HCX Community Postings
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08.15.19
Tasha Dougé (Canarsie) is a Bronx-based multidisciplinary artist and cultural enthusiast. Her body of work activates conversations around women empowerment, health advocacy, sexual education, and Black community pride. Tasha believes it is fundamental to her artistic practice to shift narratives to depict a more holistic description of who we are and what we have contributed. Her art is a tool to exercise expression, enact empowerment and serve as a bridge to connect and highlight those that may feel excluded and/or overlooked. By creating provocative works that elicit authentic, raw and at times, uncomfortable feelings, Tasha aims to spark open and honest conversations that lead to change and REFORM.
As part of her Lakou NOU 2019 residency, Tasha is developing programming focused on uplifting the significance of joumou (“pumpkin” in Haitian Kreyòl) as a tool to highlight, illuminate, introduce and re-introduce its significance and retell the story of the Haitian Revolution. The Roots Garden (located inside the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum’s garden) is about storytelling and encouraging a connection back to the land by actively cultivating Haitian pride and collective memory. Reclaiming urban, and specifically the Haitian Diaspora community’s connection to land will work to restore and replenish ancestral, spiritual and collective wealth. Shared experiences in land stewardship, community health, creative expression, and collective investment will link to historic and contemporary efforts towards self-liberation.
Roots Garden activations will take place throughout the duration of the joumou gardening season (August – December). If you are interested in volunteering at the Roots Garden, please contact Tasha Dougé at con.vher.sa.tions2015 [at] gmail.com
Current activity dates include:
Ancestors’ Weekend
More info coming soon!
DATE/TIME: January 3-4, 2020 | Time TBD
LOCATION: TBD
Posted in Arts, HCX Collaborations, HCX Programs, Lakou NOU, Public Forums, Uncategorized, Visual Art | No Comments »
08.01.19
Jonathan Michel (East Flatbush) is a Haitian-American bassist, composer and arranger. Along with his work on the local Philadelphia and New York scenes, Jon has spent much of the past few years touring and serving residencies around the world. Born in the USA to Haitian Immigrant parents, he has spent time studying Black American, Western Classical and African music. Jon describes his voice as an exploration between cultures, technique and tradition. While each musical opportunity presents unique challenges, goals and lessons, his aim remains the same: to honor the masters of the music and to share his Haitian culture.
In 1977 after getting married, Jonathan Michel’s parents Joseph and Marie moved into an apartment on Crown St and Utica Ave. 40 years later, shortly after getting married, Jon and his wife moved into an apartment on Rutland Rd and Troy Ave, unknowingly just a few blocks from where his parents began their family life.
“My goal in this residency to to inform and educate myself and others about our roots in EF as Haitian Americans, as well as to show the elders that we are a continuation of their work.”
Through his Lakou NOU project, Michel will explore the roots of the Haitian community in EF through personal connection and the experiences of EF residents. Konèktif will open the dialogue between generations and help unlock the potential that dialogue can bring towards strengthening our community.
Konèktif will activate East Flatbush as a site for intergenerational relationship building through outdoor performances, conversations and folk music shared by Haitian elders, and a public performance of community archived Haitian music and song shared by an intergenerational band comprised of professional musicians and East Flatbush community members.
If you are interested in participating in Konèktif, please contact Jonathan Michel at jonmichelmusic [at] gmail.com
Stay tuned for upcoming Konèktif event dates!
Posted in Arts, Events, HCX Programs, Lakou NOU, Music, Public Forums, Youth Programs | No Comments »