If you get a chance visit this fly, unique and intelligent brother at The Columbia City Theatre in South Seattle tonight. Bonney’s sleek and original style, coupled with his consciousness and intelligence, make for curious show. Originally from Lome, Togo in West Africa, he truly “kicks science” as he attended Florida A&M where he earned his Masters of Biology and Secondary Education and an undergrad degree in Biology/Pre-Med. He is outspoken against the gentrification of Washington, DC … Hilltop and Central District residents should be able to relate to this angle. Represent!



Happy Holidays and be safe … They shootin’ out there!



Peace & Love

 

Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. is an editor, writer and producer. A graduate of Washington State University and student at The Evergreen State College, he writes and edits the Pacific Northwest section of OZONE Magazine and hosts and produces Live From I-5 Radio (since ‘89) every Friday at 3 p.m. on KAOS 89.3 FM (www.kaosradio.org) in Olympia.