Monday, December 27, 2010

THE ULTIMATE ARTIST: Lady Tee Transitioned at 54







Since I was 12 years old I was captivated by this Caucasian soul singer protege of the late Funkster Rick James. Teena Marie died in her sleep on December 26th at her home in Pasadena at the age of 54. She was found by her beloved daughter Alia Rose.

In case you did not know, the first several songs you hear on my blog is none other than Lady Teena Marie. I have saved my favorites. They are pick me ups for me whenever I enter this Sankofa Doll Journal Blog.

You know in 1989 I owned every recording she had ever done? I am not sure what it is about her music that I loved so much. She was an avid reader and a lover of words. I feel like I just lost one of my best friends...

Several reports say that she had a massive seizure about a month ago. I did not know. One report says she may have died of a heart attack in her sleep. However, Alia and her family are keeping the cause tight and I don't them. My heart and soul goes out to her daughter and her family and friends.

It was always my dream to meet her in person and talk to her and though that never happened I still feel very close to her. In my mind, I never thought she would leave so soon!

My favorite of her recordings, of course was the monumental LP "It Must Be Magic." Her lyrics to songs dug so deep within me and I was honored to attend several of her concerts in later years.

One of my favorite liner notes appeared on one of her earlier LPs:

"I have always known there was a purpose in pain as well as joy... for the fine lines of my face remind me of the people who put them there."

I have come to embrace the friendship of so many of her friends on Facebook and I am honored that they have embraced me as their colleague as well.

There is a movement to get her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I hope NOW that she will be recognized for the contributions to art and music that she so surely deserves. I hope now this happens.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME: A Creative Collaboration



MARK YOUR CALENDAR for The Shape of Things to Come: A Creative Collaboration, an art exhibition featuring artists Sharon Keyser- Jackson, Cynthia Farrell Johnson, Desiree Sterbini, Sherry Burton Ways, Lezetta Moyer, Betty Farrell opening January 5, 2011 at the Sandy Spring Museum in Sandy Spring, MD. Please join us for the Opening Reception on Sunday, January 9, 2011 from 2PM to 4PM.

Inducted on PeaceXPeace Board of Directors!


Hello All! I know it has been a while since I blogged. However, I just wanted you to know that I have been recently inducted as the newest member into the Board of Peace x Peace. The mission of Peace x Peace, a Washington, DC based, non –profit organization, is to advocate for effective ,sustained policies and programs that support the advancement of women. The organization “Acts as the connection point, which facilitates dialogue and exchange between women in the Arab and Muslim countries and the Western world. It helps reduce misunderstandings and stereotypes”. Created in 2002 by Patricia Smith Melton and six other woman rights advocates, Peace x Peace was established to help bring harmony to women internationally through social networking and other forms of media.

As the newest board member, I will contribute my leadership expertise, help generate new fundraising activities, and use her marketing acumen to bring increased awareness and donations to the organization. My interest in international affairs was generated through my experience working under President Bill Clinton’s women and girls focused Africa education initiative.

Through this organization, I plan to contribute my artwork and build my dollmaking around peace for women all over the world. I hope you join me in this endeavor!


For more information about Peace x Peace, go to www.peacexpeace.org.