From to DC to Tripoli

February 27, 2011

To my Brothers and Sisters of Libya,

I greet you in peace and open arms. I have never traveled to your country and quite honestly until the events of the past few weeks I knew not much about you other than the tales of your leader. Even the stories I’d previously been told about the man who heads your nation have been somewhat colored I’m sure. Nevertheless, I have seen the news. I have been reading. I have watched videos online. I am drawn to you and know that because we are all children of the earth and citizens of the world we are connected.

Years ago I was taught that freedom is not free and that in order to obtain it and keep it that people must work day and night. It appears as though you have been toiling for a long night, more than 40 years, and that perhaps your day may soon break. I pray your safe passage to dawn.

Tonight the evening news reported that those trying to hold on to power are hunkering down in Tripoli, the capital of Libya and those that are who wish to bring about change and freedom are consolidating their resources to march into the capital and claim it for what is just and of  and for the people. As I sat here watching the news in my home here in the capital of the United States of America, I thought about so many things.

First was my great respect for the men and women of Libya who are so thirsty for freedom and justice for themselves and their loved ones that they would be willing to sacrifice their lives today for a better Libya tomorrow. It made me sad for a moment to think of those who live in Washington, DC, who complain under their breath about ‘no taxation without representation’ who don’t so much as sacrifice a few moments of their time to pick up the phone and tell their family members in other parts of the country to pick up their phones and call their elected officials and ask for their help in granting more freedom to us.

Next, I thought about the current partisan rhetoric in our country right now. It saddens me. I am deeply disturbed that rather than work together the two dominant political parties appear to be more concerned with winning elections, favorability polls and pushing ideological agendas rather than focusing on issues upon which they can agree and most effectively move our country forward. Our elected officials should not only be grateful that we chose them to serve us in public office, but also that our nation provides such a beautifully written living document and infrastructure to help citizens and our country stand tall. We have a constitution. We have an infrastructure that includes separation of powers. And until recently, I thought we had grown ups in the House and Senate. We have the tools necessary to govern our great nation but the ones we are counting on to be models and do the governing in a responsible mature manner aren’t doing that. Many of them should be ashamed. The ills that are permeating our country, while far from perfect right now, still pale in comparison to what is happening in nations around the world.

Tonight, I also looked at the images of the men and women in the streets of your country and wondered where the children and elderly were. I wondered how a mother explains what is going in the streets to her children. I wondered what insight an elderly person who has lived in Libya his or her entire life would have to offer on where the country was, where it is and where it might be going – those essential voices of the nations past and future. I hold them up in light and love.

Because I am human, because I want what is best for my friends, family and loved ones, because I cherish freedom, security and the right to dream and make my dreams a reality, because I know so deeply what it is like to simply want to be heard – I stand with you my brothers and sisters.

Know that I am not there in body, but I am with you in spirit. I am with you and everyone in every capital city of every country on this earth. I am hopeful. I am prayerful.

One day every citizen of the world will know peace in this world.

May God bless and protect you.

Your Brother,

Substance & Style

Meet at the Intersection

From today February, 25 through March 13, the best place for art and culture enthusiasts to meet in Washington, DC at the intersection. The second annual all-arts festival celebrating the artistic and cultural connections of our community and world Intersections will bring together under one umbrella some of the best and brightest talent that DC has to offer. Meet at the intersection!

And the nominees are…

February 23 through February 27 the National Archives Experience will host free screenings of the Academy Award® nominees in four categories—Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, Live Action Short Film, and Animated Short Film. In this programs seventh year, the screenings are again presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in partnership with the Charles Guggenheim Center for the Documentary Film and the Foundation for the National Archives.

Seating for each screening is on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted. Free tickets are distributed at the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue, 60 minutes prior to start time. You must be present to receive a ticket. Theater doors open 30 minutes prior to start time. The saving of seats is strictly prohibited. To review a complete list of films and screening times visit the National Archives website.

Next Stop: red line

The next time you want to watch a sporting event in great comfort and great company, or even if you just want to connect with friends over a burger, beer and cocktails, hop on the red line, get off at Gallery Place and walk across the street to Red Line GastroLounge. They refer to their menu as American with a French flair but diners just call it good food. With ample seating, 40 flat screens, and an 11-foot projection screen and beer taps at every turn it is fun and full of life. Make it your next stop!

Night at the Museum

Next Friday night, spend your night at the Museum. The Smithsonian Museum of African Art is hosting their inaugural Africa Underground experience on Friday, February 18 from 7:00pm – 11:00pm. When the museum closes their doors to the general public, things will kick off for Underground guests to enjoy an evening of performances, dancing, light refreshments and drinks as well as the stunning exhibitions. Tickets are going quickly and can be purchased online. Buy today.

Brand U.

After serving on Capitol Hill as press secretary for the House Foreign Affairs Committee, David Baldwin Barnes (above center) has turned his attention to a domestic policy agenda. His new venture, Gait Consulting offers image and communication consult to professionals looking to enhance their personal and professional brand. Baldwin is a firm believer that the way you present yourself to the world is an extension of your personality and understands the intimate relationship between self-esteem and image, and infuses every aspect of his services to cater to the whole person, not just the clothes. Are you ready to take your personal style to the next level? Contact Gait Consulting for an initial consultation. Also check out his latest contribution to Gen Juice.

Tap Time

Wednesday February 16 the Tony Award winning dance genius Savion Glover will return to the Strathmore for his newest show SoLo iN TiME. Accompanied by his talent crew of musicians and dancers the show is described as a ‘blending the sensuous, sinuous style of flamenco with the explosive, percussive force of his own innovative style of tap.’ Tickets for the performance are on sale now.

Celebrating History

In recognition of Black History Month 2011 the DC Public Library has planned an impressive number of lectures, re-enactments, musical performances, children’s programs, film presentations, exhibits, trivia contests, book discussions and more. A highlight of the events that will take place in branches across the District over the next month is a lunchtime presentation by NPR personality and author Michele Norris on February 9 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Branch. She will be discussing “How Far Has America Progressed Toward Racial Justice in the Age of America’s First Black President?” For more information about this and other programs visit their site today.

America I AM

The much talked about traveling exhibit America I AM: The African American Imprint has come to Washington, DC and will be on display at the National Geographic Museum through May 1, 2011. According to press notes the 15,000 square-foot exhibition leads visitors through time on a journey from struggle to triumph of African Americans in America and features more than 200 artifacts culled from every period of U.S. history, the exhibition  includes objects, texts, religion, music, narration, and media. To learn more, or purchase tickets visit here. For a schedule of talks and programs complementing the exhibit, click here.