Whew, what a weekend and it ain't over yet. The city has been awash in Central High commemerative this and that, therefore I headed to the streeets to see how much I could get in. I started the week or should I say mid-week with reconizing the "Jena 6" debacle that has my mind teeming with questions concerning this nation's ongoing and problematic approach to the racial climate on so many levels. I find it so fascinating that as we reflect on the civil rights era, juxtaposed to the conditions on the ground now, the issues of classism, racism, profiling and gentrification are looming large in the mix. In a recent poll on this site, diversity issues was cited as a benchmark within the local GLBTQI community that hasn't been adequately addressed. It's no secret that this " 800 pound gorilla in the room," has resulted in board divisions, personal attacks, and many folks with rose colored blinders on who "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil." Day 1: As I meandered around World Fest 2007, I saw an interesting gathering of individuals who were enjoying a beautiful day for a festival as pictured in our montage above. As a FYI, if you move your cursor over a picture you will see info caption. Booths, informational tables, performances and food were in abundance throughout this two day event. There were a fews things that caught my eye, such as the food vendor (Kitchen Express) which had a sign that advertised Greek food but when I reviewed the menu, I didn't find not one greek item. It was a don't ask moment and I pressed on. Also, I'd hoped to see some rainbow representation, but I realize that resources and people power is at a premium with area groups. Mac Arthur Park is great backdrop for this type of event. I enjoyed a sunny Saturday, people watching and being thankful. Day 2, Sunday was my date with viewing the Emancipation Proclamation Document at the Clinton Presidential Library. I had pre-purchased my ticket to avoid any line hassle, only to forget that my recent implants would cause me a second look from security. I "pinged" and for the first time I had to whip out my new Bionic ID cards to be admitted. Many of you don't know that I'm a history buff at heart. I love artifacts, displays, exhibits and all things from the past, the good, bad and the ugly. Therefore, I thought that a one-two punch for the money was a good value and I wasn't wrong. Even though I lived through the Clinton era, I hadn't been to the complex but found it extremely entertaining and filled with tidbits that I had either had forgotten of didn't realize. For instance, Hillary's Spoke Word Grammy Award for her It takes a Village book, the coast to coast campaign button display, and the volumes upon volumes of documents displayed in decorative towers. Ending up at the Oval Office re-creation which included a replica of the "Resolute" desk, crafted from the Artic Bound USS Resolute and a gift from Queen Victoria. Who Knew? I moved on to the proclamation which was the centerpiece of The Long Struggle exhibit running through May 2008. I felt privileged to see this historical document that's only viewed for 48 hours a year. Standing shoulder to shoulder with a diverse crowd of viewers, it was somber, sobering and a moment that I won't forget as history came alive before my eyes. There it was, the handwritten signature of President Abraham Lincoln setting a freedom movement into motion for my ancesters meanwhile, holding the Union together. Unfortunately, I can't even begin in this forum to delve into the idiosyncrasy and point-counter point about it's significance in U.S. history. It's ripple affect from 1863 to now, in the shadow of the 5oth anniversary, is simply too much to capsulize here. If you missed it,then at least take in the featured peice, The Long Struggle, which chronicles why diversity must be apart of the discussion across the board. In closing, all I know is that I wan't going to miss this opportunity within my lifetime and boy, I'm glad I didn't.
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