BLOGS

20 Years Post the Fall of Babel: I grew up with "duck-and-cover" and Dr. Strangelove scenarios running through my young head. "The Day After" wasn't just a Sci-Fi movie based on a nuclear attack in Kansas. It was a very real, thought out M.A.D. scenario that still exists today. Now, those former enemies are our only means of getting astronauts to the International Space Station, and that ability is threatened by their technical failures and our retirement of the Space Shuttle Program.

The original description of the Drake Equation, a calculation for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence was that the species survive long enough to communicate, and everyone then knew what "survival" meant.

Hither this cauldron, came Star Trek, and Gene Roddenberry with enough hutspah to put the first interracial (and as I've pointed out - interspecies) kisses on television, "Plato's Stepchildren" was summarily banned in some southern markets.

And, let's not forget: "Let This Be Your Last Battlefield" where two alien species annihilated each other for which side the other was black (or white) on. The irony: they were mirror images of the other, but that did not matter.

We could survive our madmen, our Hitler, our Khan Noonien Singh, and ride triumphantly into a tomorrow of our own making.

Our myths, ancient or modern, give us a reason to go on, press forward, hope for a future that is better than the present.

History and etymology An African-American scholar and social activist, Ron Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 as the first African-American holiday. Karenga said his goal was to "...give Blacks an alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society." The name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza", meaning "first fruits". The choice of Swahili, an East African language, reflects its status as a symbol of Pan-Africanism, especially in the 1960s.

Kwanzaa is a celebration that has its roots in the black nationalist movement of the 1960s, and was established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African cultural and historical heritage by uniting in meditation and study of "African traditions" and "common humanist principles." The first Kwanzaa stamp was issued by the United States Postal Service on October 22, 1997 at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles, California. In 2004 a second Kwanzaa stamp, created by artist Daniel Minter was issued which has seven figures in colorful robes symbolizing the seven principles.

The origins of Kwanzaa are not secret and are openly acknowledged by those promoting the holiday. Many Christian and Jewish African-Americans who celebrate Kwanzaa do so in addition to observing Christmas and Hanukkah.

Principles of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa celebrates what its founder called "The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa," or Nguzo Saba (originally Nguzu Saba - "The Seven Principles of Blackness"), which Karenga said "is a communitarian African philosophy" consisting of what Karenga called "the best of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world." These seven principles comprise Kawaida, a Swahili term for tradition and reason. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the following principles, as follows:

* Umoja (Unity) To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
* Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
* Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems and to solve them together.
* Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.
* Nia (Purpose) To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
* Kuumba (Creativity) To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
* Imani (Faith) To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Observance

Families celebrating Kwanzaa decorate their households with objects of art, colorful African cloth, especially the wearing of the Uwole by women, and fresh fruits that represent African idealism. It is customary to include children in Kwanzaa ceremonies and to give respect and gratitude to ancestors. Libations are shared, generally with a common chalice, "Kikombe cha Umoja" passed around to all celebrants. Non-African Americans also celebrate Kwanzaa. The holiday greeting is "joyous Kwanzaa."

A Kwanzaa ceremony may include drumming and musical selections, libations, a reading of the "African Pledge" and the Principles of Blackness, reflection on the Pan-African colors, a discussion of the African principle of the day or a chapter in African history, a candle-lighting ritual, artistic performance, and, finally, a feast (Karamu). The greeting for each day of Kwanzaa is "Habari Gani,"which is Swahili for "What's the News?"

At first, observers of Kwanzaa eschewed the mixing of the holiday or its symbols, values and practice with other holidays. They felt that doing so would violate the principle of kujichagulia (self-determination) and thus violate the integrity of the holiday, which is partially intended as a reclamation of important African values. Today, many African-American families celebrate Kwanzaa along with Christmas and New Year's. Frequently, both Christmas trees and kinaras, the traditional candle holder symbolic of African-American roots, share space in kwanzaa celebrating households. To them, Kwanzaa is an opportunity to incorporate elements of their particular ethnic heritage into holiday observances and celebrations of Christmas.

Cultural exhibitions include "The Spirit of Kwanzaa," an annual celebration held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts featuring interpretive dance, African dance, song and poetry.
Evolution in Kwanzaa's observance

In 1977, in Kwanzaa: origin, concepts, practice, Karenga stated, that Kwanzaa "was chosen to give a Black alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society."

In 1997, Karenga and the community evolved, stating that while Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday, it can be celebrated by people of any race: "other people can and do celebrate it, just like other people participate in Cinco de Mayo besides Mexicans; Chinese New Year besides Chinese; Native American pow wows besides Native Americans."[

Currently, according to the Official Kwanzaa Website authored by Karenga and maintained by Organization US, which Karenga chairs, "Kwanzaa was not created to give people an alternative to their own religion or religious holiday. And it is not an alternative to people's religion or faith but a common ground of African culture...Kwanzaa is not a reaction or substitute for anything. In fact, it offers a clear and self-conscious option, opportunity and chance to make a proactive choice, a self-affirming and positive choice as distinct from a reactive one."

Karenga's most recent interpretation emphasizes that while every people has its own holiday traditions, all people can share in the celebration of our common humanity: "Any particular message that is good for a particular people, if it is human in its content and ethical in its grounding, speaks not just to that people, it speaks to the world."

Ok. Since nobody had what it takes to win this thing the contest is officially over. Too bad. I had several contestants try to make a noble effort. So here are the questions along with the answers.

1. Name three members of Nomad Squadron.

(You comic fans should know this one.) Jugger Grimrod, Mescad, Montroc.

2. There are two characters answering to the name, The Night Stalker. One on TV. The other in real life. Who were they?

Reporter Carl Kolchack, Played by Darren McGavin. And Serial Killer Richard Ramerez.

3. This 1979 horror movie featured a scene where a zombie fought with a shark.

Lucio Fulci's Zombie.

4. Secret identities revealed. Who are these three characters? Kletus Cassady. Fred J. Dukes. Mac Gargan.

Carnage, The Blob, Scorpion.

5. This was the weapon used in an assassination attempt against Reinhart Heydrich.

Sten machine gun.

6. Name the members of the Warbound.

The Hulk, Brood, Hierom, Elloe Kaffe, Korg, Meik.

7. Astronomers recently discovered a planetary system with twin suns and named it after a planet in this well known science fiction film.

Tatooine.

8. This man was known as the butcher of Plainsfield.

Ed Gein.

9. Secret indentities part 2. Who are these thre characters? Johnathan Crane, Todd Arlis, Cain Marko.

Scarecrow, Tiger Shark, Juggernaught.

10. It was rumored that Adolph Hitler copied his small moustache from this silent film star.

Charlie Chaplin.

11. This man used to be Al Capone's boss.

Johnny Torrio.

12. Where can you find these villians? Tchernobog, The Enclave, Makron.

Blood PC game, Fallout 3 for X-Box 360, Quake 3 PC game.

13. WHat are the three kingdoms in nature?

Animal, mineral, vegatable.

14. This man was the only German field marshal ever to be taken prisoner in World War-2.

Freidrich Von Paulus.

15. Where is Little Lamp Light?

In Fallout 3 for X-box 360.

16. This Toho Studio's monster was a mutation created by micro oxygen.

Destroyer.

17. This long time member of the X-Men lost his life in a firey plane crash.

Banshee.

18. This woman was Adolph Hitler's secretary.

Tradl Junge.

19. David Vincent had a hard time getting people to believe that aliens were invading earth in this classic TV series.

The Invaders.

20. This coin was often mistaken for a quarter.

Susan B. Anthony dollar coin.

21. Name the three German generals who committed suicide.

Rommel, Model, Von Kluge.

22. Where can you find the Arm fighting the Core?

Total Annihillation PC game.

23. This man was fired from Al Capones gang because he was too violent.

Lester Gillis. AKA Baby Face Nelson.

24. Secret Identities part three. Who are these characters? Otto Octavious, Sam Sterns, Morrie Bench.

Dr Octopus, THe Leader, Hydro Man.

25. WHere do these three characters live? Rigel the 16th, Mr House, Arthas.

Hyneria, Lucky 38 Casino in Fallout 3, Lorderon in Warcraft 3 PC game.

Nerd Christmas Trees: Godzilla, Darth Vader et al. Happy Holidays! Of course, you knew I had to embed a 50-year review of Godzilla, didn't you?

Positronium is a form of antimatter: the post I've created does a far job of explaining the implications of this technology, which could have far reaching impact in communications down to your cell phone you may be viewing this post with.

Gnarls Barkley's 'Going On' video is simple but effective. I also like the video "Who's Going to Save My Soul' where the guys heart is literally ripped out. Creepy, but good. Cee Lo Green and Dangermouse are so under rated.

I don't think this is about death, but many seem to think that. Death isn't much of a journey. What's your take?

I am going through my second science fiction novel chapter by chapter with my writing partner. The experience has been very positive. The first positive is she understood what I was doing with race in the book. I am still struggling with the point of view. There are two main characters but only one voice. I have written the book from two points of view but it felt really awkward, so my latest version had just one. However, my partner suggests that I return to two points of view. My potential publisher also indicated that the second voice would be better for the African American market. Strong incentives. 

Before you count solar out: scientists are working towards it being more efficient to manufacture and mass produce. Anything that can reduce our carbon footprint (ironic, since you kind of burn carbon to make solar), plus reduce our dependency on oil as a power source is forward-thinking I can appreciate.

My blog on this is at redamygdala.wordpress.com

Hi there friends. Here’s a short sensual tale with a little dark twist to whet your appetite. Comments are welcomed. Enjoy! http://yvonnenicolas.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/naked-and-wanting/

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson: when you see the PDF of the first chapter of a very short, remarkable book, you'll peek into a remarkable life. She was the first African American graduate of MIT, and is the president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. There are always "firsts": make sure you reach back so that it's not "only."

Einstein answering a question regarding his acumen at science, said God had allowed him born "as stubborn as a mule." The video from Ainissa Ramirez shows people of color exceling in the sciences - sister is a prof at Yale in Material Science!

The dilemma is the expected instantaneousness of any posed question. Google has sadly hindered our patience in problem-solving or storytelling. A student is more prone to say: "So...what's the answer?" versus "what's the next step?"

The quality of the question and the stubborness of the seeker determines the height of the outcome.

Like the Walking Google: it was meant as a compliment, but the scary connotation (to me, at least) was the lack of apparent need to memorize anything beyond the superficial concerns of 13 - 19 year olds fixated on technology, but unwilling to take the time to master, or advance it. Sadly, most considered offline reading "boring" as well.

Nanoscale Infection Fighters: part of the asset speculative fiction lends is asking not only can we, but should we? I think of Michael Crichton's novel Prey.

Only 600 LY Away:

OK, that's a grip! Obviously, the human species is "below impulse speeds" let alone FTL travel.

However, it is evidence that we're not alone in the universe, and that life is not so unique to our globe.

I just hope they (if there is a "they") survived their own Drake Equation.

Longer Lasting Lasers: I don't know if at our perception range as humans we can notice a pulsed versus a continuous laser. However, this is some good information if your fiction requires it as a background.

I actually pulled this off in a high school physics class demo of total internal reflection (though, I'm not sure the kids appreciated it):

AfroFuturism Transdisciplinary Seminar

PSAM 6700 CRN 6822

December 6th, 6pm-8:40pm

Tuesday evenings from 6 - 8:40pm

LOCATION:
Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Auditorium, Sheila C. Johnson Design Center, 66 Fifth Avenue

ADMISSION:
Free; no tickets or reservations required; seating is first-come first-served

The Transdisciplinary Seminar in Fine Arts was implemented in 2009 to explore intersections of art and other forms of creativity and knowledge, from the natural sciences to social theory and various areas of design.

The Transdisciplinary Seminar on Afro-Futurism will consider how representations of science, technology and social engineering intersect with African diasporic cultural expressions. Science fiction will be the organizing trope that unites all the guest presentations and works under consideration. Visiting artists and cultural theorists will lecture on the role of futuristic projection in African diasporic art, architecture, film and music. The expediency of science fiction as both a fractured mirror of historical experience and a heterotopic projection of the collective desires of a displaced people will be discussed throughout the semester. Guest lecturers will present lectures that relate to the fields that are central to their research: painting, electronic music, film, video installation, and built environments.

Guest presentations will be interspersed with seminar-style discussions. Students will be expected to complete weekly reading assignments and write brief thought-papers in response to lectures. They will also be required to prepare questions in advance of guest lectures.

Guest Lecturers

1. Alondra Nelson, Associate Professor, Sociology, Columbia. U, editor of Social Text Issue on Afro-Futurism
2. Kodwo Eshun, Artist and Cultural Theorist, co-founder of The Otolith Group, Lecturer at Goldsmiths College
3. Mabel Wilson, Associate Professor, School of Architecture, Columbia U.
5. Julie Mehretu, Visual Artist
6. George Lewis, Composer and Cultural Theorist, Associate Professor, Columbia U.
7. Wanuri Kahiu, Filmmaker, Director of the award winning science fiction short, Pumi (in dialogue with NSGS Professor Sean Jacobs)

Been working on a new novel.  It's an alternate history crime drama.  I finished my sci-fi/fantasy novel not too long ago, and a friend is helping me edit it.  If any of my friends here on BSFS would like to help out.  Email me at gatecrasher6@gmail.com  Make sure to put Black Science Fiction Society in the title, and a note on which one of my BSFS friends you are :)

-Mick

I've been out of pocket at the 'Society for a minute and apologize for not giving my usual drops of info for my blog and the groups I sponsor. It's been a rough year on the homefront, but in the meantime I managed to knock out a short-story epic, some video productions and getting my third novel 'ready for primetime'. Now that I'm starting to see some daylight, the info drops will pick up in the coming months. That's the nature of the 'creative biz'. In spite of all the distractions and BS from the real world trying to get in the way, you just gotta' keep on creatin'!