LaShaun Phoenix Moore pushing purses and poets for the SASHA Center.

Andre (Dj SoundCircle) and I performed a special set as The EchoVerse called “Sistahs”. The piece, inspired by “Miss Celie’s Blues” from the Color Purple, is blended with one of my favorite poems “Masterpiece”. In preparing for this performance he really stressed the importance of us doing something that expressed our love and adoration for these women as brother allies. As always his creative instincts were right on target.

What better way to hit the mark than to seek inspiration from one of the most celebrated films within the African-American community. Many women can identify with the plight of Miss Celie, and as Kalimah noted, sexual assault among African-American woman is historically rooted in the very fabric of American culture and society. Although the institution of slavery was abolished by law, the side effects are still being managed in current day life. The SASHA Center is providing space specifically for women of color to have this discussion within loving spaces.

Ms. Johnson is a survivor, and dedicated her life and passions to healing the suffering within her community. She’s accomplished this as an advocate, and now she’s taking her ministry to another level by providing support groups. It’s unfortunate that culturally responsive support groups aren’t the focus of major funding sources. To many women and men carry these burdens feeling as if they have no support. Some find healthy outlets and others much less, which is why supporting programs like the SASHA Center is a necessity.

The following is the poem “For Sistahs” performed by The EchoVerse (JyObadele and DJ SoundCircle) during Poets and Purses at L!V Resto Bar in Downtown Detroit’s Bricktown area. It was a pleasure performing for so many beautiful spirits, and we hope we’re invited to do it again next year. Did I mention, they had some great purses for auction. They raised over a thousand dollars that evening. You can continue to support by visiting www.SASHACenter.org.

For Sistahs

Sistahs, everyday you breathe
a spiritual masterpiece with each experience
reminding you of the Importance of applying bold strokes of color
To your beautiful ebony canvass of flesh.

We see you cherishing the unknown about folk
Despite all the labels: Mother, sistah, wife, lover, friend,
Queen and Goddess. All these titles are you,
And they bless you as a precious piece of art.

Sistahs, recognize
you are earthly deities;
the journey into balance;
and the very essence
of all humanity.

Within you the Goddess is genderless
in spirit, and empty of religious piety
She shutters at perfection,
embracing acceptance over the
indulgence of our own intolerance,
rejecting false idols for true self.

She is the evolution of life,
cyclical nature in virgin form.
So while she embodies
the curious question,
she sheds light upon sudden
answers illuminating the
hidden from the unknown.

We find the Goddess in
colors constant change denying
that comfort is peace being still
no lessons-learned, no competitive will
cause the rebirth requires her
blood and pain, a constant
discomfort fasting from
sanity within this mundane

That’s why we should all find
The Goddess in you and me, like
Love in a wise old oak tree
And in little bitty black babies who
Breast feed

In inner fields of rugged peace,
my Goddess is flawed beauty in every
seat here tonight

So as your disciples
we host a cipher of lessons learned
The EchoVerse is your warriors
Loving on you today

It’s your well-being we celebrate
in every way; cause you are Mother,
you are sistahs, you are wives, and lovers too,
you are friends, Queens
and Goddesses.

through all these titles we
choose to embrace the essence in you so
that God becomes about you and me
and all our infinite possibilities
our collective creative connectivity
to a Goddess all about us and we.

So we see you putting the
final touches upon your masterpiece
Waiting for the brush to lift
Patiently, for the stroke to whip
Because when acrylic transcends canvass,
Somewhere out there will hover a soul
Sculpted sleek and oblique in celluloid thoughts

Knotted strings of sparkled pearls
twisted still into other days
either way you’ll be robbed in rose petal pageantry
sacrificing the dressings,
basking upon the many blessings,
stroked into antiquity,
cast by the very likes of
a goddess like you

Sometimes silly in whims
and maniacal ends, even sometimes tragic
trust that you will strangle the love like strangefruit
mocks a staggering still, oh racing fleeting fields,
in shepard’s dashing will herding
wired thoughts into solemn calm.

you are Mothers, you are sistahs,
you are wives, and lovers too, you are friends,
Queens and Goddesses.

It’s through all these titles we
choose to embrace the essence
of you, Sistah.

This is for the sistahs
Who feel the weight of the world
Rest upon their shoulders
This is for the sistahs
raising young brothers
Sistahs, fighting off other brothers
Struggling to be mothers

We are The EchoVerse
And we need you to know
We’re here to protect you
And most of all
We love you

Sistahs, Sistahs, Sistahs, Sistahs,
Sistahs, Sistahs, Sistahs, Sistahs

I betcha think most brothas don’t know nothin’
To you, I’m just another brotha with
half assed lyrics and rhymes to chime
But oh sistahs, The EchoVerse got some news for you
See we be brothas who know a litta bitta of somethin’
And we want you to know we think you be special too

So while you tote the dreams of our future
Up busy thoroughfares, down winding roads
Know the darkness always subsides
To the shine of a sunrise
So trust us and deny those negative brothas
an opportunity to glow

Sistahs let The EchoVerse tell you somethin’
No twista has the power to dim your shine
Or slow the growth of your rise
We don’t have a lot of time

So sistahs, shake your shimmy
Cause in The EchoVerse we want you
Feelin’ real fine.

Sistahs, Sistahs, Sistahs, Sistahs,
Sistahs, Sistahs, Sistahs, Sistahs

Sistahs, you’ve been on my mind
Sistahs, we’re two of a kind
Sistahs, I’m keepin my eye on you.

Sistahs, you’ve been on my mind
Sistahs, we’re two of a kind
Sistahs, I’m keepin my eye on you.

Detroit, MI – SASHA Center (SASHA Center, a Michigan 501c3 nonprofit) and its Board of Directors are proud to present a poetry and purse sale to raise funds for the culturally specific Peer Educational Support Group Series-SOAR.   This event is in support of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April) and will take place on Friday, March 29, 2013, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at L!V Resto Lounge, located at 641 Beaubien Street, Downtown Detroit MI.

The “POETS AND PURSES” event will feature local poets, artists, musicians, and performers who have joined SASHA Center to raise awareness about sexual violence and cultural relevance.  Performers include Honeycomb, La Shaun phoenix Moore, D.S. Sense, Dimonique, Legacy, Billione, Elizabeth Whittaker, One Single Rose, Fluent, Scheherazade Washington Parrish, EchoVerse and Kalimah “LocMama” Johnson, Founder of SASHA Center and the sounds will be provided by: DJ InCreDUBle.  There will be drink specials and other special guest surprises at this event.

Poets and performers will serve as live entertainment while gently used handbags are being sold and/or auctioned during the event. All proceeds will benefit SASHA Center.  Light refreshments will be served and this event is FREE and open to the public!

 “This event will really help us to continue to provide culturally specific programming to self-identified survivors of rape.  Our goal is to remove the shame and guilt related to sexual violence and to provide a safe space for survivors.” We can be contacted at 1-888-865-7055 for more information and to inquire about our culturally specific support group series.

The leaders of Michigan’s eight lesbian, gay, transgender and bi-affectionate (LGBT) community centers have embarked on a 100 day hunger strike to protest the states extremely hostile environment for LGBT Michiganders. Currently, they are denied marriage equality, are not allowed second-parent adoptions, and can be fired and denied housing. Recently, Gov. Snyder signed into law a bill that striped public employees of domestic partner benefits.

This sparked LGBT community centers in Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Tri-Cities, and Detroit to organize a Gay Families Matter Rally on the steps of the capital in Lansing. The <a title=”Hungry4Equality” href=”http://www.hungry4equality.com” target=”_blank”>Hungry 4 Equality</a> campaign is a “Rolling Hunger Strike” in which strikers participate in a public, 24 hour fast starting at 9:00 a.m. Monday, July 30th until the November election. Organizers are recruiting 100 people to be strikers, and have received commitments from all the executive directors of the 7 LGBT community centers across Michigan.

Strikers have committed to participating in a public 24 hour fast at the Hungry 4 Equality headquarters in Affirmations, Michigan’s largest LGBT community center based in Ferndale. A living room setup has been prepared for a major social media push, and live streaming through the November election. High profile political figures, community activist and allies are expected to participate.

The campaign will spot light specific policies and policy makers in a public hall of shame. The intent is to educate the public on the identity of targeted policy makers who, for the most part, have operated under the radar of many Michiganders. Polls have shown growing support for LGBT related issues in the state. But with all branches of government controlled by conservative politicians, and a Michigan Supreme Court that appears to be heavily politicized organizers know they have an uphill battle.

So, how can YOU get involved

1. Become a Striker – Call Megh Hollowell (734) 629-6069 to sign up to participate in a 24 hunger strike. Strikers will be featured in Affirmations window space during the 24 hour commitment.
2. Become a Strike Supporter – If you cannot strike or have limited time, support strikers during the late night and early morning hours by keeping them company while the center is closed.
3. Donate to the Hungry for Equality Campaign – Donate money to a LGBT community center closest to you. Go to the website for more details: <a href=”http://www.hungry4equality.com” rel=”nofollow nofollow” target=”_blank”>www.hungry4equality.com</a>.
4. Become a Strike Sponsor – If you are a business owner, sponsor the campaign!
5. Be a Strike Advocate – Stop by the Hungry 4 Equality advocacy table and get out the vote, call your politician or one of the top 5 and let your voice be heard, help with get out the vote efforts.
6. Help us get the word out by educating people about the upcoming election and the issues important to them. We have phones, computers and scripts to use here at Aff. Check out the website: Hungry4Equality.com

Please call Program Coordinator, Megh Hollowell to sign up or if you have any questions: (734) 629-6069

‘”Stand Up & Be Counted” is a powerful, experience exemplifying where the LGBT movement is currently,” said Victoria B. Edwards, director of development for KICK. “With the downfall of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, the degeneration of the Defense of Marriage Act, and the many other wins for LGBT equal rights, I am just proud to work with and be a part of the movement.”

This year’s events are:
Tuesday, July 24 – The Annual Candlelight Vigil
will be held at Palmer Park in Detroit, MI. at 6:00pm. The Candlelight Vigil is the official opening ceremony of Hotter Than July, the nation’s third oldest black LGBT pride celebration. For more information, contact Rev. Darlene Franklin (248) 825-6149.

Wednesday, July 27 – KICKIN’ IT ON THE RIVER -The Annual Hotter Than July Boatride
will be held aboard the Diamond Belle Riverboat and boarding begins at 6:20 pm with sailing at 7:00pm. Tickets will not be available at the dock. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased online at http://www.e-kick.org/river-2012.html. House music provided by DJ Cent and a strolling buffet are included in this 3-hour cruise along the Detroit River.

Thursday, July 26- The Annual Hotter Than July Film Festival
will be held at the Cass City Cinema (formerly The Burton Theater) located at 3420 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201. The festival starts at 5:30 pm to 12:30 am. Tickets are available at the Cass City Cinema and are $20. For additional information please contact Stacey Hale at (248) 310-9902.

Friday, July 27 – The Annual Gathering for LGBT Issues
will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Downtown Detroit located at 351 Gratiot Ave. This informative community event will cover topics, including equality and social justice, health and wellness and legal and elder needs of the LGBT community. The Hotter Than July Annual Gathering for LGBT Issues is free and open to the community. For additional information please contact Cornelius Wilson at (313) 942-2803.

Saturday, July 28 – The Annual Hotter Than July Picnic
will be held at Palmer Park at 11:00 am. This FREE community event welcomes all allies, family and friends — who are looking to love, be proud of and celebrate the LGBT community. For additional information please contact Walter J. Houston, III at (313) 828-9723.

Sunday, July 29- The Annual Worship Service
will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Downtown Detroit located at 351 Gratiot Ave at 10:00 am, hosted by Detroit’s Faith Community. Rev. Tennial, Ed.D will speak at this year’s Hotter Than July Worship Service and is the founder and executive director of the Trinity Learning Institute in Atlanta, GA. For additional information please contact Rev. Darlene Franklin (248) 825-6149.

Sunday, July 29 – The Annual Sunday Brunch hosted by The Billionaire Boys Club
will be held on at the Detroit Yacht Club from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle. Tickets are $75 and $100 for VIP.  There is a strict dress code and tickets will not be available at the door. For tickets and to RSVP for this year’s Annual Sunday Brunch, please contact Robert Tate at (313) 585-6005.

KICK’s mission is to increase awareness of and support to Detroit’s dynamic LGBT culture through education and advocacy with integrity and pride.

A native of Detroit, Jason suffered a tragic, accidental drowning near his 31st birthday. While he is forever missed, this private exhibition sought to capture his spirit, integrity, and genuine love for others.

The Jason Ellison Memorial Arts Fund is a charitable non-profit organization. We celebrate it’s mission to identify, assist, and encourage young adults who wish to pursue a career in the visual and fine arts. Donations Accepted.

Please feel free to share thoughts and comments on Jason Ellison’s work below. Make sure to Like our Fan Page on Facebook via NoirAmerica Multimedia, and follow future exhibitions and projects via Twitter @NoirAmerica.