friday, february 17, 2017 volume 13, number 4 the...

INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE BUZZ ............... 1 HAPPENINGS .......... 2 CURRENT EVENTS................... 9 THE ARTS ........ 16-19 Art ............................ 16 Films ......................... 18 TV ............................. 19 HEALTH AND FITNESS ................ 20

THE WORD P.O. Box 170847

Boston, MA 02117 (617) 775-4273

[email protected] www.thewordboston.com

THE BUZZ “Difficulty creates the opportunity for self-reflection and compassion.”

~ Suzan-Lori Parks

PREVIEW OF TOP DOG/UNDERDOG by Pat Williams

Top Dog/Underdog chronicles the lives of two brothers, the aptly named Lincoln and Booth. Deserted by their parents when they were young, they are forced to rely on each other to make ends meet. Lincoln survived for years by fleecing people at three card monte but after his partner is killed, he promises to lead an honest life. When his wife kicks him out of their home, Lincoln moves into Booth’s sparsely furnished one room apartment. Booth does not share the same values as his older brother. He is content supporting himself mainly through shoplifting. Lincoln takes a job as an Abraham Lincoln impersonator at a local arcade where patrons pay to re-enact Lincoln’s assassination, shooting him in the back of the head with a cap gun. Booth tries to entice his older brother into returning to a life of crime, but Lincoln continues to resist the temptation of fast money. As the tension between the brothers intensifies, they are left to cope with issues involving family relationships, personal responsibility, poverty and racism.

Written by Suzan-Lori Parks and directed by George C. Wolfe, Top Dog/Underdog opened Off-Broadway in July 2001. Don Cheadle starred as Booth and Jeffrey Wright played Lincoln. It made its Broadway debut on April 7, 2002 and closed on August 11, 2002. In addition to being nominated for two Tony Awards, Best Play and Best Actor in a Play (Wright), Parks was awarded the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, becoming the first African American woman to be so honored.

Huntington Theatre Company presents Top Dog/Underdog from March 10 through April 9, 2017 at the B.U. Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave. in Boston. To purchase tickets, visit www.huntingtontheatre.org. See Page 5 for information about Huntington’s Top Dog/Underdog community event on Thursday, February 23, 2017.

Friday, February 17, 2017 Volume 13, Number 4

-2- THE WORD – February 17, 2017

HAPPENINGS BOSTON HAS A NEW DEFAULT SPEED LIMIT The City of Boston has a new default speed limit. If you don’t see a sign, the speed limit is 25 mph. Driving at or below the 25 mph speed limit can save lives. If you crash, you’re less likely to cause serious injury or death. For more information, visit www.boston.gov/25mph.

COMMUNITY HOUSING CLINIC A Community Housing Clinic will be held every Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Department of Neighborhood Development, 26 Court St., Boston, MA. The Community Housing Clinic is a tremendous resource for residents as well as tenants and landlords, to talk one-on-one with a housing professional about landlord-tenant laws, learn how to access affordable housing opportunities and discover housing resources available to landlords and tenants. Tenants can learn about their rights if their building is sold, their rents are rising or they’re facing eviction. Landlords can get information on enforcing lease provisions, cost-effective resources to resolve disputes and programs to support home repairs and maintenance. For more information, call (617) 635-4200. This is a FREE event.

COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID: FSA ID WORKSHOP The College Financial AID: FSA ID Workshop will be held every Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Central Library in Copley Square (ASA College Planning Center), 700 Boylston St., Boston, MA. Need help with the college financial aid process? Get assistance by creating a FSA ID, which is the first step in filing your application for Federal Student Aid. For more information, call (617) 536-5400. This is a FREE event.

JEFF CHANG: WE GON’ BE ALRIGHT BOOK DISCUSSION Jeff Chang will discuss his new book We Gon’ Be Alright on Friday, February 17, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (doors open at 11:00 a.m.) at Northeastern University (East Village Conference Room), 291 St. Botolph St., Boston, MA. Jeff Chang is an author and journalist who often writes about the intersection of race, culture and politics, often through the lens of hip hop. Recently, he has followed the growth and evolution of the Black Lives Matter movement and discussed how Asian Americans can challenge and interrupt the traditional Black-White paradigm. The conversation with Dr. Sarah Jackson will explore his ideas and thoughts on these issues. To register or for more information, visit https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07edqrqnmze55d77cd&oseq=&c=&ch=. This is a FREE event.

COME EAT WITH US COMMUNITY DINNER The Come Eat With Us Community Dinner will be held Friday, February 17, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at Hawthorne Youth and Community Center, 9 Fulda St., Roxbury, MA. The event will be hosted by Grow It, Cook It, Share It, an urban agriculture and nutrition program for teens. Space is limited. To RSVP, visit https://docs.google.com/a/thewordboston.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5Y7HiOTOz_BXd2EAGHMlt13ZIOQrY4-moWPEQX4-wne1GNw/viewform?c=0&w=1. For more information, call (617) 427-0613. This is a FREE event.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT A Black History Month Event will be held Friday, February 17, 2017 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, 85 W. Newton St., Boston, MA. The Society of Urban Poetry (SOUP Boston), strives to unite literary poets and spoken word artists from a variety of backgrounds across our city. Celebrating the uniqueness of each of these creative individuals, these artists draw inspiration from personal experience and shed light on important topics such as gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, faith, ability and age. For more information or to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-history-month-celebration-tickets-30356630499?aff=es2#tickets. This is a FREE event.


HAPPENINGS (cont’d) UJAMAA BAZAAR The Ujamaa Bazaar will be held Saturday, February 18 and 25, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at MAMLEO, 61 Columbia Rd., Dorchester, MA. For more information or to obtain a vendor application, call Sheila at (908) 800-2354 or Priscilla at (617) 515-6908. This is a FREE event.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH STORIES Black History Month Stories will be held Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at the Central Library in Copley Square, 700 Boylston St., Boston, MA. Celebrate Black History Month with stories about African Americans who have made their marks in history, music and more. For more information, call (617) 536-5400. This is a FREE event.

MASSART FAMILY DAY MassArt Family Day will be held Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at MassArt (Bakalar and Paine Galleries, South Hall), 621 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA. Drop in for a fun-filled day of interactive activities. Materials, inspiration and refreshments will be provided. For more information, call (617) 879-7924. This is a FREE event.

#STUCK ON REPLAY PRESENTS #AMENDXIII #Stuck on Replay presents #AmendXIII on Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Dudley Dough, 2302 Washington St., Roxbury, MA. On April 8, 1864, the Senate passed the 13th Amendment, 152 years later and we are still living by the 13th Amendment of the Constitution. #StuckOnReplay invites you to the launch and plan for a 2-year state-wide campaign and petition to #AmendXlll. Free T-Shirts, spoken word artist, group discussion, community building and a 100-day action step plan. For more information or to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stuckonreplay-presents-amendxlll-tickets-31745558821?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=escb&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing. This is a FREE event.

COMMUNITY ART CIRCLES: EXPLORING CULTURE Community Art Circles: Exploring Culture will be held Monday, February 18, 25 and March 6 and 13, 2017 from 6:00 to 7:45 p.m. at 780 American Legion Hgwy., Roslindale, MA. Youth 12-16 who are interested in exploring their cultural identity and learning more about what culture is are invited to this event. The group is rooted in the expressive arts and there will be dance, movement and fine arts. For more information, call (617) 469-8501 or email [email protected]. This is a FREE event.

JOHN F. KENNEDY FIRST DAY OF ISSUE STAMP DEDICATION CEREMONY The John F. Kennedy First Day of Issue Stamp Dedication Ceremony will be held Monday, February 20, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Dorchester, MA. To RSVP, visit www.usps.com/jfk. This is a FREE event.

BOSTON POLICE OFFICER EXAM The Boston Police Officer Written Examination is on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Anyone interested in taking the exam must apply by Tuesday, February 21 (there will be an additional $50 processing fee for applications received after February 21) and applications will not be accepted after Wednesday, March 1. Community service officers will be available on Saturday, February 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at District B-2, 2400 Washington St., Roxbury, MA. For more information, visit www.mass.gov/civilservice.


HAPPENINGS (cont’d) THE TIME TO GET OUT TO VOTE IS NOW! The Time to Get Out To Vote is Now! will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2017 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Northeastern Crossing, 1175 Tremont St., Boston, MA. This is a voter registration event hosted by Northeastern University. Attendees will be able to register online and registration forms will be available. Food will be served. This is a FREE event.

CITY OF BOSTON WILL HOST WORKSHOPS TO SUPPORT BOSTON SMALL BUSINESS The City of Boston will host a series of Workshops to Support Boston Small Business. The workshops will assist entrepreneurs and small business owners of all types and development stage. They will also address challenges and provide guidance ranging from developing a sustainable business plan to assistance with financial management. For more information, visit www.boston.gov/econdev. This is a FREE event. • Wednesday, February 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building,

2300 Washington St., Roxbury, MA. The topic is Leasing. • Tuesday, February 28 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Egleston Square YMCA, 3134 Washington St., Roxbury, MA.

The topic is Facebook. Spanish interpreter available. • Tuesday, March 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. East Boston location TBD. The topic is Financial Management

for Food Businesses. Spanish interpreter available. • Tuesday, March 28 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Roxbury Innovation Center, 2300 Washington St., Roxbury, MA.

The topic is Tactics for Scaling Your Business for Female Entrepreneurs.

BLACK HISTORY: A CULTURAL REVUE Black History: A Cultural Revue will be held Wednesday, February 22, 2017 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Egleston Square Branch Library, 2044 Columbus Ave., Dorchester, MA. The event will highlight various facets of culture created by black artists, songwriters, poets, dancers and comedians. A variety of local performers and educators including Johnathon Gates, Chyna L. and Black Speaks from Dean College will discuss, demonstrate or perform samples of songs, poetry, artwork, dance, comedy routines as well as talk about their own inspirations. For more information, call (617) 445-4340. This is a FREE event.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH Celebrating Black History Month will be held Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 p.m. at Whittier Street Health Center (Community Education Room, 2nd Fl.), 1290 Tremont St., Roxbury, MA. Join Whittier Street Health Center for the annual address on the state of Whittier by Frederica Williams, a keynote speech by Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley and music, poetry readings and storytelling. To RSVP, call (617) 989-3150 or email [email protected]. This is a FREE event.

TAKE PART IN THE CONVERSATION SPEAKER SERIES Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) will host the Take Part in the Conversation Speaker Series. In honor of Black History Month, BHCC presents events focused on criminal justice and policing in urban neighborhoods. Each event begins at 1:00 p.m. and will be held at BHCC (Charlestown Campus, C202 Lecture Hall), 250 New Rutherford Ave., Boston, MA. Registration is required. For more information on this event or to register for other Black History Month events being hosted by BHCC, visit www.bhcc.edu/speakers/. This is a FREE event. • Thursday, February 23 – Wes Moore, Policing: The Rise and Rising Up of the Disillusioned

Best-selling author, veteran and Rhodes Scholar Wes Moore is the founder of BridgeEDU and STAND!, an organization which works with Baltimore youth in the criminal justice system. He joins BHCC to discuss urban policing in communities of color.

• Thursday, March 23 – Ed Davis, Policing in America: The Changing Landscape of Our Cities & Law Enforcement’s Role in Protecting Our Communities Former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, who was at the forefront of the emergency response to the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing and the arrests that followed, talks about the need for fundamental reforms to policing and the criminal justice system in America.


HAPPENINGS (cont’d) NONVIOLENT INTERVENTION WORKSHOP A Nonviolent Intervention Workshop will be held Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Roslindale Branch Library, 4238 Washington St., Roslindale, MA. Do you know how to handle nonviolent interventions in tense settings? Would you like to know how to be a good neighbor or ally in a situation where an individual is being harassed or feels uncomfortable? Interested in learning when to call police or someone else for assistance? These issues will be discussed in a friendly, nonjudgmental atmosphere. Guest speakers include Dr. Atiya Martin, Freddie Velez and Melanie Roche-Laputka. For more information, visit www.friendsofroslindalelibrary.org. This is a FREE event.

THE LIVING ARCHIVE: AFRICAN AMERICAN POETRY PANEL #1: BLACKNESS IN THE 21ST CENTURY The Living Archive: African American Poetry Panel #1: Blackness in the 21st Century will be held Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Central Library in Copley Square, 700 Boylston St., Boston MA. This series of panel discussions by poets and writers examine a range of topics that include the importance and significance of African American literature, the ways in which literature has examined and illuminated black identities, the connection between spoken and written word, language styles and culture in black poetry and the relationship between writers of the past and the present. For more information, call (617) 536-5400. This is a FREE event.

DREAMS DEFERRED: STORIES OF HOPE THROUGH AN AFRICAN AMERICAN LENS Dreams Deferred: Stories of Hope Through An African American Lens will be held Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the West Roxbury Branch Library, 1961 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA. American storyteller and cultural lecturer Desiree Taylor introduces attendees to the stories of African Americans who endeavored to keep their life force, that of their communities and ultimately that of the United States, intact in the face of dreams deferred. For more information, call (617) 325-3147. This is a FREE event.

COMMUNITY EVENT: HUNTINGTON THEATRE’S TOPDOG/UNDERDOG Huntington Theatre Company in partnership with the Strand Theatre presents a Community Event in conjunction with the Huntington’s upcoming production of Topdog/Underdog on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. at the Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Rd., Dorchester, MA (doors open at 7:00 p.m.). The evening will feature a discussion about Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play Topdog/Underdog and its powerful resonance for contemporary audiences with director and Tony Award-winning artist Billy Porter (Kinky Boots) and moderator Karen Holmes Ward. A scene from the production will also be performed by Matthew J. Harris (Booth) and Tyrone Mitchell Henderson (Lincoln). To RSVP, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/topdogunderdog-at-the-strand-theatre-tickets-30963510694?aff=Huntingtonwebsite. This is a FREE event.

SUCCESSLINK SUMMER JOBS

The City of Boston's Division of Youth Engagement and Employment is busy getting ready for the 2017 launch of SuccessLink, an online tool that enables Boston youth to register for summer jobs. Last year nearly 4,000 youth received job placement through SuccessLink. The SuccessLink application will be available from Saturday, February 25 until Friday, March 31, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. Teens can apply 24-hours a day by visiting https://www.boston.gov/health-and-human-services/bcyf-youth-engagement-employment. This is a FREE event.

IT’S ABOUT TIME, A PLAY ON WORDS It’s About Time, A Play on Words will be held Saturday, February 25, 2017 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the First Church in Roxbury (Putnam Hall), 10 Putnam St., Roxbury, MA. Panel discussion at 8:00 p.m. It’s About Time is a play about a youth’s discovery of Kwanzaa as healing after a racially charged election. It uses time travel as a way to remind audiences of the noble ways in history that people have gotten through tough times. Join Khabirah the Great as she guides audiences through unique doors using the majestic keys to life. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/its-about-time-a-play-on-words-tickets-31474057754?aff=es2. This is a FREE event.


HAPPENINGS (cont’d) PROUD OF OUR HISTORY: A BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION The United States Postal Service presents Proud of Our History on Monday, February 27, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the First Church in Roxbury (Putnam Hall), 10 Putnam St., Roxbury, MA. Poetry by Sam Cornish. This is a FREE event.

DUDLEY BRANCH LIBRARY’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH OPEN HOUSE The Dudley Branch Library invites you to a Black History Month Open House on Monday, February 27, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at 65 Warren St., Roxbury, MA. To honor Black History Month, the branch will be highlighting its African American-centered collection and programming. Enjoy light refreshments and activities. For more information, call (617) 442-6186. This is a FREE event.

KENNEDY LIBRARY FORUMS The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Dorchester, MA is pleased to present the Kennedy Library Forums, a series of public affairs programs on a diverse range of historical, political and cultural topics reflecting the legacy of President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy. Doors open an hour before each forum begins. For more information or to make a reservation, call (617) 514–1643 or visit www.jfklibrary.org. Reservations guarantee a seat in the building, but not in the main hall. Once the main hall is full, audience members will be seated in an overflow theater where the forum will be streamed live. This is a FREE event.

• Monday, February 27 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. – Towards a Safer Community. Boston Police Commissioner William B. Evans, the Rev. Mark V. Scott and Rev. Jeffrey L. Brown discuss successes and challenges facing the community. Byron Barnett moderates.

SALARY NEGOTIATION WORKSHOP A Salary Negotiation Workshop will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2017 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Northeastern Crossing, 1175 Tremont St., Boston, MA. Attend this workshop to gain the skills and confidence to successfully negotiate your salary and benefits packages. Participants will learn about the gender pay gap, including its personal consequences; how to quantify and articulate your value; how to conduct objective market research and determine a fair target salary; and how to create a strategic pitch and respond to salary offers. To register or for more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aauw-work-smart-in-boston-at-northeastern-crossing-tickets-30855948974. This is a FREE event.

RUN TOWARD FEAR: MILLENNIAL ACTIVISM AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN THE TRUMP ERA FORUM Run Toward Fear: Millennial Activism and Social Justice in the Trump Era Forum will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at the John D. O’Bryant African American Institute at Northeastern University (Cabral Center), 40 Leon St., Boston, MA. Rather than give in to fear, this forum brings thought leaders from the frontline of contemporary political debates and grassroots activist political struggle to join students in forward-thinking conversations about what the shifting political winds mean for college students, women and marginalized communities and the ways young activists across the nation are re-imagining the most important issues of our time. Panelists include Jasiri X, Greisa Martinez, Dr. Toussaint Losier, Tamika Mallory and Yusef Salaam. For more information, visit www.northeastern.edu/aai/black-history-month-schedule/. This is a FREE event.

TYRONE MAURICE ADDERLEY LECTURE: DR. CAROLE BOYCE DAVIES Dr. Carole Boyce Davies will appear on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at MassArt (Tower Auditorium), 621 Huntington Ave., Roxbury, MA. Reception at 5:00 p.m. and lecture at 6:00 p.m. Throughout her work as a scholar, mentor and writer, Davies has devoted herself to social justice and anti-racist and anti-sexist politics. This is a FREE event.


HAPPENINGS (cont’d) BABY DIAPER BANK A Baby Diaper Bank will be held Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Grove Hall Branch Library, 41 Geneva Ave., Dorchester, MA. If you are a parent of a baby and cannot afford diapers, the Baby Diaper Bank may be for you. The Baby Diaper Bank seeks to meet the needs of income-challenged parents to make sure that they have clean diapers for their babies. For more information, call (617) 427-3337 or visit www.lanniesneighborhood.org. This is a FREE event.

WINTER FAMILY FUN Winter Family Fun will be held Saturday, March 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. Bring the kids for healthy, active winter programs at Franklin Park, snowshoeing, nature walks, animal tracking, winter play parties and more. Meet in front of Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse, 1 Circuit Dr., Dorchester, MA. This is a FREE event.

DINE OUT BOSTON Dine Out Boston (formerly known as Restaurant Week Boston) will be held Sunday, March 5 through Friday, March 10 and Sunday, March 12 through Friday, March 17, 2017. This bi-annual event provides locals and visitors with an opportunity to sample area restaurants at special prices. Participating restaurants design prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner. Each participating restaurant selects one of the three price options (Lunch $15/$20/$25 or Dinner $28/$33/$38 (prices are per person and exclude beverages, tax and gratuities). Diners can choose from old favorites to the latest culinary hot spots, from nationally known chain restaurants to local chef owned bistros, from Asian or Argentinean fare to French, Italian, tapas and sushi, from the award-winning restaurants of Boston and Cambridge to the gourmet gems in the suburbs north, west and south of the city. Prices vary by restaurant. For more information, visit www.dineoutboston.com.

MAHA HOMEBUYER CLASSES MAHA HomeBuyer Classes are held monthly at a variety of locations. Graduates from the MAHA classes will receive a certificate which will allow the participant access to a number of programs that assist first–time homebuyers. The certificate is also a requirement for acquiring lottery property and certain mortgage products in Boston and other cities and towns. Graduates are eligible for free one–on–one credit and homebuying counseling. The classes are 12 hours by either attending four evenings or two Saturdays or the cost is $50 per person and $75 per couple. For more information, email Hilda Fernandez at [email protected] or visit www.mahahome.org. The class schedule is as follows:

• Tuesday, March 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at MAHA, 1803 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA • Saturday, March 11 and 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at MAMLEO, 61 Columbia Rd., Dorchester, MA • Saturday, April 1 and 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at MAHA, 1803 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA • Saturday, May 13 and 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Boston Medical Center, 88 E. Newton St., Boston, MA • Tuesday, June 6 and Thursday, June 8 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

PLAY READING BOOK CLUB The Play Reading Book Club will be held every Saturday at the Dudley Branch Library, 65 Warren St., Roxbury, MA. Gain unique and radical access to plays, artists and conversations at weekly sessions which include reading scripts, discussing artistic and production values and putting on your own showcase for family and friends. No prior knowledge or reading of plays is necessary. To register or for more information, call Akiba Abaka at (617) 824-3071, email [email protected] or visit http://bit.ly/DUDLEYPRBC1617. To learn more about each play, visit www.artsemerson.org. This is a FREE event.

• March 11 through April 1 – Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower by Toshi Reagan


HAPPENINGS (cont’d) ON BEING MUSLIM IN THE DEEP NORTH PANEL DISCUSSION Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail presents On Being Muslim in the Deep North on Sunday, March 12, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 10 Middle St., Portsmouth, RI. Many people usually think of Muslims as Arabs, but in reality one-third of the Muslims in the U.S. are Black American, one-third are South Asians and one-third are Arabs, making them one of the most diverse religious groups in the country. For this panel discussion, presenters will explore areas where their identities intersect and what it means to be male or female, Black and Muslim living in a post 9/11 New England. Through their shared stories we will gain an understanding of what it means to be part of a religion that preaches the “Oneness of God, the Oneness of Mankind and the Oneness of the Message” and what our towns could be if practitioners were honored in a country whose tenants include freedom of religion for all instead of faced with discrimination. Rashida Mohamed, Robert Azzi, Pious Ali and Samaa Abdurraqib will be the presenters. For more information, call JerriAnne Boggis at (603) 436-8433. This is a FREE event.

SPIRIT & ACTION SERIES ON PEACEMAKING The Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry (UUUM) presents the Spirit & Action Series on Peacemaking. Spirit & Action creates a sacred space for participants to learn about and engage in issues surrounding racism, violence and peace. The sessions will be held at 10 Putnam St., Roxbury, MA. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. UUUM has partnered with Violence Transformed which will provide attendees with an opportunity to create art around the theme of each event. Space is limited. Childcare provided upon request. To register, call Marvin Venay at (617) 318-6010 x214 or email [email protected]. This is a FREE event.

• Session 3: Peacemaking Across Faith / Tuesday, March 14 – Celebrating our spiritual and religious differences, fostering a culture of tolerance and working to curtail the growing climate of Islamophobia. (Follow-up arts session on Tuesday, March 28.)


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 (cont’d)

8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. The Benito Gonzalez Trio at Scullers Jazz Club in the DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel,

400 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston, MA. For more information, call (617) 562-4111 or visit www.scullersjazz.com.


SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Keiko Matsui appears at Scullers Jazz Club in the DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel,



WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22


THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Michael Olatunja and Lagos Pepper Soup at Scullers Jazz Club in the DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel, 400 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston, MA. For more information, call (617) 562-4111 or visit www.scullersjazz.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. The Steve Turre Quartet +1 at Scullers Jazz Club in the DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel,



FRIDAY, MARCH 4


THURSDAY, MARCH 23


THE ARTS ART

BOHEMIAN ARTS: BOSTON, CAMBRIDGE AND BEYOND ARTS COLLABORATIVE

The Milton Public Library will host Bohemian Arts: Boston, Cambridge and Beyond: An Arts Collaborative through Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at the Wotiz Gallery (1st Fl.), 476 Canton Ave., Milton, MA. This display will feature several talented artists including Dr. Runoko Rashidi, Hakim Raquib, Gary Ames Rickson, Pamela Goncalves, Akan David, Kerrie Elaina Lloyd and Sister Releigh Cocoa Lady. These fine artisans will bring the library a colorful and fun display of various types of artwork to help celebrate Black History Month. For more

information, call Jean Hlady at (617) 698-5757 x3. The library is open Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Wednesday from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.


THE ARTS (cont’d) ART (cont’d)

DETERMINED BLACKNESS - RACE, REPRESENTATION AND REDEFINING BLACK MALE IDENTITY: AN EXHIBIT FEATURING THE WORK OF HAKIM RAQUIB

In honor of Black History Month, the Mary L. Fifield Art Gallery at Bunker Hill Community College presents Determined Blackness – Race, Representation and Redefining Black Male Identity, an exhibit featuring the work of Hakim Raquib through Tuesday, February 28, 2017. An Artist’s Reception will be held Thursday, February 23 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the A300 Art Gallery/Lounge. The BHCC Gallery is located at 250 New Rutherford Ave., Boston, MA. Gallery hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information, call (617) 228-2093 or visit www.bhcc.edu/artgallery. This is a FREE event.

THE 21ST CENTURY BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT: POLITICAL FORCE – AWAKE OR ASLEEP? The 21st Century Black Arts Movement: Political Force – Awake or Asleep will be held Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Northeastern Crossing, 1175 Tremont St., Boston, MA. What is the state of the Black Arts Movement now? Is it still a powerful and utilized form of expression? Has it become commercialized, choosing cash over content and comment? In this age of social media, is it still a movement? Does it matter anymore? Explore the answers to these questions and more with five of Boston's leading creatives, Askia Toure, Jacqui Parker, Catherine Morris and L’Merchie Frazier. The event will be moderated by Valerie Stephens. To register or for more information, visit https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07edqtjn9i5d25caba&oseq=&c=&ch=. This is a FREE event.

THE BLACK CHURCH/LIFE, CULTURE, FREEDOM: AN EXHIBIT DOCUMENTING 250 YEARS OF SERVICE AND SURVIVAL Do Lord Remember Me: The Black Church in Rhode Island, a groundbreaking exhibit, will open on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Roger Williams School of Law (2nd Fl. Atrium), 10 Metacom Ave, Bristol, RI. The exhibit documents 250 years of service and survival, telling the story in images and text of American firsts — the first Black philanthropic organization (Newport); the first Black Episcopal delegation to the Diocesan Convention (Providence); the first piece of sacred music by an African (Newport Gardner); and more. The opening will be followed by a special performance in Room 283 by Joe Wilson Jr., resident artist at Trinity Repertory. A Panel Discussion follows from 6:20 to 7:30 p.m. This is a FREE event.


THE ARTS (cont’d) FILMS (In Theaters)

FIST FIGHT On the last day of the year, mild-mannered high school English teacher Andy Campbell (Charlie Day) is trying his best to keep it together amidst senior pranks, a dysfunctional administration and budget cuts that put jobs on the line. But things go from bad to worse when he accidentally crosses his much tougher and deeply feared colleague, Ron Strickland (Ice Cube), who challenges Campbell to an old-fashioned throw down after school. News of the fight spreads like wildfire and ends up becoming the very thing this school and Campbell needed.

GET OUT Now that Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams), have reached the meet-the-parents milestone of dating, she invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with Missy (Catherine Keener) and Dean (Bradley Whitford). At first, Chris reads the family’s overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter’s interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he could have never imagined. Get Out opens in theaters on Friday, February 24.

FILMS (Screenings)

PASSAGE AT ST. AUGUSTINE FILM SCREENING AND DISCUSSION

The Passage at St. Augustine Film Screening and Discussion will be held Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Mattapan Branch Library, 1350 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan, MA. Long before there was a Black Lives Matter movement, there were black activists in St. Augustine, FL. The award-winning documentary Passage at St. Augustine tells the story and establishes their hometown as the location of the most violent civil rights campaign of the entire movement. With brief introductory remarks, documentary filmmaker Clennon L. King segues into facilitating a larger conversation on

race, rounding out the program with a spirited question and answer session with civil rights veteran Mimi Jones. For more information, call (617) 427-3337. This is a FREE event.

NEVER GIVE UP: AMA’S JOURNEY TO FREEDOM ON THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FILM

SCREENING AND DISCUSSION In honor of Black History Month, a Film Screening and Discussion of Never Give Up: Ama’s Journey to Freedom on the Underground Railroad will be held Monday, February 27, 2017 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Lower Mills Branch Library, 27 Richmond St., Dorchester, MA. This film is a coming-of-age historical fictional story set in the 1850s. For more information, call (617) 298-9218. This is a FREE event.


THE ARTS (cont’d) TELEVISION

PBS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH In honor of Black History Month, PBS has released its programming lineup and online content offerings that will enrich viewers' understanding of African American history and culture. As part of its commitment to provide diverse programming and resources for all Americans year-round, PBS will offer special new episodes from popular titles, along with encore programming — all of which will stream online after broadcast and can be seen by visiting www.pbs.org/bcc. The dates and times of the programs listed below reflect local listings. To find your local PBS station, visit www.pbs.org.

• Friday, February 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET (WGBX) — Policing the Police Step inside the Newark Police Department, one of many troubled forces ordered to reform. Writer and historian Jelani Cobb examines allegations of police abuses and the challenge of fixing a broken relationship with the community.

• Saturday, February 18 at 10:00 p.m. ET (WGBH World) — A New Color: The Art of Being Edythe Boone Long before Black Lives Matter became a rallying cry, Edythe Boone embodied that truth as an activist, an educator, a great-grandmother and foremost an artist. When a deeply personal tragedy ignites a national outcry, everything that “Edy” has worked so tirelessly for comes into question. From humble Harlem beginnings herself, the indefatigable Edy has for decades introduced underserved youth and seniors to the transformative power of art.

• Monday, February 20 at 9:00 p.m. ET (WGBH) — The Talk – Race in America In the wake of recent tragic and fatal events between men of color and law enforcement, learn how black and Hispanic families counsel their kids to stay safe if they are stopped by the police.

• Tuesday, February 21 at 8:00 p.m. ET (WGBH) — Maya Angelou: American Masters Journey through the prolific life of the I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings author and activist who inspired generations with lyrical modern African American thought. Features new interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Common, the Clintons and others.


HEALTH AND FITNESS FRANKLIN PARK TENNIS ASSOCIATION FREE TENNIS LESSONS Franklin Park Tennis Association will offer Tennis for Everyone every Saturday from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at Melnea Cass Recreational Complex, 120 Malcolm X Blvd., Roxbury, MA. Lessons for beginner/intermediate players, children (ages 5 and older) and adults at the same time, but on different courts. This is a drop-in program designed to introduce and reinforce the fundamental skills. Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit www.franklinparktennis.org. This is a FREE event.

SNOWSHOE WALK A Snowshoe Walk will be held Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan, MA. Come to the Boston Nature Center and give snowshoeing a try! Winter is a great time to see a variety of animal tracks, learn a new skill and stay fit and healthy. Snowshoes will be provided for children and adults. Wear warm clothing, boots and bring your sense of adventure. For more information, call (617) 983-8500 or visit www.massaudubon.org/boston. This is a FREE event.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WORKSHOP A Breast Cancer Awareness Workshop will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2017 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Central Library in Copley Square (Commonwealth Salon), 700 Boylston St., Boston, MA. This event involves teaching the community how to take care of themselves. It involves using health education to raise awareness about breast cancer, teaches self-breast exams and offers referrals for free screenings. For more information, call (617) 536-5400. This is a FREE event.

BOSTON REACH COALITION MEETING The mission of Boston REACH Coalition is to promote health equity and eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities in Boston. The Boston REACH Coalition is led by the Boston Public Health Commission in partnership with community residents. The Coalition partners with community groups, health care providers, health experts, businesses and faith-based leaders to improve the conditions in neighborhoods that shape the health and well-being of community residents. The Coalition meets on the first Monday of the month. In the case of a holiday, the meeting is held the following Monday. Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. The Coalition membership is open to all and children and youth are welcome. The next meeting will be held March 6, 2017 at the Grove Hall Community Center, 51 Geneva Ave., Dorchester, MA. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (617) 534-2291 or visit www.bphc.org. This is a FREE event.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP MEETING Dana Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center offers a Prostate Cancer Support Group Meeting every second Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be held March 15, 2017 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute (Smith Building, Room 308–309), 44 Binney St., Boston, MA. This support group focuses on the needs of Black men. Meet with prostate cancer survivors, talk with leading medical specialists and understand your treatment options. Everyone is invited, food will be served and parking is free. For more information, call Mark Kennedy at (617) 632–6694 or visit www.prostatehealthed.org. This is a FREE event.

friday, february 17, 2017 volume 13, number 4 the...

Documents