HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

I Receive ALL of Life with Thanksgiving.
~Jonathan-Lockwood Huie


GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!!!

Here is what you can know, beloveds. There is something wonderful waiting for you, perhaps rushing to you. You haven’t made all the discoveries yet. You don’t know the whole story yet. Yet you can truly know without qualification that the best is yet to come.
This has to be so because you are someone who is growing in consciousness, and so, new music is about to begin. --New Music Is About to Begin by Heavens Letters
~ JOIN HUMANITY'S TEAM



Well boys and girls, Last night was one for the ages. First I went to the Artwalk in Downtown L.A., and maybe it's because I came a little early, but to be honest, it was dead.

L.A. RISING FOR WOMEN

Now let me pause for a bit to tell you a little bit about what this event was all about.



ABOUT ONE BILLION RISING:
This global activist movement, V-DAY, was founded 14 years ago by Tony award winner Eve Ensler, and has continued to gain the support of politicians, artists, writers, celebrities, thinkers and non-profit organizations, such including the Greater LA Chapter (USCN) for UN Women. The ‘V’ in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina. This year’s campaign is entitled “One Billion Rising,” and has reached millions of activists in 160 countries since its launch in February 2012.

  ONE BILLION RISING IS:
One Billion Rising is a global strike. An invitation to dance. A call to men and women to refuse to participate in the status quo until rape and rape culture ends. A call to action, in lieu of the fact that one in three women on this planet will be raped or beaten in her lifetime. An act of solidarity, demonstrating to women the commonality of both their struggles and their power in numbers. A refusal to accept violence against women and girls. A revolution of one billion women joining together on the same day.

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEOS ABOUT V-DAY

Click here for a special message from the founder of V-Day, Eve Ensler.

That's right, we were joined by many, many groups all over the world, 193 countries I think. Click HERE for the lineup. Anyway, we were all there for the common purpose. To dance, celebrate, and to shout out in one voice:

I SAY NO TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

I SAY NO TO RAPE AND SEX CRIMES

For more information, check out their Website: http://onebillionrising.org/

On another note, The Senate easily passed its Violence Against Women Act reauthorization bill on Tuesday, officially punting the issue to the House, where Republican leaders still haven't signaled how they plan to proceed.

The bill passed 78 to 22. It already had 62 cosponsors, which ensured its passage, but it picked up additional support from a handful of Republicans.

Now why anybody would vote against this bill is beyond me, but here's some Senators who did vote against it: John Barrasso (Wyo.), Roy Blunt (Mo.), John Boozman (Ark.), Tom Coburn (Okla.), John Cornyn (Texas), Ted Cruz (Texas), Mike Enzi (Wyo.), Lindsey Graham (S.C.), Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Orrin Hatch (Utah), James Inhofe (Okla.), Mike Johanns (Neb.), Ron Johnson (Wisc.), Mike Lee (Utah), Mitch McConnell (Ky.), Rand Paul (Ky.), Jim Risch (Idaho), Pat Roberts (Kansas), Marco Rubio (Fla.), Jeff Sessions (Ala.), John Thune (S.D.) and Tim Scott (S.C.).

Now, back to my night.

Well, basically, I danced, I mingled, took some silly pictures:

L.A. RISING FOR WOMEN:CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICS!

I also met this amazing artist painting a masterpeice close to the door. Her name is LYNN ELISHAW, and she has a web site, (I think this is her website) www.paintingintongues.com And I also met a new friend named Sandra, who was kind enough to walk me to the bus stop and keep me company until the bus came. It took a little while to come; I speculated that the driver might have been chilling and smoking a fat joint somewhere and lost track of time. And I swear, when the bus did come, the driver DID look like me might have been doing just that. One of these days, I'm gonna make some blog posts about some of the shit that goes on in the buses and the train. I had many experiences riding public transportation, some beautiful, some downright UGLY.

As usual, I couldn't stay till the end of the show, so I didn't see all the acts. In case you were wondering, Here's a list of those who played at the event: Andrea Schell

Andrea is so excited to be part of OneBillionRising as the MC for LA Rising! She is a producer, writer and performer with a focus on creating content that entertains, inspires and connects women. Past projects have included the web talk show What Would Men Say? and the one woman show From Seven Layers to a Bikini Top in Less Than Five Hours. Current projects include producing the documentary Le Chiffon, a comedic look at periods, tampons and everything involved with that lovely time of the month as well as producing a video for The Empowher Institute, a nonprofit that provides education support for inner city girls in Los Angeles. Andrea has also worked at The Simpsons, New Line Cinema, Oprah Magazine and other super awesome entertainment companies. You can learn more about Andrea at www.andreaschell.com or check out www.shessogreat.com, a site where women celebrate women from history, yes. history! Cklara Moradian

Cklara Moradian is a Kurdish-American writer, spoken-word artist, published poet and columnist. Conceived and raised by human rights advocates and survivors of the notorious prisons of the Islamic Republic of Iran, her commitment to human rights developed at an early age. She spent most of her childhood as a refugee in several countries before arriving in the United States. Cklara pulls from her rich Kurdish heritage, memories, and experiences to weave passionate stories of labor and resistance. She uses poetry and spoken word as a creative response to the atrocities in the world. She has been writing and performing spoken word at national and international conferences since she was a child. Her work has been featured in poetry anthologies and online publications. She is known in the Los Angeles literary circles and a frequently featured guest on local radio, poetry workshops, and festivals. Currently she is an active member of Amnesty International, ACLU, Philosophy Society, and other progressive not-for-profits. She is studying Philosophy and working on her writing.
DJ Amara

DJ Amara, an international DJ well known in the LGBT community has been a long time supporter of women empowerment movements. She volunteers her time to DJ and work events such as The Vagina Monologues, and the Asian Pacific Women's Center, a nonprofit dedicated to providing a safe haven and support services for women and children who are survivors of domestic violence. As a veteran DJ for Club Skirts Dinah Shore weekend, she's been blessed to have been able to perform alongside legendary women such as Chaka Khan, Robin S, Crystal Waters, and Salt N Peppa. These powerful iconic women will serve as inspiration for an old school soulful set for her performance at One Billion Rising.
http://www.facebook.com/DjAmaraFanPage

DJ Nova Jade

Tera "Nova Jade" Greene is an award-winning DJ and film producer, as well as a published writer and poet. She has helped to organize 3-day women's workshop festivals and recently spoke on a panel about "Feminism" in today's society at UCLA. Though growing up she lacked women role models, even a mother's presence in the home, she feels it is important to empower women to stand firmly in their identities and create their own HerStory.
http://dj.beatport.com/djnovajade
https://www.facebook.com/djnjpro

Erica Gimpel

Erica Gimpel first received international acclaim for her performance as Coco Hernandez on the hit TV series 'Fame'. Since then, Erica has gone on to star in award-winning TV shows including NIKITA, CRIMINAL MINDS, GREYS ANATOMY, HOUSE, ER, VERONICA MARS and most recently TRUE BLOOD. Another of Ericas roles is as a gifted singer/songwriter. Her riveting live debut CD, 'Spread Your Wings And Fly' has quickly become one of CDBABYS top albums in the Jazz/Pop genre. Ericas song 'Spread Your Wings And Fly' (her anthem to women) is featured in the soon to be released indie film 'Hill and Gully'.
http://www.ericagimpelmedia.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Erica-Gimpel/125649789358

Isabella Grosso

An accomplished dancer with a repertoire in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and even the mystic moves of Salsa, Tango and the Waltz. She is also a writer with her first memoir coming out in 2013 describing the story of a young woman and her struggle to overcome sexual abuse. She is a dedicated advocate for women's rights and women empowerment, making it an essential part of her life.
http://www.isabellagrosso.com/
https://www.facebook.com/belle.grosso

Katie Goodman

Katie is the creator and co-writer of "Broad Comedy," and a musical comedian. She and Broad Comedy have performed internationally, including 3-month smash successes in Los Angeles and Boston, as well as at Caroline’s On Broadway, America’s #1 Comedy Club in Times Square, and at the Vancouver Fringe Theatre Festival where Broad Comedy won the Pick of the Fringe, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, where they were voted top ten comedy picks by The Fringe Review. She is a blogger for The Huffington Post, and has contributed to O, The Oprah Magazine, and is the author of Improvisation For The Spirit: Live A Creative, Spontaneous, and Courageous Life Using the Tools of Improv Comedy. Katie and her co-author/co-director husband Soren Kisiel were nominated for the MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant” for their unique work in theatre. Katie can be seen singing their song, “These Are The Things I Can’t F**kng Remember,” taped for an episode of Showtime’s comedy roundtable series, The Green Room With Paul Provenza. Her solo show of political and personal satire is currently up at the infamous Joe’s Pub at The Public Theatre in NYC on a monthly basis. You can see her music videos, subscribe to her podcast, and find out her touring schedule at
www.katiegoodman.com.

theKI

theKI is a 10-piece ensemble that fuses pop, jazz and electronic music with modern and ancient wisdom. Featuring conservatory-trained members who have performed with world-class artists, theKI combines beautiful instrumental arrangements with digital grooves to create movement, dance, and transformative moments of inner reflection. Roxie Sakura, lead singer and member of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter USNC for UN Women, is dedicated to shining light on some of the darkest injustices and inner struggles still facing women today.
http://www.theki.me/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-KI/165145193543496

LadyFOX

LadyFOX is Michelle Ann Owens, an LA-based vocalist/songwriter whose songs combine influences of soul, R&B, rock & funk. Her work has been heard on numerous television shows, such as "CSI: Miami", "The Apprentice", "Jersey Shore", "America's Next Top Model", "Gene Simmons Family Jewels", and many more. Michelle has also performed on stage with many famous musicians, including Robbie Krieger (The Doors), Cliff Williams (AC/DC), Alan White (Yes), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Rudy Sarzo (Whitesnake, Quiet Riot, Ozzy), Howard Jones, Micky Dolenz (The Monkees). Michelle has personally been a victim of violence and wholeheartedly believes in music's power to heal wounds and to provide strength and power to those touched by the gift of song.
http://www.ladyfoxmusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/ladyfoxmusic

Sherryce & Kelly
Billboard DJ/Singer/Producer Kelly Divan & Chart topping EDM music artist Sherryce are making their debut as power house DJ/Vocal duo. 'We make a stand to empower women around the world to live their best lives.' Scheduled for their first collaborative release they are excited to perform at LA Rising for Women. www.Sherryce.com http://kellydivan.com/

The Tribal Dance Jam Collective
Tribal Dance Jam Collective, a community of dancers from the Southern California area, perform tribal style which embodies everything from folkloric-inspired dances to fusion of ancient dance from North India, the Middle East and Africa. Dancers interact with each other while improvising a simple movement vocabulary with the same stylization among all members. http://www.tribaldancejam.com/

A Window Between Worlds (AWBW)
Also joining our event will be A Window Between Worlds (AWBW), founded in 1991, is the only national non-profit dedicated to using art to end domestic violence. I CAN WE CAN is AWBW'S newest community art project where everyone can lend a hand, literally, to help end abuse. Join with us and create art on your hands as a symbol of solidarity, a commitment that you will do what you can to help end domestic violence and sexual assault. icanwecan.awbw.org



All in All, I had a BLAST! A big thanks to the Greater Los Angeles Friends of the US National Committee for UN Women for all their hard work helping to put this event together.

And especially, Thank you ROXIE SAKURA, SEAN HILL, DANIELLE CARTER, ROYCE MC CALMAN, and the rest of THE KI, and RACHEL LYNN for helping to make last night a SPECIAL night. And Thank You again SANDRA "TORCH" GOMEZ for keeping me company until my bus came last night.











We have agreed that it is not safe to ask questions; we have agreed that if people love us, they should know what we want or how we feel.
~don Miguel Ruiz