With our parents and our children, we saw three generations of hip-hop enjoying themselves together without drugs, alcohol, or violence at the First Annual Jackson Street Block Party. It was off tha chain! Over 200 people showed up to participate in the Aug. 27 party at Delina's on 26th and South Jackson Street.
When going through the people present it reads like a "who's who" of Seattle-area media and hip-hop entertainment personalities: Charles Mudede of The Stranger, Lurn of Frequency Latte, Georgio Brown and Noni Cavaliere of Coolout TV, DJ Kun
Luv of Seaspot Media Group, Phreewil and Inkubiz of the Mind Movers/Project Mayhem, and John Moore of Jasiri Artist Management and co-host of KUBE 93 FM's Sound Sessions.
Performers who took the stage and moved the crowd to the highest degree included: Mista Benjamin (Deuce 8 Records), Silent Lambs Project (4bc), DJ Roc' phella (Future Funk Entertainment), Felicia V. Loud, Choklate (Jasiri Artist Management), Laura "Piece" Kelley (BET Def Poetry Slam) & her students from local high schools.
The Block Party also hosted the First Annual Black Panther Community Service Awards. Let's face it, 'official' awards ceremonies usually reward snakes, fakes, idiots with smart financial backers as well as warmongers.
The Black Panther Awards were conceived as a way for the grassroots community-activists to show their collective appreciation for the work award recipients get @#$! on for doing in their day-to-day lives trying to do what's right.
Black Panther Recipients included:
-Gordon Curvey of Music Inner City; for over 15
years of service to Seattle hip-hop and R&B community.
-Janet Jones; a videographer who is creating a film about Seattle's Black Panther Party history.
-Aaron Dixon; founder of the Seattle chapter of the Black Panther Party and Central House, a transitional housing project for homeless youth.
-Ron Johnson; former Seattle Black Panther, O.G. activist, minister, and evangelist from Miracle Temple who gave an inspiring talk to the crowd.
-And last, but not least, Keek (a.k.a. The Ghetto Prez) of Seasick Records and Graphics for his service to up and coming artists from the Central Area.
The feeling of brotherhood and love radiated in that vacant lot: the kids played; conversations arose between young and old, Christian and Muslim; and the smell of burgers fresh off the grill filled the air.
Gordon Curvey summarized the event nicely during his acceptance speech:
"Much love for the award! Of all the awards I have gotten this means the most to me because it is from my people in my town, in my hood! The event was great and I had a good time rapping with cats I have not rapped with in a long time. I would have been there, award or not! Once again much love and hope this event is done every year."
Coming up in the next Concrete Jungle...
New Orleans prisoners abandoned in Parish Prison
One of the more disturbing examples of governmental neglect and racism towards the people of New Orleans was sent to us via e-mail: "The prison guards and other staff left, evacuated the prison and left the inmates there to fend for themselves."
Have a thought or two for GCL1 and Moorpheus? Write them at editor@sdistrictjournal.com.
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