Remembering The Times: Magic Johnson Turns 50!

Remembering The Times: Magic Johson Turns 50


As a kid growing up in Inglewood, Ca the official of the Forum and the Lakers I was a Laker fan by default. It was easy especially in the 80's during the Showtime era. At that time we kids could walk to the Forum buy $10.00 tickets with seats high up in the arena and then sneak down to better seats once people started trickling out. We stayed until the end to lean over the railing and slap hands with the players.


There was no way we couldn't love Magic Johnson. Even on his worst game night he always spoke to kids and usually even smiled. I was grown when he announced he had HIV and had heard about the disease. Mostly through church and singing in community choirs. At that point we thought Magic was a goner....Today he turns 50 and I'm so glad he's still around!!



Fri Aug 14, 2009 2:13 am EDT
Magic at 50: The ultimate playmaker



By Roy S. Johnson / Roy S. Johnson Blog
I never thought I'd see this celebration. You probably didn't either.
At least not on the day that shook us to our core nearly 18 years ago - yes, 18 years! - when Earvin (Magic) Johnson told us he was HIV positive.
On Nov. 7, 1991, America thought it was looking at a dead man holding a news conference.
Instead, Magic turns 50 today.
Where were you when you heard?
I remember as if it happened this afternoon. Actually, I heard before you. I was an editor at Sports Illustrated and about three hours before the nationally televised announcement, a source close to Magic informed me the three-time MVP "has AIDS." (He was wrong, of course, but it shows we were still learning the language of HIV and AIDS.)
Because we were still in the media dark ages -- before Twitter and websites -- I couldn't break the story. Heck I couldn't even tell anyone at SI because everyone was out to lunch. When my editor returned we both sat in his office stunned.
Then we watched, and while no one said it aloud, almost everyone thought Magic would soon be dead.
Of course we now know that being HIV positive is not a death sentence, and that's in part because of Magic.
In fact, he stands as one of the most significant figures in the evolution of HIV/AIDS. His contracting the virus took the disease out of the closet and put it smack in the middle of the kitchen table.
Suddenly, we were talking to our friends about HIV/AIDS.
We were talking to our neighbors and co-workers about HIV/AIDS.
We were talking to our kids about HIV/AIDS.
But Magic's most vital impact on HIV/AIDS isn't because he contracted the virus, but because he lived with it.
He lived as he always did -- with his head high and with that smile.
He made myriad public appearances in an effort to educate us about HIV/AIDS, as did his wife, Cookie (pictured with him, above, on "Oprah").
And he continued to win. In fact, his success with the multifaceted Magic Johnson Enterprises has made him one of the few recent pro athletes who's made more money in retirement than he did as a player.
He's alive today because of advances in HIV treatment, a disciplined diet and undoubtedly his own positive attitude.
He's been a model for many infected by HIV and an inspiration.
Today, as Magic celebrates, it's appropriate to consider where he stands among the most influential athletes ever.
Not whether he's the best point guard ever (duh) or the best player (many whisper yes). But where he ranks among those athletes who not only were among the best in their sports but who also moved the needle beyond the field or court or ring or rink.
Here are my Top 5:
1) Muhammad Ali
2) Jackie Robinson
3) Billie Jean King
4) Earvin (Magic) Johnson
5) Babe Ruth
Each of the top four had an impact beyond the playing field. They changed us, often at some personal risk or cost. Babe made baseball big time.
My next five:
6) Pele
7) Joe Louis
8) Wayne Gretzky
9) Bill Russell
10) Tiger Woods
Happy 5-0, Magic. Not just because you're here, but because you helped us grow, in ways we never thought we'd see.
Photo courtesy the Oprah Winfrey Show
Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/roysj

Protests: What Is It Good For?

I'll be honest. I am a member of the Green Party so early on I was not an Obama supporter. I was moved by his speech at the Democratic convention in 2004 and by his story. He and his wife inspire me deeply but as a somewhat cynic to the two party system I was not one who came out in favor of him early. As an African American and someone who at one point wanted to be a politician I definitely kept an eye on him, his message, and what people had to say about his campaign.

I followed most closely the news and reports on the McNeil Newshour on PBS. It seemed to be the most fair and balanced. It also delved deeper into the story than most networks (including cable) were willing to do.

Technically I couldn't vote for Obama in the primary election in California because I was not registered in the Demoractic party so no decision was needed from me at that time.

By the time the November election rolled around I was sold. For the first time in many years I was going to vote for a President from one of the major two parties. It was not an easy step for me but one I took gladly in support of what I hoped would be a new direction for the country. I knew it would not come fast or easy but I prayed for just a different way to approach things and even though Obama was part of a traditional party I felt he in some ways in what he exhibited in his personal life reflected that. I didn't agree with him on everything or course but like he says, I too am a believer in being able to disagree on things but still work with someone.

This is a big lead into what this post is all about but I just wanted to give some background. Currently there are alot of protests about healthcare in this country. I don't know all the proposals out there and to be honest since I am covered through my job I probably haven't paid as much attention as I should be doing.

I do think it's time we as a nation have affordable and available healthcare for everyone. I also think it's healthy for there to be debate about how that is accomplished. What has surprised me is the vitriolic reaction I am seeing by people at town hall meetings and in protests.

I saw one news report where a lady said, "I'm 68 and I've never protested a President". I also saw a sign that said, "Voters Remorse" with the symbol that Obama used during the Presidential Campaign.



Again I am not upset that these people are protesting. I think it's healthy. I am not even swayed by the motivations of the conservative bloggers, talk radio, and organizations that are behind it.

What has surprised me is vitriol with which these people have protested. I think back to the run up to the war and I kept wanting people to protest the war and the lies that were used to support it. There was a wave a patriotism and it didn't happen and those who did protest were labeled as left wing extremists and non supportive of our troops. Even as lies have been exposed there has not been a groundswell of support against the war.

The amount of money that has been spent, loss of lives, and the lack of positive gain from these wars is costly beyond our imaginations yet people turn a blind eye. But when it comes to something that could actually benefit people there is name calling, half truths, and political game play.

So it makes me think...

Protests: What Is It Good For?

Hold Your Life In Kindness: Practicing Gratitude With Larry

Hold Your Life in Kindness
Practicing Gratitude with Larry Yang



Saturday, Sept. 19th
9:30 am to 4:30 pm
East Bay Meditation Center
2147 Broadway at 22nd St
in downtown Oakland
(near 19th Street BART)


About this Retreat
As we expand our meditation practices of Mindfulness and Lovingkindness...
As we meet our present moments and lived experiences for what they are
As we meet everything with the gentleness of our simple awareness
As we no longer take our lives for granted --
a kindness begins to arise that is the energy of Gratitude --
the openness and wonder of what the moment really is like --
the "WOW!"of truly living -- not a thought, or dream, or wish...
but our precious life.

Please join us to explore -- experiment -- enjoy -- everything

Registration is required & Space is Limited!
Please click here to register. If that doesn't work, copy and paste the link below into your browser.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=1CNefY_2bEe6qED4F3jQXFNQ_3d_3d

If you still cannot access the online registration link, please send an email with your full name, and "Gratitude" in the subject line to admin@eastbaymeditation.org or call (510) 268-0696.


Dana, or Generous Giving
There is no registration fee for attending this event, nor most EBMC events.
However, EBMC is not independently funded.
The center and the teachers will be sustained only by your voluntary donations (the practice of generous giving, or "dana"). Please donate generously, in proportion to your ability:

* Either online (you will be offered an opportunity at the end of the online registration process)
* Or at the event, where dana will be collected for the center and for the teachers.

Thank you for your generosity. Giving together, our unique, diverse Center will grow and thrive!


About the Teacher
Larry YangLarry Yang teaches meditation retreats nationally and has a special interest in creating access to the Dharma for diverse multicultural communities. Larry has practiced extensively in Myanmar and Thailand, with a six month period of ordination as a Buddhist monk under the guidance of meditation master Ajahn Tong.

Larry is one of the core teachers and leaders of the East Bay Meditation Center. His web page is www.larryyang.org


In order to protect the health of community members with environmental illness, please do not wear fragranced products (including "natural" fragrances) or clothes laundered in fragranced products to EBMC. A list of fragrance free products is posted on the EBMC website, at http://eastbaymeditation.org/accessibility/scentfree.html

Access Symbol
East Bay Meditation Center is wheelchair accessible.

Oakland Art & Soul Festival (New Dates!)

Shawn Colvin, The Bodeans, Will Downing, Bobby Caldwell, Mo’fone, Ramana Vieira Walter Hawkins And More

9th Annual Art & Soul Features a Packed Two-Day Schedule of Top Flight Entertainment

Oakland, CA - The City of Oakland announced headliners and featured performers for this year’s 9th Annual Art & Soul Oakland. Thanks to guaranteed stellar lineups, abundant parking, easy BART access and the bargain price of just $10 per day, Art & Soul Oakland has been named the Bay Area’s “best annual cultural event” by Oakland Magazine and Best Festival by East Bay Express. The SF Weekly added, “Art & Soul is dialed in to practically everything that makes Oakland great.” Held in beautiful, re-energized downtown Oakland three weeks earlier on Saturday August 15,and Sunday, August 16, 2009, the festival delivers four concert stages offering simultaneous talent and diversity featuring an eclectic all-star lineup of 40 national recording artists and hot Bay Area bands sure to please every musical taste. While stage lineups are still being finalized, the acts continue the diverse and wonderful variety that has made Art & Soul the region’s most popular music festival.

Saturday is anchored by headliner and multiple Grammy winner Shawn Colvin on the Art & Soul Main Stage (in association with KFOG 104.5 FM/97.7 FM) Colvin’s tender, crystal clear voice sings of poignantly vivid images of relationships and life with great insight. Her performances are all at once astonishing and haunting, provocative and seductive. Sharing the stage are the BoDeans, the danceable, lean and scrappy folk/rock band once named best new band by Rolling Stone magazine. Now, 20 years later, their romantic sensibility and passionate harmonies linked to simple but potent guitar based rock and roll still excite.

The new Yoshi’s Jazz Stage is newsworthy in and of itself. The lineup was selected through collaboration with the booking agents for both the Oakland and San Francisco Yoshi’s Jazz Club. Headlining on Saturday are the funky brass sounds of Mo’Fone. Jazz Weekly says Mo’Fone, “Snaps and crackles like James Brown’s Famous Flames with a New Orleans second line.” Jazziz sums it up with, “Mo’Fone brings the grease.” The Oakland Public Conservatory of Music under the direction of famed jazz trombonist Angela Wellman opens the day at 12:30 P.M. The smoky saxophone sound of Dayna Stevens follows and then the cool Latin/Soul of Sepia leads into the roaring Mo’Fone close.

Headlining the Plaza Stage’s Local Voices programming on Saturday is world renowned Fado singer Ramana Vieira. Called “A rising star in World Music,” by the San Francisco Examiner, Ramana has solidified her place as an artist who understands the tradition of Fado singing, but constantly combines new musical textures and original compositions. Berkeley-based Indie Rock singer/songwriter Jesse Strickland (aka Dear Indugu) brings an intensely passionate presence and personal lyrics to open the segment, followed by the Afro-Venezuelan sounds of Oakland’s Rosa los Santos.

Abby and the Pipsqueaks and Jump Street open the Plaza Stage with humorous children’s music and family entertainment.

In addition, Saturday features the wildly popular Gospel Stage with Edwin Hawkins and Bishop Walter L. Hawkins and the Community in Praise Mass Choir. An entire afternoon of uplifting, roof-raising Gospel music will abound including Terence Kelly & Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Love Center Choir, Kevin Moore, Carl Wheeler & Men of Endurance and Derrick Hall & Company.

The indomitable Will Downing tops Sunday’s Main Stage line-up (in association with KBLX 102.9 FM) In late 2006, Downing was diagnosed with polymyositis, a disorder causing weakness in joints and muscles. As a result, Downing recorded the majority of his vocals for 2008's After Tonight from a wheelchair. Buoyed by fan support, Downing continued to struggle against the disease and released the soulful Classique in 2009. His gorgeous, smooth, deeply personal delivery connects emotionally with the listener, his song choices are excellent, and his arrangements are extremely sophisticated. Also on the Main Stage is blue-eyed soul singer Bobby Caldwell. Best known for his What You Won’t Do for Love, Caldwell provides a genuine mix of R&B and jazz signatures with his bittersweet, buttery vocal tones that make him equally adept at his own originals or classic standards.

A perennial favorite, the Oakland R&B Reunion Stage is loaded with great acts. Zakiya ******, daughter of the legendary John Lee ******, brings her jazzy, sassy, soul blues to the stage. Freddie Hughes, who had R&B hits all the way back in the 60s, will pump out a set of Southern Soul blues. Derick Hughes adds his powerful, moody blues voice and crack band to what should be a great day of blues. The Caravan of Allstars featuring some of Oakland's finest blues musicians and singers are next. Their shows are very funky, filled with some of Oakland's greatest legends performing in front of the Allstars roaring rhythm section and horn section. Rounding out a great Blues afternoon is Frankie Lee, a legendary, underrated blues singer with more than 45 years experience. Known for his incredible live shows, Frankie says, “Whether it’s one or 1,000, me and my band are gonna put on a show.”

Expect people to be up and dancing at the Latin Stage on Sunday. Chino Espinoza y Los Dueños Del Son headline. Their high energy, infectious music is perfect for the dance club and has made them the most popular Salsa orchestra on the West Coast. Building up to Chino’s show we have Ba-Tu-Ke with their heady mixture of Cumbia, Son, Merengue and Samba mixed with Brazilian and African percussion and sweet vocal harmonies. Sandy Perez y Su Lade offer Afro-Cuban folkloric music with a strong percussion base, and Fito Reinoso returns to Art & Soul Oakland with his stunning Salsa Cubana.

On Sunday, the Plaza Stage is dedicated to World Dance. The stage opens highlighting the youth and adult classes of Bay Area dance studios. That will be followed by a steady stream of Bay Area hip-hop dance crews. The highlight of the afternoon is sure to be Tribute to Michael Jackson presented by Bay Area hip-hop dance companies and featuring dancers from the hit TV series So You Think You Can Dance and America’s Best Dance Crew.

Art & Soul Oakland has great music but that’s not all. A family paradise, the festival boasts the largest Family Fun Zone of any festival in the Bay Area, complete with kiddie rides, children’s entertainment and free festival admission for ages 12 and under. The ever-expanding Family Fun Zone is jam-packed with interactive activities for children of all ages, as well as kid-friendly carnival games, inflatable bouncers and hands-on activities to create their own art to take home. Every year, Art & Soul Oakland features hundreds of artisan and vendor booths as well as a mouth-watering array of food reflecting the rich cultural diversity found in Oakland—the most diverse city in America.

The 9th Annual Art & Soul Oakland is Northern California’s most accessible festival offering direct service from BART (12th Street - Oakland City Center Station) and free parking for thousands of cars. Last year more than 60,000 people enjoyed sensational music, food, fun, dance and art in beautiful downtown Oakland. “Downtown Oakland is hot,” says Samee Roberts, City of Oakland Marketing Director. “Scores of new restaurants, clubs, galleries and the renovated Fox Theater are drawing people from all over the region in droves. It all started with Art & Soul -- a multicultural mecca of music, art and food with the most wonderfully fun, diverse festival crowd you will find anywhere.”

The 9th Annual Art & Soul Oakland takes place in downtown Oakland on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2009 from Noon–6 PM. The festival is centered in Frank Ogawa Plaza and City Center, encompassing 10 strollable city blocks. Admission is $10.00 per day at the door; $5 for seniors, disabled and youth 13 to 17, with 12 and under free.

For more information on the 9th Annual Art & Soul Oakland, visit www.ArtandSoulOakland.com or call (510) 444-CITY.

Date: Saturday August 15,and Sunday, August 16, 2009

BET In Search of Black Homophobic Church Goers

BET is doing an in depth look at homophobia in the Black Church. The producer is looking for someone willing to discuss it. Privacy will be of most importance. Here's her note below. Plz tell folks to contact her if they are willing to talk. Plz send out to everyone you know!

Contact: Karen C Saunders-
BET News,
Senior Producer IN DEPTH
212 975 1595
Or e-mail -
karen.saunders@bet.net

--BET is revamping the network and launching several new shows in the fall. IN-DEPTH is a series of quarterly specials that will examine issues/ social phenomena that affect all of America but we will take a look at how those issues manifest/affect the black community.

Our first hour will focus on homophobia in the black community examining the myth that blacks are more homophobic than other groups we'll discover ways homophobia simply manifest homophobia differently than other groups.

We'll hear poignant stories from the grass roots (the gay choir director and/or church member with a homophobic minister) to the "rarely heard emotional stories" from celebrities like Felicia Snoop Pearson.

We're searching for that church member, someone who on the verge of leaving their home church because of the anti-gay messages from the pulpit. We'd like to interview them for the show.

We hope to capture the unique dynamic that is prevalent in some black churches and throughout many black communities- - a "don't ask-don't tell" philosophy in regards to gays in the church and their families.

It is my sincere hope to capture the pain and the paradox by hearing from someone actually going through the torture of attending a church whose' minister/congregati on has condemned them.

Please have any interested people contact me via email or at the phone number.

Thanks so very much!!

Spoon...

Spoon...

In the minuscule moments before I slip into slumber, as I am readying myself for rest
I think of you holding me, your arms around me in a strong, yet sweet caress

Laying behind me, in an intimate and sensual embrace
I smile at the thought of you nuzzling my neck with your handsome face

You'll be my Nubian King, I'll be your African Prince
Why are you so far away from me? It's not fair, it doesn't make any sense



I want to wake in the morning...
The sound of your voice, will be what I hear first
But I am left longing, baffled... by some cruel joke of the Universe

Come lay with me Cap'n
We'll listen to Phyllis Hyman sing, “Meet Me On The Moon”
Who Knows?
Maybe next lifetime we'll actually get a chance to spoon...



www.myspace.com/theliterarymasturbator
theliterarymasturbator@gmail.com
http://theliterarymasturbator.blogspot.com
Copyright©2009 Jair

E. Lynn Harris and Henry Louis Gates

I was shocked by the death of Michael Jackson. The death of E. Lynn Harris came as a similar surprise.


His first book, "Invisible Life" mirrored my life in so many ways. It became a bit of a lifeline for me. Reading that book helped me connect to a place inside myself that I had been searching for but wasn't sure I could find. It wasn't the only thing. There were a number of forces at work but it definitely help me on the path to self discovery. For that I will be ever grateful.

I read each book he published. Met him at a couple of book signings and have to admit that his last few books became a bit formulaic for me. He will always be one of my favorites. He definitely was someone who inspired me to write. Seeing him do it helped me get to the point where I could believe in me doing it. It's strange to me that both he and BeBe Moore Campbell are both gone. They came up in the "Black Literary" world after Terry McMillan and for me forged new territory. They were also friends so I guess in some way they are together again. The most interesting thing is the recent deaths of Michael Jackson, E, Lynn Harris, My friend and performing partner Min. Regi Perry, Transgender activist and friend Teri. Tinsley, and my niece have me thinking of my own mortality more than I ever have...








The interesting discussions and conversations concerning the arrest of Henry Louis Gates once again proves to me that the notion of a "Post Racial" America simply has not happened.

After offering his opinion about the situation President Barack Obama has been mocked and derided for his words. I totally understand what he meant when said that after proof of being the owner of the house Dr. Gates should've been left alone but I also know I was not there and am seeing this situation through the lens of my experience.

I also actually believe the police officer and his supporters that his intent was not to racially profile Dr. Gates but what seems to be an episode that spiraled out of control is turning into a dialog that has has nothing to do with what happened.

People can pontificate all they want but the fact remains that there are some situations in this country where people in authority use that power in an abusive way. I am not saying that's what happened with Officer Crowley but it does look like the situation could have been handled differently by many parties involved.