Though well-known among most bookish folks in both over and underrepresented cultural communities, Octavia Butler's work brought an innovation to literature that was sorely needed in race-torn America, and some are only now learning about it. Exploring the unknown and under-embraced dimension of possibilities available in speculative fiction, her work has reached into a potential apocalyptic future in search of practical spiritual direction, shapeshifters and telepaths in the old world, and independence vs. co-dependence through off-world symbolism.
Under-championed by libraries in my area, I hope to see more of a growing awareness of the gems she's left for us, as her work is the kind that expands, rathers than shackles the black and non-black imagination alike.
Placing an urban twist on an Afrikan rural classic, these one size only sandals, are made of upcycled rubber from defunct tires sewn into a sandal. Extreme props for the innovation, and connection with the Motherland continent.
It's all about making history during Black History Month, by looking to the future, ever keeping Ujamaa in mind. Props.
Click the above image to browse and purchase.
There are also Massai Blankets available here.
Pro-Tibet demonstrations took place outside of the UN during Tibetan New Year recently, marking China's 50th year of occupation in Tibet. The day began with a prayer in the morning for those still suffering in Tibet, for the departed, and in general solidarity. A shrine to the Dalai Llama was also erected surrounded by food, Tibetan flags, and candles.
The group, Karma Namgyal, who greeted one another saying 'Free Tibet', intend to demonstrate throughout the year. They hope the US will become more deeply involved by placing pressure on China to clean up its human rights practices.
It is a relief to see a continued raising of voices unified in the intent to see a liberated Tibet. May those who fell, and experienced torture in the struggle, rest in peace.
On behalf of the suffering, and fallen in Tibet we ask: 'Am I Not Human?'
I first learned of Jihae via URB ALT in the fall. There's a lovely tenderness and slightly campy feel to the video. The song is pleasingly URB ALT genre. Uncategorizable, transcendental, and perfect for the moment.
You'll likely be glad to know that my editing carnival is nearly at a close, and I'll be returning more focus to slightly more frequent posts within coming days *_^ Some lovely interviews, artists features, and vegan prn are anticipated. Stay tuned.
More conscious candy arrives for our ears in the form of an EP by the sonically blessed Loer Velocity, a personal favorite in the Ultraviolet Underground.
There's a trend beginning that I rather like, which focuses on the power of nature.
Two films have taken appropriate leaps in the direction of reminding us why nature can be something to fear as much as it is something the sane celebrate, in the stead of poisoning. The first of this 'The Happening' reminds me of the green threat mentioned in a book I read this Spring, when I was first introduced to the name Nnedi, by The Amazing Black Race blog. In Nnedi's book the Shadowspeaker, nature shows her intentionally vicious side as an impressive warning, polluters would never dare risk offending were the nature of this world (which is increasingly sci-fi) to show such a face. In the Happening [spoiler alert] nature utilizes its natural internet to organize and attack the brains of humans with neuro-toxins that cause them to undo themselves. I personally felt the movie was well-done, as some of M. Knight Shymalan's movies can have a jagged edge that is difficult to get engaged with, but I may be biased by the championing of the green reality.
In 'Wall-e', we saw the second example of media that dares to educate as well as entertain. Almost masterfully done, Wall-e tugs at the heart while creating a strong suggestion about our collective gluttony as a society (mostly in the uS and countries patterning themselves after the US, truth be told), and the trash carelessly created that must be dealt with if we are to continue to enjoy the gifts of nature, let alone life. The suggestion is not preachily extended, but intelligently woven into the backdrop of a lovestory that rushes what was almost a great look into the relationship between loneliness and its sublimation into duty, but still manages to move the viewers to 'ooohs and aaahhhs' (although the movie audience I was surrounded by was mostly composed of dissapointing duds who couldn't be bothered to carry an appropriate clap where it was warranted...).
In the past there have been attempts to create green media, that have unfortunately lacked the kick to capture the attention of audiences with extremely conditioned minds and disturbingly short attention spans, but they are only now showing how very successful a theme of meaning can be when woven into art, it's beloved womb.
In recent days we saw the reminder again offered through film in 'The Day The Earth Stood still' , which in a poignant trailer offers a woman begging a mysterious man not to destroy the planet, saying 'We'll change.' Unconvinced, the being advises her the decision has already been made; to basically save Earth from mankind by removing mankind.
"The thing that hurts, that became anger, was when I realized that if you tell the truth — in a country that says you're entitled to tell the truth — you get your face slapped and you get put out of work" - Eartha Kitt (R.I.P)
Racist Cartoonist Sean Delonas has lost his mind, if he thinks the above cartoon is in anyway acceptable. But then, I realize more and more, that racists don't have active neocortexes. Maybe he needs a little help. Let's contact his superiors and request they set an example quickly, and fire him.
The Ultraviolet Underground joins Electronic Village and Al Sharptonin demanding The Post publically clarify what point they were trying to make in this cartoon, and reprimand their cartoonist for making inferences that are offensive and divisive at a time the nation struggles to come together to stabilize the economy if, in fact, this was yet another racially charged cartoon.
update: Col Allan's box seems to be full... You can also make sure your voice is heard, by participating in the Color of Change campaign here
I sent the following: "I am writing to request clarification from your publication regarding the point the bullet riddled chimpanzee cartoon is making, if it is not a racist point.
I am appalled it was printed, and had to check the name of the newspaper several times to be sure I was seeing what I was seeing. As trusted as your newspaper has been, I would hope you would publish a retraction and an apology to your community of readers, regardless of what culture they hail from. There are people of European descent who are just as disgusted with this incident as people of color. If no such retraction or apology is printed, I have no problem boycotting your newspaper for life, while suggesting others do as well. In reality, this cartoon is not only deeply insulting, it is criminal. Suggesting the commander in chief be murdered by police is an act that can fan the flames of those whose minds are not well, and easily influenced. You owe it to your readers to be trustworthy. The printing of this 'cartoon' has broken trust with your readers. Personal racist daydreams have no place in a newspaper."
Food for thought is always appreciated. B.o.B's voice comes through more on this track than it did on 'I'll be in the sky'. For a minute, it was uncertain what his sound was, and if it was his own. We're still keeping an eye on him, as the consciousness is appreciable.
Rza gets extreme respect for this powerful move to change the face of sabotaged neighborhoods, where patience and critical thinking are a crucial matter of survival, and opportunity.
Read for Fun is a book parents and instructors would want youth to enjoy, for sure. It will keep them occupied. The workbook has tons of fun mini comics and many many puzzles, so you don't have to worry about your kids breaking things and poking around looking for something to do, while your working in the next room.
I'd say this is a read for kids ages 9-14. I say 9-14 because there are some parts that involve loss of limbs, which is not something a younger child should see. Also there are some words a younger child might scratch there heads at, though there is a great deal of educational value in this workbook. The incorporation of "that means" and "sounds like" as workbook guides is an interesting twist to activity books I haven't seen before. The average activity book will give directions but with Read for Fun your kids will enjoy a mascot to go with those directions.
Though I'm 15 I still found this to be a rather interesting publication. I may even find myself doing some of the activities to keep me occupied. The cover is bright, and the quality of the book is on par with mass produced publications in the activity book market. I will definitely read the comics many times over. They are well done short comics that give you an idea of what Black Culture comics are like. Ecbacc has outdone themselves.
PZ says: From an adult perspective, I agree with Q's assessment. Ecbacc already provides a needed outlet and meeting point for creators and consumers of Black alternative comics, art and literature annually with their convention. It is an added bonus that they have begun to publish their own books. It is hoped there will be more to come. The illustrations are lush, and the work put into this volume overall, is admirable.
I only have one word of caution to parents, as being a parent myself I would want advance warning in case I wanted to further expose a young child to the Memnon character introduced in the workbook, as some parents may be inspired to invest in the series for their children. The second book in the Memnon series has extremely mature scenes involving graphically inferred sexual violence, especially where the Minotaur demon is concerned. While an adventurous, historically educational and incredibly well-written story, it is absolutely not for young audiences. I would however recommend it for you, to include in your adult reading. The series is available through Amazon.
Golliwogs aren't something many people of color are familiar with in this country, but they've been an overt disrespect in the form of a doll, to citizens of *Afrikan ancestry in England. The Golliwog is an anti-Afrikan caricature with exaggerated Afrikan features, and the bright red clown lips we've seen in American racist caricatures depicting people of Afrikan descent. They have their roots in England's depraved era of slavery, where they were given as mocking gifts to children.
The dolls have come to our scrutiny lately after Margaret Thatcher's daughter, Carol, used the term Golliwog to reference a male tennis player participating in the Australian Open tournament. She dismissed her comments as a joke, and has not lost her position as a result of her racial slur (perhaps the joke was like the one Tiger Woods' 'friend' used about him involving a noose?).
Needless to say, the Golliwog 'doll' needed to be banned long, long ago. Let's get that in effect now, so those with sluggish functioning in their neo-cortexes won't mistake them as justification for using, Golliwog, jokingly to describe a person of color.
This post statement at Sojourner's Place made me aware of the issue and the need to become vocal about it. I hope you will post about this issue as well in your dimensions:
"I am urging all Sojourners, if you are so inclined, to our collective voice be heard across the waters in protest and solidarity with our sisters and brothers. You can do so by writing a post about these controversial and racist creatures or by leaving a comment at anyone of the UK blogs and electronic venues discussing this issue. We know there is strength in numbers and change can come even when the status quo tries to stop it."
Related note: It's amazing to me how much overt and even 'unconscious' racism expressed among liberals there actually is. Even shopping yesterday, a friend and I experienced 'the racial side-eye' and overt ridiculousness, which my friend, a businesswoman shopping for supplies, feverishly reported to the manager, who thankfully acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and sought to make amends. It really placed things in perspective for me. I am very aware of the problem that is white supremacist-based which causes us to seek ways to heal the damage, while breaking the cycles of self-hate it has conditioned into communities of color, and I dare say the 'vibes' are even worse now that a person of color has been "allowed" into the role of Commander-in-chief in America (...or perhaps there are those who will say I'm being sensitive? )
... Disturbing to say the least, but we can raise our voices and stand in solidarity, because ignorance is a sign of limited intelligence that reaches for the hope of feeling superior, when in reality ANYONE that is reasonably balanced couldn't be concerned in the least with feeling superior.
::exhausted sigh::
*The spelling 'Afrikan' is used in solidarity with the ideology of Pan-Afrikanism which acknowledges the scourge of colonization and white supremacist ideology that has waged both overt and covert war on people of color, with Afrikan roots, the world over.
Dirty Fuzz's determined true-to-art ethos, and vintage rock sound hailing from Britain, bring a fiery, organic guitar-mance to the other black experience. Props and appreciation.
warning: some colorful language in interview and music intro footage.
There are so many talented artists locatable via online dimensions that I want to give proper shine to in the underground and Purple Mag. It just won't do not to share names and links of some of the flyest alternative veterans and budding geniuses. The solution seemed obvious to me recently, as I wracked the crown trying to figure out how to get ample coverage to the many acts and artists of various mediums out there, without losing vital time to eat or sleep. The following list and blog series (links to blog series posts will be added to this master list as they appear): 'They are many' is the solution. It allows me to say a few words, include a link, pic, and possibly a few vids in an effort to compile the indie lovelies you may well swoon for if you are only made aware they exist *_^
The artists aren't listed in a particular order, as they are beautiful, talented and all bringing something to the table that the community needs, craves, and blooms to.
Enjoy, and as always feel free to extend your suggestions: purplemag at gmail.com
Electro-pixie MILLS gives new meaning to the term 'alt'. Hypnotic chords, smooth matter-of-fact slinky phrasing, and luxurious vocal lace make for a transfixing experience into the other black experience.
AuntKeke sticks to your thoughts, dusting off neglected brain cells, replaying infectious melodies that resonate with the warrior punkette in your heart with its brow raised, and a question poised for the mainstream, waiting to saunter from sumptuous lips.
PZ says: Most assuredly more to come (eventually this will be a master list for extremely easy searching as it is much needed for the locating of indie phenoms). Give a sistah a moment to compile them.
Part Deux & Trois will likely include the following (pardon the delay, a sistah has to get back to editing the final draft of an expanded Motherland faerietale due in a week or so):
Honeychild Coleman Imani Uzuri Proton Lightspeed Champion Nerdkween BLKJKS OMG (Clever and lush) Trezure the Empress (Alt sexy) Dwarfstarr (Legendary) Kendal Amanda Ray Tawiah Corinne Stevie The Smyrk TVOTR The Eternals California King Kudu Blakbushe Chewing Pics (transcendental, melancholy, otherworldly) Sterling (We listen to her on the reg-u-lar) Shinobi Ninja
Adonya Wong, founder of M.O.C.H.A (Mothers of Color for Holistic alternatives), has written a book that highlights the extraordinary perspective of the Autistic child. Her book, In my mind, takes us on a journey through the mind of an autistic child of color, who may appear on the outside to be thinking or intending one thing, but in reality possesses an interior world beyond our comprehension.
From the beginning of the tale, there's a substantial tugging at the heart as Adonya conveys, through a whimsical but powerful journey into interior potentials, just how little the average person grasps about the potential and expansive perspective of autistic youth.
Most remarkable about this book though is the story's ultimate message to the readers, which upholds one crucial truth: We know very little about the interior worlds of other individuals, and under-serve one another by placing restrictions upon each other with limiting judgments. This applies to children and adults who are considered challenged, unusual in some way, and even those we think we know so well.
Adonya Wong's book offers you a very positive way to promote expansive thinking, celebration of diversity, and tolerance of the unknown through your child's personal library.
If you are a soul singer, band, MC or live visual artist who would like to participate, please submit your electronic press kit to CapitalHipHopSoulFest@gmail.com. Visit www.CapitalHipHopSoulFest.com to see photos from last year's event. Acts must hail from the DC/MD/VA area.
Rob Fields is looking for Black Rock, URBAlt, Afropunk artists interested in being a part of his Boldaslove.us compilation.
Rob Says:
Here's the deal:
1. This is strictly promotional, i.e., no money will change hands either for the use of the track or for the downloads that result (they'll be free). 2. Ideally, I'm looking for tracks from albums that have been released recently, as in within the last two, maybe three, months. 3. It will help you most if your album/EP is available on AmazonMP3.com. If it's not, I understand that you can set this up easily with a service such as Tunecore.
Interested? Send me your track or a link to download it at sounds [at] boldasmedia [dot] com. If I like it, I'll get back to you with some paperwork. Deadline for submissions is Friday, February 27.
UU is currently undergoing digivations. Pardon the busy layout *_^ We're experimenting w/featuring the Candy Anomaly Otherbox feed on-site. Please bear with *_^ Scroll down the left column to peep the Otherbox blog feed.
If you haven't signed (click the image for more info on @Justice4Aiyana's petition):
Issues and fantastical tomes via VioletPaper (more in the works)
note:
There's currently something askew with the domain forwarding. As we work to get it resolved, links may come up broken. All recent PurpleMag issues can be found at our Issuu.com landing. Enjoy.
Purple Magazine Modern Mythmaking for underrepresented culture since '06
Our 11th issuing has arrived (it's just a little something until the next issue can receive full focus).
Shine Bright.
More green and fantastical books and boons here, or click the cover of the 2nd Wonderdark issuing if you only want to see the books.
Click the above image for Issue#9 acquisition.
Wonderdark: The Awakening of Zuza Fantasy for melinated mythists/Faerypunks, Black/POC Faery realm appreciators, and herbivores.
Click the image for the public online-read or to acquire a digigraphed download visit purplemag.com > The extras section includes the Zizeru mini cookbook in the extras section, and Hivemind RPG game.
Wonderdark on Kindle rides the Aetherbeam to the 3rd dimension in August.
Extras details in the press releasein from Loomcity.
Visit Zambarau, or the author page on Goodreads for additional splendor.
Email purplemag@gmail.com for information on digital review copies and
intel on the print release.
Description and review links/screenshots (Scroll to the bottom)
Update 4/27/11: Requests for ARC screener copies of future VioletPaper tomes are now being accepted through CandyAnomaly at gmail.com
Wonderdark: Dara and The Dream Engine has been publically available from mid-2011 - Review copies are available for established reviewers. The private ARC was a public ARC before it was released commercially (previews are featured in the 1st Black Faery Anthologies (2010) - see cover above for direct link). The ARC contact is: CandyAnomaly at gmail.com
Older Black Faery tales in the Books of Zambarau-Maji Omnibus link in Zambarau
2009
Changes for the schedule at UltravioletUnderground are here.
Look for the Monthly affirmation and totem features on the 3rd of every month in the Monthly Mass Meditation post. Click here for the details of the Monthly Mass Meditation.
Also, your comments are appreciated and read. Due to a multitasking whirlwind, I'm not always able to respond, but I aim to as often as possible between the editing and raising of the teenager. Emails are nearly always responded to, unless they are more of a commentary, or somehow unstable in nature.
Shine on ^_^
Scroll down to 'Ultraviolet Underground is...' for Graphic design/Illustrative/Technical-writing/Ghostpenning (anonymous work-for-hire lit) contract-invoice work intel from the creative team who do layout work for Purple Mag.
Darfur. Tibet. Congo. Haiti. Uganda. Burma.
Who would you add to the list of areas impacted by consumerism, tyranny and war profiteering? Raise Awareness.Join us on the 27th of the month to raise awareness through our blogs and means for our siblings connected to us by the roots of humanity who have the right to peace and plenty. (Click the above logo to visit the main blog).
Click here for the Afrospear blogroll and past archived grassroots campaigns at UU.
Some of the links to the archives ended up missing in the last edit, but the posts are available in the 'The Grassroute' and 'Call for Solidarity' label.
Shop Humanely. It's Changing The World.
Click the Green Earth For an Important Message And Links That Will Help You Support a Cruelty-Free, Healthy Green Planet.
Update (1/2009):The full of title of Maji, is 'The Books of Zambarau- Maji Omnibus'. To avoid brand confusion (with two other books of similar title) moving forward the omnibus will be printed and listed with the full title (this should be finalized shortly on the Amazon page).Past entries and commercials are undergoing updating. Please bear with.
Thankyou for your interest. Spread positive multicultural images to the youth. Invest in healthy media for a healthier culture. Buy conscious Indie.
Watch The Books of Zambarau-Maji-related video and view updates here
Conscious (sub?) Culture for the Underrepresented Roots of Everything.
We are subcultural alternative soul. We do not follow the way of the masses. We embrace quality art. We embrace conscious activity. We consider other conscious bloggers to be fam. We don't sweat arrogant and obviously insecure 'elitists'. If it's dope, we will wave our technicolor pom-poms. The world is changing. The blogosphere has proven that. The power is once again where it should be... in the minds and hearts of 'the global people'.
Energy Mail: theultravioletunderground@gmail.com to connect or contribute.
Contributors/Collaborators:
PurpleZoe Editor, Wordpainter/Image&EtherWriter, Reincarnated Black Faerie (For contract-invoiced logo-work, book covers (photostock and typesetting are the most affordable starting at 50.), illustrations, technical writing/ad copy/ghost-writing contact me via: purplemag at gmail.com (with 'Service Request' in the subject line)
A contract invoice is utilized for every order to ensure a clear vision is worked on from the onset of the project. A complimentary change round is included w/ every order for small-medium changes to your original vision. Any changes after that are charged by the hourly minimum 50., except for freelancer error correction (those remain free, if something has been missed by the artist). See Purple Mag covers and Modern Myth story illustrations in past issues,and/or email a request for the PurplePress kit for further examples.
Q. Youth Contributor, Voice of the future, Graphic Artist (Commission prices start at 50. and up for pencil commissions, 75. and up graphic design- Inquire via purplemag@gmail.com for examples and commission contract) Compare Commission priceswith industry standards here.
Guest Ink Faeries Artists and Scribes with the good word drop intel our way from time to time...
We keep it relatively balanced round these parts for the benefit of the youth that so few have bothered to consider might be watching in recent times... Naturally art and censorship aren't close friends, and knowing this we aren't ridiculous, but we do frown upon unnecessarily graphic toxins. There's enough of it out there. We dig the artisans who strive to be creative with the language for reviews, grassroots campaigns, multimedia offerings (incl. cross-promotional offerings) metaphysical articles and etc.
We'd loveto connect with our Brothers and Sisters who wield a solid camera and dig conceptual photo stories, create Repurposed/DIY fashions, Wield a fierce illustrating/writing ink or digital pen, and have interest in being part of collective that celebrates the Conscious and Underrepresented through UU, Purple Mag, and other Fly collectives they may wish to co-illuminate in the underground...
Ultraviolet Underground is updated regularly. To receive regular blog feeds,updates and other goodies through the mail, subscribe to the Ultraviolet Underground feedburner mailing list at the top of the sidebar. Privacy is respected.
Donations: We accept them and offer gifts in return ^_^ You may receive an energy analysis, energy-related services, repurposed DIY goods, digital media dependent upon availability of any given gift. Inquire within for details. Monies are utilized for overhead in magazine features, grassroots campaign needs, daily bread, and other utilities for ultravioletunderground.com mgmt.
If you have a tablet pc or two or some Navisis products to transform a regular laptop to tablet-mode (so our budding graphic artists can enjoy the ease of drawing on the pc screen while they grow in artistic prowess) to donate or would like to barter and trade (ie. you need a press release, pr assistance, vibrational medicine, creative intelligence, quirky vocals on a track, ad space, or other things we can possibly provide...) feel free to drop us an energy mail: theultravioletunderground@gmail.com
Complimentary Reiki Signup
Click the Paisley Daisy for our Complimentary Sunday Reiki List
We had to replace the link to the last free Reiki organization because it appears they send guilt-prompting letters for donations stating how many healings you've received after a time (usually after three weeks). It was disappointing to us so we have found a few others that could be of use, where the Reiki healing truly comes from the heart. We are also thinking we will remove our previous post recommending them so no one is misled through our site.
If you're interested in being featured on UU or in Purple Magazine, email pics and a bio that includes how you got started, what inspires you, and what your vision is for your project, movement, or etc. Include any coming events or releases, so they can be included in the writeup.
note: If your hoping to submit a guestpost, you can peep our submission guidelines above for PurpleMag/UU. We heart guest posters who bless the underground, and cross-promote with seriousness for our fellow indies and greenies. We're not fond of procrastination though, so please only contact us if you will follow-through out of respect for our planning time and the importance of our word to the audience.
You can include 'buy' links as well for any projects you have available for purchase.
To send item samples for our review, email us for a physical address through purplemag at gmail.com to make direct contact with a designated reviewer (reviewer availability varies and rotates dependent upon the product focus). Features are not guaranteed, but are most likely to appear if they are indie/grassroots based, and bring something to the table of underrepresented culture and subcultures.
Shine on *_^
Ubuntu is the free OS choice for wisened folks tired of PC sabotage
...Enjoy a virus resistant PC experience without 'the man' digging in your pockets... You can even order a free disk in the mail if you don't wish to download. Afraid of not being able to run Windows compatible apps? Codeweavers.com offers a Windows app reading plug-in that creates a virtual compatibility right within Ubuntu. Yep. Grassroots Prevails...
Enjoy my 'Noob' recommendations for Ubuntuans just starting out or looking for more applications and other useful info... ~~~~~~* -
Click the Zuluchyle to visit Ubuntu Central and get yours...
Support Underground Culture (The Roots of Awareness)
Dope quote:
"There are no accidents. nothing is random. There are only acts of an invisible higher power that uses very conceivable means to communicate with us on a moment-by-moment basis. We are spoken to in words, in actions, by the language of nature, numbers, colors and the list goes on and on. We can chose to either learn the language of God or ignore. That is what free will is all about."
- TheGarnerCircle (Pr)
To subscribe contact: subscription@trace212.com with the proper mailing and billing address(es) along with a telephone number where you can be reached. A TRACE representative will contact you to begin your subscription.
"We're in an age where moving forward as a people requires a collective choice to heal the rifts of conditioning imposed upon us in our ancestral past. It won't do to embrace the poisons pumped into the minds and spirits of our community. It's time to rise above the corrupted caricatures painted onto the Black community, and reach within ourselves with self love and respect to embrace the purity of self-defined archetypal consciousness, as its the only consciousness that can hold truth."
-UltravioletUnderground.com
Underground Dwellers
Yahoo has absorbed Mybloglog. For this reason, we've left them.
Throw Yahoo's name in the search bar at the blog's top left and a couple of posts detailing why should show up.
In short, Yahoo, AT&T, Verizon, AOL and others sharing a creepy bed, have been involved in wiretapping, fighting to dismantle internet freedom, censoring activist emails from members, and well, the list goes on...
Don't trust them.
Sorry Iphone owners. You should get an opensource, open app
Openmoko
photo: 
Believe (Black Faerie) Dazjae(C)06
