Tagged: MLK

Kennedy Center Amazingness (Recap)

Ok. So. I really don’t have that much to say about it besides the fact that it was amazing. And when I say amazing, I mean, one of the most memorable experiences of my life, thus far. The purpose behind the show (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), the people in the show, the fact that I got to read my “Letter to a Dreamer” to a PACKED house, ranging from 16 year olds to 70 year olds, all in the historic Kennedy Center…overwhelming. I can’t really say much else. I can’t really do it justice. I’m still trying to do it justice in my own mind! So, just CHECK IT OUT YOURSELF!!

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One of the best parts of the whole day, actually came after the show. I was sitting outside with two of my friends when an older man, who was either the shuttle driver for the Kennedy Center, or one of the security guards, definitely in his 60’s came over to me and extended his hand.

“You the dreamer, right?” he said, his voice gruff, but pleasant.

I was a but puzzled. Was I “the dreamer?” I guess, so.

“Ah. Yes sir.” I stood to my feet and shook his hand.

“Well, I’m still dreaming, son. Aint that what you said? That it aint too late? I’m still dreaming.”

Then he walked away.

Wow.

There are moments when…

One more thing. Notice the woman in the photo above in the bedazzled hat. She HAS to be one of my mother’s friends.

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BIG NEWS! (I’m smiling…and no matter what time of day you read this, I’ll be smiling.)

THIS SUNDAY, I will reading my latest piece, “Letter to a Dreamer,” at…

Wait for it…

THE KENNEDY CENTER! Yep! It’s for the unveiling celebration of the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC. This is one of the MOST IMPORTANT PIECES I’VE EVER WRITTEN, and one of the MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS I’VE EVER PERFORMED AT. I’m humbled an overwhelmed, and grateful to Holly Bass for having me, and Simone Jacobson for connecting me.

Millennium Stage, 6 o’clock, FREE.

Here’s an excerpt from the piece:

There have been
many anxious nights
where darkness
has slept around me

my lover
cocooned in a
coziness I have
yet to meet.

My eyes
swollen with exhaustion
my body sputtering
on its way down

but my dream
wont stop crying
screaming
like a colicky
infant child.

Sometimes I think
it needs to be changed.

Usually
it just needs to be fed.

Note: “Letter to a Dreamer” will be published in book form, and available in the fall.