2005 BLOG--Syracuse in focus, Terry Baker

I attended a function at OnaJava a few nights ago that featured two experimental jazz artists: Saxophonist David Boykin and former Syracuse resident and flutist Nicole Mitchell.

If you grew up in the Regan-era or had parents who were from the Civil Rights-era, you've listened to or heard the profound, yet profane humor/voice/albums of comedian Richard Pryor. And if you didn't hear those albums, you saw him in films of the 70s or 80s because he used comedy as a platform to move into films.

A great appreciation of Pryor's comedic gift can be heard here (with Paul Mooney).

Regardless of what you think about Stanley "Tookie" Williams, and what his legacy will be: reformed gang-banger or death-row con man, you have to agree the death penalty is not humane. If you do, this may change your mind.

Humanitarian Paul Rusesabagina, the real-life hero portrayed in the film Hotel Rwanda (staring Don Cheadle) spoke at Syracuse University's Hendricks Chapel last night. As the then manager of a Belgian-owned hotel, he is credited for saving over a thousand peopleduring a campaign of genocide in Rwanda during the 1990s.

At it’s peak the genocide in Rwanda claimed 8,000 lives per day. Rusesabagina recalled some of the horrors he witnessed as well as the geo-political climate during the era. “Silence is complicity,” he said. “Genocides are never called genocides until it is too late.”

Social activist Jay Arena lectured on the fair and just rebuilding of New Orleans last week at Syracuse University's Law School. Arena, who attended Lemoyne College 20 yrs ago, illustrated the link between the U.S. Government's imperial aims and the poor readiness and response as it relates to Hurricane Katrina. Katrina was a natural disaster, he said, but it's devastation on New Orleans, and particularly it's poorer citizens, was a human tragedy and an example of ethnic/class-cleansing. Arena is a doctoral student at Tulane University.

Media and IT industry veteran and Fritz Nelson gave a talk at Syracuse University yesterday. He was a guest for the Syracuse Technology Roundtable. He educated faculty, staff, students and guests on subjects such as Business Intelligence, Virtual Storage, Broadband Journalism, the Experience economy and the wild, wild, World of Wireless.

When doing work here in the office or online, I often rely on music to keep my energized. I listen to a little of everything from current stuff to bona fide "old school. In a recent issue of Fast Company, Tim Westergren said: "People don't lose their love of music, they lose their ability to connect with it."

I thought about this when I heard about Dusty Groove America, an online venue to help me locate hard to find music.

I just finished reading the memoir of a true giant of our times: Gordon Parks. His titles include writer, poet, musician, composer, filmmaker and of course photographer. Nearly 30 years ago the first book I got from my elementary school, under the direction of our librarian was a illustrated history book about Gordon Parks. To this day he's remains one of my favorite artists.

I'd like to thank Lincoln University for establishing a wireless campus. This historically black college located in extreme southern Chester County, PA, helps me keep plugged in when I visit my hometown of West Grove (a few minutes away).

A few days ago I had the pleasure of meeting photographer Ernest Withers. Withers captured many famous photographs during the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s. He has been a professional photographer for 60 years and still maintains a studio in Memphis on Beale Street.

He was here in town for the world premiere screening of the film "Freedom's Call," which was directed by SU professor Richard Breyer and produced by former radio station owner Robert Short, Jr. The film featured Withers and Dorothy Gilliam and George Kilpatrick, Jr. The screening was held at Syracuse Stage.

I had the opportunity to photograph the reception thanks to George Kilpatrick, Jr., who is a local media personality. I'm sure you'll be hearing more about the film in the coming weeks.

Count me among those who have become frustrated with the state of commercial radio. I find myself listening to public radio stations lately via the internet. One of my favorites over the past year has become WPFW 89.3 FM in Washington, DC.

I am in Washington for a meeting and I saw that Cornell University placed second place for this year's Solar Decathlon. The University of Colorado, Denver and Boulder, successfully defended their championship and finished first.

The event brings together 18 teams of university students from around the globe to participate in a competition to design, build, and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered home.

I’m not a rabid fan of football, but I am familiar with the game. And to be honest, I had no idea that there had been a boycott by Syracuse University Football players. It’s not a subject readily discussed here in town.

I found out more when six former SU football players revisited their boycott during the 1970 season yesterday. Ironically, event was held with little fanfare inside the Shemin Auditorium (Shaffer Art Building), not too far from a pep rally that featured a police escort for the current football team and players as they paraded across campus before a game against Virginia.

The 35th anniversary panel featured six of the eight players who participated against the program and then coach head coach Ben Schwartzwalder.

The players were protesting for: better medical care for injured players; stronger academic support for team members; assignment of starting positions without regard to race; and racial integration of the coaching staff.

Author and networking expert George C. Fraser spoke at Syracuse University's new building of the Martin J. Whitman School of Management last night to a group that included students, staff and alumni. The hour-long talk touched on Fraser's tips for empowering African-Americans.

Fraser's recommendations included but were not limited to establishing synergistic relationships, moving from entitlement to a mind-set of empowerment, and pursuing excellence. Fraser also hinted toward a collective effort to make blacks a more independent economic force in America.

The event was co-sponsored by the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program, the Whitman School, the ARISE Academy, the Black Law Students Association, BLISTS, the Center for Career Services and the Gateway Learning Community.

The event was also associated with Syracuse University’s "Coming Back Together 8", which is a reunion for Black and Latino alumni.

Former Syracuse-resident Ventia, an activist and former coordinator of Syracuse’s Juneteenth Celebration now lives in Atlanta and has started an effort to help Gulf Coast residents victimized by Hurricane Katrina.

I wrote her and asked that she describe her efforts. The following is part of the response she wrote back:

I am looking for groups/organizations to sponsor the survivors of the storm for three months! I am doing this as an independent project which begin when a family friend sheltered 60sh family members, friends, their friends and family in her home!

I had collected some clothes and toys and was willing to put some order to the garage (everyone who knew her was dropping off all sorts of goods), and that was it so I thought!!! What started out small is getting larger daily.

My charge now is to get each and every person in that house a nice home or apartment, and help them get through the tough part of starting over and not knowing which way to turn!! They know nothing about Atlanta, or the system!!

The only material things my new "family friends" had when they got here was the clothes on their backs.

The best way I feel every one can help is to sponsor a family or particular items for them. For instance, Hope and Life Church in Snellville sponsored a family of 15 with a 6 bedroom home, and paying all their bills for 3 months and providing furniture. Some workers/teachers at Oswego University will sponsor kitchen items, another group in New Jersey will do bed linen and towels for everyone. We need cars, furniture, clothes, gas cards, you name it!!

You have my permission to share my office number 404-315-0170 and email address marcelcosmetics@bellsouth.net with any one who want to be a solution to the problem.”

I am on the road again to visit my family in Pennsylvania for the week as my mother continues to recover from her injury.

Today I talked with the attendant at the full-service station Gabby, Inc. on route 41 in Avondale PA. While he was filling my tank he told me he had to change the price on gas twice already today (it was only 11 am). He started at 2.79 and by the time I came I was getting regular at $3.00 per gallon.

As we talked and compared gas prices in different regions, another person pulled up to the pump and said give me $13.00 and handed the attendant a bag of coins.

Some say the rising prices are a reflection of the effects of Hurricane Katrina, which hit the Gulf Coast earlier this week. These are indeed tough economic times, but after watching the coverage of the destruction left by Katrina, it puts it all in perspective.

" African-Americans have a bad habit of spending more time looking at life through the rear view mirror than the windshield of the future."

These are the words of journalist George Curry written in a column marking the passing of John H. Johnson, founder of Ebony Magazine.

The column is more about Johnson the business man than Johnson the publisher. To read it, click here.

I posted the photos I took during Jazz in the Square and they can be found here.

I'd like to extend a special thanks to the Central New York Jazz Arts Foundation, particularly Larry Luttinger, for putting on such a wonderful event for music fans in our city.

The 2005 edition of Jazz in the Square, which is organized by the Central New York Jazz Arts Foundation, brought music to the streets of Syracuse for the past few days. Literally. And from the streets the music spilled into the clubs.

There were numerous shows featuring: Ken Peplowski, Marcus Printup, Alex Torres, Bobby Watson, Manhattan Vibes, Joshua Redman and Ileana Santamaria.

Many of these artists also appeared for informal jam sessions at Jazz Central, a live music venue located on Washington Street

I received the following message today my friend Eumi, who lives on the West Coast:

"Hey there! Hope you’re doing well and enjoying the summer!

Attached is a website link to a software application that I think might be useful to some of you. I've tried it and noticed that it helps me.

The software is kind of a "subliminal breathing reminder". We all know how breathing properly can have a positive impact on stress, cardio-vascular health, etc.

This “breath minder” actually helps you relax when you are in front of the computer. A former co-worker of Keith's (her husband) invented it.

It’s a neat concept: simple and effective! "

I was visiting family recently and took my children to see an old-fashioned circus show. I had no idea shows like the Alain Zerbini Circus still existed. This show was set up on grounds not far from the nation's oldest Historically Black College--Lincoln University (Pa).

The hundreds of fans who filled Syracuse’s Clinton Square for this year’s Juneteenth Celebration looking for the same R&B quintet Troop that burst on the scene and were a part of the New Jack Swing-era, weren’t disappointed.

In fact, some were pleasantly surprised. Surprised by the fact that the group (the four members Steve Russell, Allen, Reggie and Jon-Jon who performed) not only still has the same, smooth singing skills that made them a household name in the late 80s and early 90s, but they also retained some of those acrobatic b-boy dance moves as well.

This was their first visit to Syracuse, and group members said they felt very much at home. The weather may be not what we’re used to, said Reggie, but the energy of the crowd made up for it.

The ladies in the audience could be overhead begging at times, and were pleased when the group finally sang “Spread My Wings.” That number included choreographed, made- for-music-television-dance-moves.

Troop’s vocal talents were evident when they sang their 1990 hit “All I Do Is Think Of You,” a song that hit #1 on the Billboard R&B charts. Lead singers Steve (know then as Lil' Steve) and Allen (a.k.a. AlMac) had the ladies screaming for more.

Formed in 1984 in Pasadena, California, the members of Troop decided about 8 months ago to reunite, after an 8-year hiatus. But it’s not that they weren’t working, they just weren’t working together. The members spent time pursuing other interests inside the music business and beyond. To their credit they’ve kept in touch with their fans by writing and producing for acts such Tyrese, B2K and Mario.

The group has started their own label, Troop Enterprises and is currently performing at select cities around the country. Their next date at the time of this interview was planned for Houston, TX.

Troop first hit the scene with their initial hit “Mamacita,” which was produced by Levert. But their national reputation was cemented with their second album and hits such as “All I Do Is Think of You” and “Spread My Wings,” both produced by Chuckii Booker.

A few months ago, before the NBA playoffs began, I asked some of my colleagues to discuss or critique NBA coverage from ESPN and TBS. Almost everyone shared answers via e-mails for about a week. I had my own ideas about which crew was better (ESPN), but I wanted to hear what the others thought.

The following comments were selected from that initial query. These individuals have all been basketball fans since the 1970s.

Network Engineer: Charles (Barkley) does not belong on the set other than to nit-pick with Ernie Johnson. Magic is smart but cant talk. He is a doer not speaker. Charles is a smart dummy! Like Lamont Sanford. I think Kenny Smith needs to join Stephen A (Smith). I like what they have to say. Former New York Knick Greg Anthony is corporate. Kenny (Smith) is a Corporate-Keep-It-Real street announcer. He makes me laugh when he say things like “Oh this guy is buggin.”

Financial Analyst: I stopped watching Kenny, EJ and Charles myself (partly because they disconnected my free cable). Anyway, that act was getting tired. But I will always give Charles credit because when a lot of people were praising MJ's 5th or 6th return (and he still wasn't that bad of a player really which went to show you how much the league turned to crap), but Charles said something like "C'mon man I still think he shouldn't have come back...look at him, he can't even dunk!"

Hands down though, worst announcer of all time goes to Tim (Timmy Hardaway). I thought they gave these guys some kind of screen test or something before they let them on TV. I'll never take anything away from his game, but he was awful as a commentator. I say bring him back, team him up with Walt-Clyde and let them broadcast every game of this year's finals!!!

Fiction writer: The TNT cast has become very marginalized. It is marked by the terrible affliction called conservatism.

Kenny Smith is a better commentator than Greg Anthony and Tim Legler combined. Smith's noteworthy NYC basketball pedigree, outstanding NCAA All-American credentials, and NBA Championship exposure afford him a great insight to the game. He is surrounded by a real professional sportscaster (Ernie) and two Hall of Famers--Magic who knows the game but often isn't able to articulate it for hungry fans, and Charles Barkley who despite an underlying basketball acumen, takes
the low road of buffoonary and parody because it is more marketable). If the crew worked a
bit more cohesively as a truer network team than pronounced sports celebrities, they could be so much better for the average fan, who hopes to deepen their basketball knowledge.

ESPN also allows their basketball forum to be open and wild because it caters only to the sports fan, and not to people whom afterwards will check out Law and Order, NYPD Blue, Ted Turner movies and other non-sports related events.

Personally speaking, Steven A. Smith is ESPN's Charles Barkley, John Saunders is Ernie, Tim Legler is Kenny Smith and Greg is Magic. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Until Ernie pulls in the reins, and Charles and Magic step up their commentary, and really feed Kenny the mike, they won't be able to bust a grape in a fruit fight, much less live up to the potential that the knowing basketball fans expect from talent of their caliber.

That is why I love Hubie Brown and surprisingly Clyde Frazier, because they give the fans what they want: knowledge, entertainment, insight and frivolity (I stole a big word from Clyde!).

My wife treated me to dinner for my birthday while we were visiting Pennsylvania. We dined at Simon Pearce Restaurant on the Brandywine in West Chester, PA. The restaurant is situated on the banks of the Brandywine River, and features a glass blowing factory at the entrance, as well as a retail store.

My wife said the glass products were of outstanding craftsmanship. I enjoyed the creative cuisine, especially the venison sausage-served with persimmon chutney and pear mustard.

Dr. Tomara Young is an optometrist I know, and she's served as an advisor for Syracuse in focus, and has been a supporter since I first began this project. She recently let me know that she will be participating in the 2005 New York AIDS walk with the NY Hampton Alumni Club.

It's hard to imagine it was over 10 years ago that rapper Snoop Dogg first burst on the scene, first as a protégé of Dr. Dre, then as a label mate for Tupac, then hooking up with Master P, and later (producers) the Neptunes. Snoop has been on a quite a journey as an artist.

Snoop played the Carrier Dome on the campus of Syracuse University last night for the University Union's annual rite of passage Block Party. He performed some new stuff, and some of his classics as well.

What impressed me most was that he gave homage to Tupac and Notorious BIG on large video screens that were part of his show. This reminded me of the Snoop that was profiled by Kevin Powell on the cover of an early issue of VIBE magazine; the Snoop who represented a bridge between what was at one time a polarized rap community. That Snoop was a combination of the best of West Coast (beats) and East Coast (rhyme skills) styles. Some things never change.

In addition to the video screens, his two-hour show also included a live band (Snoop-a-delics) a garden of greenery (you figure it out), and his Uncle June Bugg (dancing and playing the role similar to what Flavor Flav did for Public Enemy in the late 1980s).

The show played well to college students at Syracuse, and reminded me a lot of a show George Clinton did here a few years ago. In fact, I can see a 50-year old Snoop doing college tours when my kids are in college.

I was impressed. Now repeat after me: Na na na na, Na na na na, Hey hey hey, Snoop Dogg...

Last night Odetta Norton, a member of my advisory board of Syracuse in focus (photo agency), performed in a show titled: Bantaba.

She was a part of the program put on by Sankofa-African Dance and Dance Ensemble at SUNY Brockport's department of Dance. The show featured a litany of dance styles and traditional music, 1980s-90 rap music as well as compositions by Nina Simone, Oscar Brown, Jr.

I enjoyed myself almost as much as the dozens of dancers, who all fed off the powerful spirit created Clyde Alafiju Morgan, the artistic director and Khalid Abdul N'Faly Saleem. musical director and drummer.

The show was held at the Hartwell Dance Theater. A repeat performance will be held in August.

I spoke with an educator yesterday who was on his Spring break from school. He said he was happy for the time off, but he didn't look forward to the warmer weather (the temperatures are climbing close to the 70s). I didn't understand, so I asked why he didn't feel enthusiasm about putting an end to Old Man Winter. He told me he shutters to think of warm weather because it often means someone he knows will be shot as a result of street violence. He said he's been to over a dozen funerals of former pupils who've gone thru his school, and were gunned down during beautiful sunny days like the ones we've had lately.

I finally got a chance to see The Roots live in concert at Syracuse University last night. Their two-hour plus performance was kinetic and full of musicology. I can now testify to what everyone else has been saying for years: that The Roots are the best Hip Hop band of their generation. No wonder this Philadelphia-based collective is so popular. Sources told me the show I attended sold out in two days.

The only downside of a great live show however, is that you never want to listen to the studio albums again.

The Roots appeared courtesy of the University Union in a concert called "Beats for Peace." Common was also on the bill.

A photographer I met at the show has some great images of both the Roots and Common--his name is Scott Stewart.

I can remember watching Darryl Dawkins, a.k.a. Chocolate Thunder, as a kid and thinking the guy was misunderstood.

The prototypical flamboyant 70s personality, Dawkins stood 6'11" weighed 251 lbs. He was best-known by Philadelphia 76er fans such as myself for being in constant foul-trouble. To others he's best known for shattering backboards with his dunks.

His personality can best be described as a mixture of the following: Dennis Rodman+ Jayson Williams+ Shaq with a little George Clinton added in for good measure. In fact, Dawkins was known for saying he was an alien from the planet Lovetron.

In addition to the 76ers, he also played for New Jersey, Detroit and Utah. His career numbers can be seen here.

The former NBA center and first player to go from high school to the NBA, visited Syracuse's OnaJava Cafe a few night ago.

While at OnaJava Dawkins also discussed the future of the NBA, the influence of his family, and vividly described his dunking style.

To his credit he doesn't seem bitter that the NBA didn't know how to properly market his eclectic personality and power game. He mentioned that these days he actually does a lot of work promoting the league. I guess he's better understood these days.

Entrepreneur, publisher, and former Syracuse University basketball player Edwin Moss died this weekend.

Moss is credited with reviving the concept of the community newspaper in the city when he published the Pride of Syracuse, starting in the mid-1990s. He stayed true to his mission to cover topics and stories that were under-reported by the mainstream press.

A few of his well-known Syracuse projects included a networking event for business professionals, a spelling bee, as well as a community resource guide. Moss was also publisher of the Pride of Durham Newspaper and a 1981 draft pick of the Dallas Mavericks.

You can’t have a real revolution without taking it to the people. That seems to be the plan for artist, producer, writer and actor Daniel (aka Steven Daniel). He did a few shows in town here last week to promote his new CD, Life, Love and Liberation.

A lot of what he represents can be heard/felt/experienced on his new CD’s 2nd song “Don’t Label Me.” He performed the song live during a two-hour show at OnaJava Café Saturday night, and as the beat vibrated into the walls, the crowd swayed and threw up their hands in approval.

Daniel, who is a native of Hartford, CT, also performed cuts such as “Freedom” and “Dance If U Wanna.”

To find out more about Daniel's music and his work as an actor, visit thesoulofdaniel.com; for a complete review of his Syracuse shows, click here.

I attended THINC's Sideshow, mid-winter freak out the other night and ran into one of the best musical minds in the city: Seth Marcel. He spit some rhymes during an early performance with Joe Driscoll.

In addition to his lyrical skills, Seth is also a gifted producer, and remains humble despite his fame. I interviewed him years ago and have been following his progress as he continues to let his talents spread beyond our region.

His song "Come On" was the closing anthem for the fifth episode of the HBO original series "Entourage" last year.

The series was created by Doug Ellin and the executive producer is Mark Wahlberg. I remember see the credits and before turning it off, hearing the first few bars of the cut, and it just sounded pleasantly familiar.

Episode five featured a cameo by Val Kilmer, and was easily one of the most entertaining shows in the series.

Man, I knew the brother had skills but who knew he'd make it to Hollywood. Congratulations Seth.

This year's Superbowl is significant for various reasons-- it is significant for me because I grew up in rural Pennsylvania as a fan of Philadelphia Eagles.

The game has the potential to be one of the biggest days in the history of Syracuse as well, because former Orangeman Donovan McNabb is Philadelphia's quarterback.

Syracuse is also the hometown of Eagles running back Dorsey Levens. I've worked with the Levens Foundation here in Syracuse during a program they did a few years ago.

The game has historical significance as well because if the Eagles win, McNabb would become only the second African-American quarterback to lead his team to a Superbowl victory.

Journalist Ed Gordon recently did a story about Doug Williams, the first African-American quarterback to win The GAME. Williams, who was the MVP that day, said that he's pulling for McNabb too, for reasons that go beyond football.

Transportation agencies downstate will soon vote on whether to ban amateur photographers from taking pictures on or around subway stations in the interest of Homeland defense. My colleague Alton Ritter sent me some interesting information about this issue that you can read here. Alton is a photographer who lives in New York City.

The Year of the Rooster is upon us. I found this out in an e-mail from Shirley Lum, a tour guide I met almost 10 years ago in Toronto.

Shirley is a true self-navigator. She's been leading and coordinating walking tours for her company, A Taste of the World, since 1993. Her tours have been featured on CNN Travel Now, National Geographic Traveler as well as the Philadelphia Inquirer and Washington Post.

Shirley's officially on sabbatical, but will be offering the popular annual, behind-the-scenes Chinese New Year walking tour for the first few weeks in February.