Thursday, February 24, 2011

Breathing ...... Open Mic ...... Black History



Every now and again we find ways of breathing in the midst of all the madness that is our national homophobia and other societal phobias affecting us, last evening February 23rd was one such time when a deep breath was taken. Couture Elements a fresh new entity in the GLBTQ entertainment offerings locally hosted one of its mid week Open Mic series at its home The Couture Oasis. As Black History Month draws to a close they organizers decided to host a reflective session calling on older statesmen and women from the community and activities past to as far back as the 1960s and 70s for sharing some of those experiences.

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Though short the time for the night sessions and the lateness of most of the attendees proceedings went ahead as planned touching on everything from the early days of entertainment to exploring the early days of Jamaica's raw homophobia and its possible origins. Most of the attendees though in their early twenties were transfixed to the discussion which to me shows that there is indeed some desire to know about our early experiences from older living stalwarts and ordinary experienced persons. Revelations as to the early days of downtown and the missing violent streak that now obtains brought smiles to many one could almost see a kind of wishing I was around look in many of the patrons listening intently.

Statesmen "Mr. Marshall" accompanied by his longtime sidekick "John" arrived as usual late of course making an entrance as is typical of them both went straight into the meat of the matter(s) while I was in the hot seat in a wonderful exchange with a attentive audience. He reminded older folks like myself of the early problems in the community some of which are still with us such as homelessness and gay on gay violence, his reputation though as a club promoter though was the main matter of the evening. He recalled the early days of police harrassment of his establishment and the tabloid press's hounding and putting out stories casting a cloud on his activities. He remained resolute in carrying on business as he was determined to see his patrons happy at best while making that needed pink dollar.
There were other party promoters but without the rivalry that now exists with disastrous results and he expressed his concerns about the happenings briefly. He also touched briefly on the other communities such as the lesbian and bisexual communities.


All in all the evening went well with occasional humorous outbursts as persons reminisced on days gone by, a piece presented on early Jamaican life by a younger male member of the community was well received harking to the days of Horlicks (food drink for kids), Andrews salts advertisements, JBC and Dennis Hall hosted School Challenge Quiz, black and white television, early gay typed characters in roots plays, old time nine nights, jonkanoo, and other culinary references. The joke segments also were very funny and interesting here is one that was burrowed from a friend's Facebook profile:

"4 POLICE WERE TALKING WEN ONE OF DEM ANNOUNCED 'MAN I HAD A BAD DREAM LAST NITE . ME DREAM SEH TEN BATTY MAN FUCK MI OFF' ONE OF D NEX POLICE REPLIED SHUT U RAAS U NJOY IT CAUSE FROM D FUS ONE TOUCH U U SHOULDA WAKE UP !"

Healthy exchange and hopes

I hope that this kind of forumatic activity continues in allowing us to breathe especially when presented to a larger mixed audience not to bore people to death but carefully and creatively have a solid exchange with a view to have a lasting impression for positive results for the new generation, they are the ones who are going to have carry on the oral and written histories, the fight and the legacy. What is also wonderful about this activity is that it is a conversation between speaker(s) and the audience not just a presenter unloading onto zoned out persons. Another suggestion is the changing of the day to a weekend such as Fridays as many working class persons may have some difficulty attending regularly or staying the late hours as persons often time arrive late or maybe the CE can have the sessions twice weekly.

Breathe, talk, learn, share, respects, Level Up! Couture Elements ..... a wonderful experience.

They recently introduced a membership system but non members can attend for a small contribution of $500.

Peace and tolerance

H

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