Saw "Selma" Today. Why You Should Too.

NJFantastic in many ways. Go see this film!

Why:
This is NOT the usual Hollywood African-American history movie nor is it about MLK, the icon/legend of the Civil Rights Movement. There is no white savior. This film IS about the movement work leading up to the "Selma" marches and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This film CENTERS the many people who were involved including MLK and Coretta Scott King.

"Selma" is directed and produced by Ava DuVernay (previous contractual obligations prevent her from getting screenplay credit) the first black female director to be nominated for a Golden Globe Award for this film. That's right. This is not another movie done through the lens of a straight, cis, white man. It is done through the lens of someone whose family still lives in that part of the state. A black female someone.

This film is so timely right now as to be uncanny, but this is how the universe works. For me, there is a direct connection from the events and struggles depicted in Selma to the current social justice movements in the U.S. It makes clear to me (okay, clearer) that the forces we live under now are simply a (sometimes not so) disguised continuation of the forces then.

I could go on. Go see for yourself.

©2014 Kim L. Ford

Just a thought....about neighborhoods

I've been thinking about what is and isn't in my neighborhood (a short walking distance that feels comfortable and quick). What is: 3 diners (2 with the same owners, 1 sometimes operating as a sports bar), 1 real sports bar, 3 chinese takeouts, 3 supermarkets, 2 dry cleaners (same owners) 8 so-called delis, 4 bodegas, 2 jamaican food spot/restaurant, 1 caribbean/cuchifrito restaurant, 6 fast food spots (I'm including 2 dunkin donuts), and more. What isn't: a hardware store, a florist, a bakery.

On a walk beyond my usual perimeter (not that far, just not a quick run and includes a steeper hill). Here's what I noticed: 2 florists, 2 bakeries, 3 hardware stores, a myriad of dollar stores, restaurants & food spots (jamaican, spanish, african), bodegas & at least 1 supermarket, and more.

This leads me to wonder about my definition of neighborhood. Is it about what's in closest proximity or is it further, say a train stop or a bus ride away? Is it even further maybe taking a 30 minute walk or 20 minute bus ride?  Maybe it's not saying it's in my nabe, but it's b in my area.....

©2014 Kim L. Ford

Reconciliation

There are times I receive the message of where my work lies is so very powerfully. I feel that my heart and spirit know it clearly, and yes, even my head may know it in a fuzzy "kind of /sort of" way. The hard part is landing on just what THAT work looks while still being mindful that I also need income producing work.

©2014 Kim L. Ford