Kamala Harris to Visit Detroit for Labor Day Events

 

 Democratic Presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris to visit Detroit for Labor Day events including Detroit's popular yearly Labor Day Parade. The parade is a favorite event attended by politicians and labor leaders alike.  President Barack Obama attended and gave one of his rousing speeches before hundreds back in 2011. 

Click on the link below to review a podcast of my archived post from September 2011. You can also find the written blog article by searching the search box on the right-hand column of this blog. The search box will appear in the lower right hand column of this blog when you click on the "View Web Version" link found at the bottom of this page. The post's title is "Detroit Welcomes Obama with Fired Up Chants of Four More Years". If you would like to read more articles on Obama, just type in Obama and a number of archived posts will appear.

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/restoration-harvest-part-3-episode-2--41182465 

Have an eventful Labor Day! Enjoy the parade! And, let's keep Vice President Harris and her running mate Governor Walz lifted in prayer.

Blessings,

Cynthia Wilson

 

 

 

 

 

Fortuitous Swahili Mass Sunday, August 25, 2024

  Scripture Reference-Ephesians 4:1-6

 

Yesterday, I rushed to get to worship service at my church on time. It was my expectation and goal to make it there by at least 11:00a.m.
But as fortune would have it, and though my intentions were completely honorable, I just could not meet that expectation. I fervently desired to be among the congregation and fellow worshippers lifting up hands and praising God in unison.

I scanned the clock, it was already 11:00 by the time I showered,put on my clothes and ate a small breakfast. No way I am going to make it to church in time enough  even for the sermon, I thought to myself. Then I started a quick review in my mind of all the churches nearby that I could attend instead. I had been invited to attend a neighborhood church a few days earlier by a minister who told me she was preaching. I strongly considered that possibility. Then, my old home church is less than 10 minutes away. But their service began at 10:00 am.
Not being a denominational snob as I have both preached and attended various churches over the years from Baptist, Interdenominational, Unity, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal to Catholic, Old St. Mary's quickly came to mind. As an occasional visitor there over the years, I knew their Mass started at 12noon and I had plenty of time to make it there for the service. Also, I always enjoy the wonderful aroma of that Frankincense and myrrh incense that wafts through the air during worship...very soothing and relaxing.

Turns out my visit was a real treat. The word was delivered by the Pastor who I later learned was from Tanzania. I was amazed,really.

After service,  I was blessed with a homemade banana split  at the ice cream social and the opportunity to attend a real live Swahili Mass. No English spoken or read. All attendees hailed from African countries...  I praised God for his wondrous guidance  through the Holy Ghost which transcends all human made religious and denominational boundaries. Although I could not make my originally intended destination, God had another plan for me that worked out just fine.

As a real trivia plus while in conversation with the Pastor, I also learned that Mt. Killiamanjaro is in Tanzania, not Kenya,
as most people have been led to believe.

Note:
Cross reference my essay "Spartan Village..." in which I make reference to traveling to my "Swahili" class
at MSU.

Truth Talk-- Detroit Music Lover's Experience: Detroit Celebrates Michigan Central Opening with Special Concert and Community Viewing Parties at Campus Martius and Several Other Community Venues

 

 

 

I headed out early in the evening about an hour and a half before showtime to see and experience the spectacular line-up for yet another stellar Detroit event. Detroit was abuzz and streams of people parking their cars and headed to the concert got thicker and thicker as I traveled from home to downtown and inched my way down Michigan avenue and over to Corktown.

I had contacted a few high-powered friends just a day ago when I heard that all of the tickets had already been distributed, hoping to get a few tickets for me and a couple of good friends. But something more important happened after praying. It was a blessing. that I could either gain entrance as part of the media team, since I am an avid music concert blogger whenever I can make it to the venue. But this concert was announced so rapidly, with only a couple of days between showtime and announcement, there was really no time.

But getting to the show was a no-brainer since miraculously the viewing of the concert was opened up to other locations outside of Michigan Central to accommodate Detroiters and others  who missed out on the initial ticket distribution. I knew I'd be watching the show live telecast from Campus Martius which turned out to be a very enjoyable experience. I was able to park my car very close within a few steps of the viewing screen, making the venue very handicap accessible.

I did try to drive close enough to the Michigan Central  venue earlier to take some photos of the converging concert goers and the fabulously renovated Michigan Central in time to make it back to Campus Martius. However, the main street leading to Michigan Central was blocked off and you'd have to walk several blocks on foot to make it to the main venue. I was on my walker and not a scooter so I took a few photos from my car and headed on back to the park to view the concert on the big screen there.

Some concert highlights:

Diana Ross dazzled the crowd as she radiated out on stage in an ultra-gorgeus flowing red gown. The Clark Sisters were amazing as they dazzled the crowd. Fantasia gave a skilfully rocking performance along with Melissa Etheridge and____in a tribute performance to Mitch Ryder. There were so many other great performances. It was a night to remember and cherish for Detroit and Detroiters relishing a phenomenal comeback for a city marred for years by blight, poverty and crime. The Michigan Center, once an eyesore now a beautiful gathering place. Below are some photos and video clips I took of the concert.

On Forgiveness: The Heart of the Matter

 From an Earlier Post Dated

Thought about digging up this forgiveness blog from the archives for the Memorial Weekend Inspiration. I also re-posted India Arie's version of "Heart of the Matter",as the Heavier Octaves "Profile Song of the Week" on our My Space page. It's usually done every Monday. So, what? I'm a little early. It's for a good cause. I've been trying to figure out a solution ,or should I say, a series of solutions for a matter that has been perplexing me for a couple of weeks now.Here's the inside story:

I ran into someone at a social function on Manhattan's Upper West Side not too long ago. By the way, I am dedicating this blog entry to him.

In preparation for attending this social gathering I had geeked myself up pretty much, was psyched and looking forward to mingling with some old friends and colleagues. Some, I would be seeing for the first time in almost a year.

In the spirit of love and enthusiasm,being happy to see this person,I neared him for a friendly embrace. He was not as warm as usual towards me.He seemed very distant and preoccupied as I hugged him. The first thought that came to mind was that he was having a bad day. However, upon deeper observation and discovery, as the evening wore on, I learned that he was carrying a deep grudge against someone that happened to also be at the gathering. We talked briefly. During the course of our limited discussion,he was not in a talkative mood,I became disappointed and ultimately disturbed, as he revealed to me the reason he was carrying it.The grudge,that is.

It was not based on any solid knowledge of what was going on, because he apparently did not really know what the other person's past and current situation was due to a lack of ongoing communication. How many times have any of us been in that same boat because we have made assumptions about someone's actions or circumstances based upon superficial observations,without exploring deeper the real facts through further interaction and discussion with them? This was likely a misunderstanding that could have been moderately cleared up with a few phone calls or short notes. It's the kind of situation where the person who is being blamed or "demonized" would say if they knew about it,"I had no idea you were going through this or that you felt that way."

It is unhealthy, not only for the person towards whom the negative vibrations from the grudge are being directed,but also, and perhaps,even moreso, for the one who is directing or harboring the ill feelings towards them.Believe me ,and I have plenty of experience over the years on both receiving and giving ends to know, that the whole process is depleting and counter productive, regardless of the end you happen to be on. Directing negative energy towards someone whether in "grudge" or "other" form depletes on both ends. If you're sending it out,you end up eventually sick and drained.If you happen to be the recipient of the "nastiness", there is a similar result.

This counter productivity is only magnified when bad feelings are based upon petty misunderstandings often resulting from poor communication. These could be worked out between both parties,if bruised egos, senseless pride,and yes,sometimes,one upsmanship, were not the basic cause of the misunderstandings in the first place. Besides contributing to the build up of "no win"situations, "bad vibes" generate harmful and wasteful energy which cause damage to the psyche, dis-ease and discomfort in the emotional,mental and physical bodies, eventually leading to illness. ...Talk about environmental pollution.

Believing strongly in all aspects of environmental improvement, while desiring to serve as a catalyst in the healing process, I will spare any more of the gory details,the "preachy" sermon, just say this and leave it:

If you know of anyone who might benefit from forgivness,the kind sung about in the song and/or discussed herein, please forward this message on to them. By the way, the scripture reference is Matthew 18:21-35. I highly recommend reading it as a supplement to this message. It contains an enlightening parable. I count it extremely relevant to the situation and person I've discussed above.

Below is the My Space blog dated January 4,2007,made reference to above, along with a related podcast on forgiveness,which I'm topping today:

The Heart of the Matter (Thursday,January 4,2007)

It's time to get down to the "Heart of the Matter"...This is currently the "Profile Song" for Heavier Octaves Radio. India Arie covers this Don Henley tune beautifully. It is a wonderful song with a thoughtful and inspiring message. It is our inspirational "Profile Song of the Week. India has indeed made it her own. Here is a link to the lyrics,if you care to go deeper with your reflection on the song.Try forgiving someone today and see the difference it will make in your life.And,listen in to our podcast which usually provides a brief meditation/reflection on the song being played.

Below is the link to the podcast I recorded on forgiveness. Please listen in.


"Heart of the Matter Podcast"

Enjoy,


Cynthia (Revcoolc)Wilson

A/K/A "Chaplain of Pop"

NCA--Honors Artists and Community Leaders Committed to Artistic Vision

On Saturday, May 25, 2024, National Conference of Artists-Michigan Chapter, honored noted artist Shirley Woodson Reid long-term and devoted President, having served the chapter for over forty years. She was honored along with 27 artists who received this year's Vision and Excellence in the Arts  Awards during NCA's 50th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon held at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Duane Beddingfield, Arts and Culture Reporter for the Detroit Free Press served as Master of Ceremonies.

Ms. Woodson-Reid gave a keynote that provided a rich history of the organization. Several community and business leaders were recognized as well for their help and support over the years. See program booklet for a complete list. Contact NCA for a copy of the souvenir program booklet.

Reverend  Barbara A. Woodson gave the invitation and blessed the meal. The luncheon committee did a great job putting everything together from the well documented history on the program, the meticulously painstaking awards presentation for 27 artists who were honored individually to the luncheon menu.

 

This year's 50th Anniversary  Celebration was a beautiful occasion and a proud moment for a total of 27 artists who have maintained their artistry over the years and successfully met the challenges of keeping  their artistic visions alive and viable throughout the Detroit Metropolitan area and beyond. Their names are listed at the end of this post. They were this year's recipients of Vision and Excellence in the Arts Awards. National Conference of Artists has served as a vital support network, educating, unifying and inspiring throughout the years, honoring artists with this award.

 

 

A special memorial tribute was conducted for Eileen Montiero, an accomplished water color artist and board member of the Michigan chapter who recently made her transition. Memorial mentions were made in the event program of other members who have passed away over the chapter's 50 year history. Eileen was the most recent, very active and the glue that often held the organization's membership together sending out vital information about activities and events.

The members of the Luncheon Committee who planned and organized the event:

Robbie Best

Debra Brown Cage

Arlinda Crossland

Electra V. Fulbright

Sharon Gamblin

Ida Hawkins 

Terrie Hylton

Carrie Jones

Shekenia Mann

Eileen Montiero

Senhor Reid

Bill Sanders

Raymond Wells

Linda Whitaker

Shirley Woodson

NCA Michigan Chapter extended a very special thank you to the Committee and their friends and supporters over the years:

Camille Brewer, Archivist

Marion Hayden, Musician

Desmond Love, Filmmaker

Terrie Hylton, Artist

Shekenia Mann, Photographer

Bill Sanders, Photographer

David and Linda Whitaker, Collectors

 

This  year's Vision and Excellence in the Arts Awardees are:

 

 Check out NCA's website for further information about the event and the artists.

 

Congratulations to all the artists and supporters over the years.