Public work of art.

My public work of art is Grace Episcopal Church in Jamaica Queens. This church dates back from 1702 however; the present building was established in 1862.

I believe it is an art work because it was added to the American national register of historical places in 1983.The buildings architecture exterior displays an early English Gothic design with a tall spire. While the interior models a roman empire like design. The floor has Italian marble; the windows are stained with biblical images and English oak borders. The whole interior of Grace boasts beautiful, elegant and graceful patterns. The reading desk is an immaculately sculptured eagle, while the Lord’s Prayer and Ten Commandments is prominently displayed in the rear of the chancel. One of the main attractions is the sound and sight of a strikingly ancient organ, the sound is simply majestic.   There is also a bell that weighs a whopping 400lbs. On several stones or blocks are inscribed names of former members that date back to the eighteen century; outside in the yard you’ll find the same thing. The graveyard is also an historical site, with a grand land space for cemetery. At the entrance of the church there are two gigantic locust trees on both sides of the pathway leading to the entrance of the church.

Grace Anglican church is located in a predominant black community.  It is admired not only by members but also by people who pass by.It is located in the smack in the middle of what I consider to be a commercial area across the street from the Jamaica Queen branch of the social security office. The area consists of stores, restaurants, farmers market, apartments ,the former Mary Immaculate hospital which was recently closed,and the Jamaica center subway that connects you to the city and beyond. The church is pretty hard to miss given that it is also by designated bus stop for several MTA buses. It is also located near a public park, Rufus King. Rufus King was also a significant figure of Grace church in the eighteen century. King’s family gave bountiful contributions to the expansion, development and maintenance of Grace Episcopal Church.

The church serves as a haven, shelter, home, place for hot meal on Tuesday’s soup kitchen and most importantly a place of worship for mainly immigrants. This immigrant community hails from mainly the Caribbean. It is quiet fascinating the diversity and integration that the church provides. It is vastly appreciated and quiet welcoming. There are several programs and organizations offered in the church that is freely offered to the public such as, meals, counseling for alcoholics, drug addicts, family issues, immigration issues, prayer etc. There are two services offered on Sundays so as to accommodate all or most. It also offers scholarships and aid to students at secondary and tertiary levels. Due to its contribution and relationship to with the community it garners dedication and appeal. With an undocumented motto all are welcome, or ‘whose to ever will may come.’

I would consider Grace Episcopal Church to be included in the NYC 2010 exhibition because, it is very rich in history, it boast architectural beauty, and is definitely a testimonial  of public art.                

BLOG # 6

For my art work the song I chose was Buffalo soldier by the Rt. Honorable Nesta Marley, known to most as Bob Marley, after careful analysis I decided to change the song to WAR/NO MORE TROUBLE. I think I connect with this one more all his songs are profound however; I find this one to be a little more comprehensive. It not only relates a message but it informs and educates on a political social and academic level. In other words it really ROCKS!

The song was inspired by a Haile Selassie, held at the Inauguration of OAU an organization of Africa unity. The song calls for eradication of racial and class discrimination as it relates to color of one eyes and skin. He said “until the philosophy which holds one race inferior against another, when there are no longer first class and second class citizens in any nation when there will always be conflict, until there are equal rights, peace and international morality then there will always be war.”    It is a very powerful song that protests and challenges.

I visited a website ProQuest  in order to attain international information on Bob Marley. ProQuest is a licensed information service that contains a wealth of information. To attain the formation free of cost you will have to access it via LaGuardia, otherwise you will have to pay. I was pleased with the information I got I definitely find it helpful for my paper and future papers. I also visited a website in his country (my country too) Jamaica. It’s the Jamaica Information Service, JIS. I am also planning to garner information from his museum in Kingston Jamaica, news papers where is political influence was of significance and documented in Jamaica and world wide.

The song is widely received throughout the world it was I would consider acclaimed. Bob Marley died 1981 and to date he and his songs are pedestal zed or held in high regards. One of his songs ONE LOVE even got international recognition as song of the century. Bob Marley to date has being emulated by numerous artist including his sons that are also international reggae singers.

Blog # 5

Internalized racism I do believe that it exist but by virtue of self pity, assimilation or ignorance. I respect Malcolm X for some of his ideology but not all. In my opinion he to some extent provided black people with a crouch at it relates to their capabilities, future and responsibilities. One of the shift in consciousness that Malcolm wanted to create was to label blacks tell them what they are worth capable of or how far they can go in other words he set barriers. For example he thought black people cannot be good lawyers this was pretty much the same concept Booker T Washington had. He believed that blacks should focus in vocational areas; personally I resent both notions that is very much what contributed to internalized racism. We tend to always point the finger at others. One would say that it is the natural order of things, that white America dominates and it is pretty challenging to proceed against the rules and structure. The powers and change you are fighting would be met with much resistance. The ruling class or “race “would rebel in order to maintain dominance. Malcolm perceived this as African Americans absorbing the ideology of white supremacy. There are ways for blacks to get pass the teachings of Malcolm X which limits their potential and advancement in society.  Take for example W.E.B Du Bois, he was a progressive reformer, radical, activist, author and civil right leader. He was the first black to receive a PHD from Harvard University in sociology. He is known for his talented speeches which educate blacks. He believed that educating blacks would filter down to other generation he also believe that blacks should be professionals such as: doctors, lawyers which is in direct opposition to Malcolm X’s perspectives.

I do believe that inequality exist, however, there are a lot of opportunities and tools available to fight racism, discrimination, and oppression. We need to take control take responsibility and have a “double consciences” which is seeing things from both black and white races.

Blog #4

For my paper I will be doing a song.It will be by the lengendary Bob Marley titled "BUFFALO SOLDIER."
The protest is on social and political enslavement,racial and class discrimination,also about the migration and voyage of blacks as slaves to America.

Bob Dylan's "Only a pawn in their game" Blog #3

This is definitely the definition of political art. It is conveying a message while at the same time educating and informing the masses. He is sharing a views or observation of the structure of classes, the corruption, and racial injustice. He highlights the power of the social class, racism and cultural struggle.  He wanted people to be aware but not conform to the ideology of the dominant or ruling class. He wanted his audience to see the practice of advance capitalism and the overwhelming role it was currently playing. He wanted his audience to see exploitation of not only the blacks but also the whites. The ruling class was using the dependency theory and brain washed the whites into accepting it, by selling them the physiological notion that the color of their white skin is good enough they should be grateful that they are white and superior to the blacks. That in itself should be good enough rather than being concern about increase in wages, promotion or a better lifestyle.

He was also trying to convince the blacks that it is not totally the fault are the responsibility of the shooter. It is based on a chain structure, a system of the rulers and the ruled. It is what is being taught in order to maintain domination privilege and power. While doing this they unknowingly give consent. He wants to blame society as the force for segregation, abuse and racism. Bob is not in my opinion excusing the actions of the whites however, he want everyone both blacks and whites that they are only a pawn in a game for the combative fight of class, capital and labor. Bob’s audience is absolutely everyone; it’s not designated to a specific color or class. He wants the rulers to know that he’s aware the whole ploy and for the other to be aware and be emancipated.

Yes he does make a convincing argument, in my opinion factual and right on point too. It also ignite a lot of emotions not just sadness and pain but anger. He is suggesting a movement, he wants reform and change.I don’t think Bob Dylan’s song is meant to entertain, it is simplistic like a poem, a challenge to listen without melody so that there can be focus on the message the words.

Blog #2 Reed, why music was so important in the civil rights movement?

Reed argument about why music was so imporant in the civil rights movement is based on facts, experience outcome and feedback.Music in the civil rights era was used as a cushion,comfort ,tool,communication,means of informing and entertainment.For Reed in singing ,fear is both indirectly acknowledge and directly challenged.One of these situations and song is on of the one too many occasions  when a group of high school students were gsathered,the police charged in and forced the activist to sit in the dark while they harass them.Amid the terrified scene a girl began to sing to sing 'we shall over come," to thisday the song is a movement anthem.It is always an anthem at funerals .Singing away a bit of fear they asserts the strenght and vigour it takes to prepare to fight and die for freedom justise or whatever the cause. The power ,influence and admiration  of we shall overcome transcends to all over the world and is adapted by different cultures such as the Chinese and Germans on ground breaking situations of significance.The song however, will always be home to and the center of the movement for black freedom and justice in the U.S.
Music is a grassroot hallmark of blacks it was and still is a conduit to convey messages.It was the tone and instrument for love and unity.It was a prized possesion.Music was the signature of civil rights issues some songs became anthems,for example "lift every voice and sing" also "we shall overcome" it helps to overcome the obtacles of of freedom.There were even concerts singing of course where proceeds were donated to civil rights issues.There were different styles and genre of music such as black baptist,gospel,folk with secular blues styles.Blacks who sang then knew that it helps to make them strong .Its effectiveness certainly helped significantly it was the conduit to effectuate change.It served as a good primer for their painful ,dertermin but necessary journey.
There was a so much message in the music,it was liberation,protest,refusal to bow,unity, adversity and determination.Music was used to advance the cause of civil rights, it was the mainstream of the movement,struggle against odds.it was meditation dream and memories.
Music is a product of an existing environment,the role of music today needs to be examin,does it even have a role?Are we influence by the music today? Yes we are but how? Thats certainly another paper or topic I could go on forever because it it not the same its abuse and taken for granted,poisons society contribution factor being the "freedom of speech" the freedom then and the freedom now it very much debatable.

The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain

This article covers  aspects of sociological and pyscological functions and structures of society."I want to be a poet not a Negro poet" There can be several connotations that can be percieved from this however this is my take on it.First it reminds me of someone I greatly admire,Condoleeza Rice former secretary of state second woman to hold the post and the first black woman to do so.She is a woman given her political arena never wanted to be identified with 'black issues" its not because she is ashamed of her race she just wanted to be seen as an educated intellect who is capable of fulfilling her desires and responsibilities.She said "I became a republican because Democrats appeals to  women,poor and minorities,I decided I rather be ignored than be patronized."This reminds me of the author .I don't and fail to understand why is it that if you choose Episcopalism over being A baptist you are accused of wanting to be white if you choose to love hynms over soars of shout you are resenting your true sprituality.People need to understand that these things are sometimes due to assimilation, I myself have experimented with the church thing.I was brought up in what we call back home a Anglican church, I at one time visted other churches and I hated it.I just could'nt stand the choas, the noise, the outragous physical display of their bodies, I just could'nt not connect with the memebers or with God in that setting.Am I a "sell out" or resisting who i truly am hell no,its just simply not my nature to acccept or part take.They also spoke of the accomplishemnt of black folks wanting or having cars and homes" like white folks" how is that white? Is sucess measured by the possions or acomplishments of white people? When you attain things in life what should black people do go get a cart because cars are the protrayal of white sucess.And what is Nordic Manners does vulgarity suit us better is that what is expected of us?Now choice of words, now waht makes a word or phrase "white"? Black folks use proper contructed sentenses with intellectuals words they are callled wanna be, this is ridiculous and it pisses me off.There is common element withing society and races.It is now a matter of class structure, the haves and the have not. We need to erdadicate the sharp criticism and misunderstandings.The civil rights movement happen so we can have equal right ,justice,and oppurtunity so naturally there is going to be changes and condencesation.
Yes we are beautiful and ugly and of course we accept there we know,appreciate and acknowledge our history however having done or doing something "culturally uncharacteristic" does'nt mean we have we don't appreciate ourselves or want to be someone else.