JESSE RAUDALES:

North Hollywood Based Artist is Breaking History as the 1st Minority Olympic Artist
 
Saharra Jovan White
Say It Loud!
Publisher   

 

Jesse Raudales receives a kiss from his son Jesse Jr. at his art show “My Real Name Is Jesus.” (Courtesy of Jesse Raudales)

 

 

 

 Jermaine Jackson, Heather J Taylor (Manager), Jesse Raudales and Jesse Jr. at a recent art show hosted by Jackson at 626 Art Gallery Studio B. (Courtesy of Jesse Raudales)

 

 

     Jesse Raudales, an Olympic artist based in North Hollywood is adding some color to the art world. Raudales is attracting attention with every art show and interview he does. It also helps to have friends like Tommy Ford and Miguel Nunez. His greatest masterpiece would be his son Jesse Junior. In his painting, “Peace for the Children of the World,” Raudales painted his son Jesse Jr. He later was selected as an official artist for the 2006 Winter Olympics.
     Raudales amazing story didn’t start with the Winter 2006 Olympics. Pronounced dead on May 21, 1970, Raudales’ mother and grandmother prayed to God and his mother cradled her child in her arms. Raudales mother named him Jesus to honor god, and until age five the child wore burlap robes, leather sandals and long hair.
Jesus Guadeloupe Raudales won first place in a statewide art show in North Carolina at age seven. “It felt really good as a child just to know that your artwork was selected,” said Raudales.

The Olympics

     In 2006 Raudales became the first minority chosen as an official artist for the Olympics, and at this point in his young career he considers the artwork selected for the 2006 Winter Olympics as his greatest achievement. “I’m re¬ally like a baby in the artwork. That’s our Oscar and that’s our Grammy, being selected as an Olympic artist. That is like the highest achievement you can receive as an artist,” added Raudales.
     Raudales grandmother a black Cuban wouldn’t ac¬knowledge that she was African. A number of Raudales family members don’t recognize their African side of the family. Raudales accepts and embraces his black roots and says he’s proud of it. “Being the only minority artist in the Olympics and the only artist to have three painting simultaneous at the same time in one Olympics and being the youngest artist selected for the Olympics its bitter sweet,” said Raudales.

Jesse Jr.

     Raudales son Jesse Jr. Is a major influence on the artist’s life. “When I found out I was having a child I thought my art career was over. But actually I just found out its just the be¬ginning by having him,” said Raudales.
     The artist’s careers just started, and Jesse Jr. “inspires me because he is the love of my life,” Raudales said.

Speed Artist

     Raudales considers him¬self a “speed artist.” Raudales explains that the average artists can take three weeks to a month or longer to finish a piece. It can take Raudales a day or a couple of hours to finish a piece depending if he uses oil or not. When he was studying Fashion Design and Commercial Arts at the Arts Institute in Atlanta, Georgia Raudales brought his assignments in the day after they were assigned. His professors would say “I wasn’t taking my time and I didn’t really focus on the lesson, but actually I was a speed artists and I just work off feelings,” said Rau¬dales.

On Michelangelo & Art In General

     The only artist that Raudales really likes is Michelangelo but he says he really doesn’t like his work. “I just like him as an artist because he did everything that I do. He invented, he sculpted, he painted, worked with pastels, acrylics, oils all types of medium. So I guess I just respect him as an artist because he is a true artist,” said Raudales.
     Raudales likes to paint everything and likes to tell a story. “I like to paint current affairs things that happened in my era. ….If somebody passes away and it touches me like Ray Charles, Corretta Scott King, it touched me, so I paint¬ed them. I just paint what’s happening in my era my time today like with the Katrina incident,” said Raudales.

In the Future

     Raudales hopes to become a conglomerate in the future “I will be a self-made millionaire. Probably have a couple of art galleries, a graphics company teaching art some where in my galleries or just in facilities. Hopefully watching my son in college and seeing his career grow,” he said.
     The artist recently signed with Zazzel so he is well on his way to becoming a self-made millionaire. “It is a great way for my fans and all art lovers to be able to get all of my paintings and design at an affordable price and within 24 hrs. It also allows people from other countries who can not come to one of my art shows to be able to buy my artwork. I am one of a few artist who Zazzel has signed, they mostly sign Actors or Singers and all A List Celebrities like Hanna Montana, the Black Eyed Peas etc... So it’s really good for both of us,” said Raudales.
     Raudales hopes his son will run his businesses for him when he gets old enough. The artist is currently working on a couple of cartoon shows, so T.V. shows and animations are also in Raudales future. He is also scheduled for art shows in the UK.
     As time passes Raudales future gets brighter and brighter and people are looking as he makes breaking history. Gallery owners and managers have told Raudales that he is “able to capture the younger generation which is very good for galleries because that is what they want to target.”
The artists fan base is 35 and under “that’s good because once an artist gets a fan base its last forever even when after the artist passes away the work becomes more famous so the fans make the work become famous,” added Raudales.
     For young artists just breaking in to the field Raudales says, “keep pushing and pushing and pushing, stay focus, always put god first, don’t get discouraged. Its hard breaking into the art world but you have to stay determined and focused.”
     An original Jesse Raudales painting runs between $2,500 to $10,000 which is, a steal seeing that the other Olympic artists paintings start at $60,000. To view Jesse Raudales artwork visit JesseRaudales.com.

 

 

 

I Thought I Told Ya That We Won’t Stop

A Raisin in the Sun Presents New Frontier for Hip-Hop
 


 

MARISSA D. BELL

Say It Loud! Contributor  

     1959 saw the first premiere of “A Raisin in the Sun” on Broadway. It was in fact, the first African American play written especially for Broadway. As it went for the recent production, all of the Broadway cast members reprised their roles for the silver screen even then, as “A Raisin in Sun,” by Lorraine Hansberry first premiered Sept 18, 1961, starring budding actors and actresses such as Sidney Poitier as Walter Lee Younger, Ruby Dee as Ruth Younger, and Louis Gossett Jr as George Murchison. The aforementioned actors and actresses are legends in today’s Black Hollywood, respected for roles prior to and following, and now appreciated for the controversies they overcame while attempting to solidify their place in Hollywood history. 47 years later, a remake of the beloved story, again of monumental proportions, would discover a new generation, and would finally bring “A Raisin in the Sun” to its rightful place in Black Arts and Cinema.

    ABC’s premiere of “A Raisin in the Sun” on Feb. 25, 2008, was in my opinion a risky venture, especially on ABC’s part. At first mention of the plan, I was rocked on my heels, wondering if ABC actually realized what it would be doing. However, even riskier, was the plan to re-cast the ensemble with its original Broadway stage cast from four years earlier, amongst whom would be Hip-Hop mogul, Sean “P.Diddy” Combs. Not only would Combs be cast, but he would reprise the role of Walter Lee (previously played by the legendary Sidney Poitier and Danny Glover), a disheartened shell of a man, desperately trying to assert his manhood, by making a way out of seemingly no way to support his family like a man should, a story all too commonly familiar with today’s black male existence. Because Walter Lee was the complete opposite of the egotistical persona Diddy tries to portray in his actual star studded lifestyle, many were wary, apprehensive even, and it didn’t help that his co-star lineup included Felicia Rashad, Bill Nunn, Sanaa Lathan, and Audra McDonald. However, the story doesn’t start or end here.

Bad Boy burst onto the scene in 1994. It was evident from the beginning that its founder, Sean Combs had a knack for creativity, an ear for success and the mind of a true entrepreneur. Bad Boy would reign the billboard charts for the next 3 years with acts such as 112, Faith Evans, Total, Lil Kim, Junior Mafia, Mase and the infamous Notorious B.I.G./Biggie. They were on top of the world, until the unthinkable happened. 1997 saw the murder of its brightest star and Combs protégé, Biggie. At 24 years old, he was gunned down in a drive by in Los Angeles, Ca. Bad Boy would never officially recover. It would never again take such hold of the music industry, losing many on its all-star roster to various labels in the following years. It would never again impact the musical marketplace the way it once had. Now this was not all Biggie’s fault. Time’s were changing, and the music was following suit. However, Biggie’s death did ironically have a positive effect on both Bad Boy and Combs.  
 
Had Biggie stayed alive, I’m sure Combs would not be the hip-hop tycoon he is today. See, if Biggie had lived, Combs would have had to sustain his surge on modern hip-hop/rap music and remain a producer/writer/artist simply because Biggie was then, and probably would be now, his main concern. Basically, Combs may not have been able to crossover, because Biggie’s genre of music at the time was not commercial, nor do I believe Biggie would have approved of going mainstream. I think he would have wanted to uphold his “street” image. Thus, Biggie’s death provided room for Bad Boy’s crossover appeal and success and the genius of Combs as an entrepreneur to grow. Following Biggie’s death, Combs turned himself into a cash cow, branding a clothing line and men’s cologne with his name, capitalizing on countless mainstream releases, hosting an MTV reality show (Making the Band) and even changing his name from “Puff Daddy” to “P.Diddy,” challenged in publicity only by Prince’s sudden name change years prior. The only thing that was left for Combs to conquer, was the acting world.  
 
We first saw Combs in Monster’s Ball, playing a convicted murderer awaiting electrocution. His performance was eerily calm, providing an insight into who Combs could be as an actor. Anyone, who knows they’re going to die, is not usually calm, but his form of calm was surreal, believable, brave, almost frightening. Though this role was brief, it sparked interest among Hollywood, and Combs was soon respected as an actor. It wasn’t long that he started getting approached for various roles, however, he became consciously selective of the parts he considered, careful not repeat roles, and careful not to become typecast. Combs wanted to challenge himself as an actor, and take on roles that were out of character, and would show his true acting abilities. “A Raisin in the Sun” on Broadway was perfect!
Stage was different from film or TV so the challenge was greater. Though criticized for his performance as Walter Lee, Combs was able to pull it off, offering a landmark performance and was well received by his audience. His cast members also praised his efforts and discipline as an actor. Not only was this a monumental moment in his career, but in my eyes, a monumental event for hip hop. Combs, up to that point, had already done so much for hip-hop. He jumpstarted the hip-hop entrepreneurial movement that still exists today and popularized it. Though criticized for his production work, Combs also made it acceptable to again re-sample in hip-hop. No one in hip-hop has been able to accomplish what this man has done, nor have they been able to do it the way he has. He has never buckled under the pressure and never compromised who he was for the almighty dollar. At that moment, on that Broadway stage, Combs in his own way, became a hero for hip-hop, silencing the critics that said he, we, couldn’t do it. His appearance on opening night spoke volumes for what it represented for hip-hop. Combs was a part of the Broadway premiere of “A Raisin in the Sun,” 47 years after it had been on the stage for the last time. His stars once again had been perfectly aligned.
It was no mistake I’m sure, to cast Combs in the part of Walter Lee. As I stated before, his stars had been perfectly aligned. Walter Lee in today’s generation represented every voiceless black man, suffering in the ghettos of America. He represented every incarcerated black man, every black man who had been released and was unable to find a secure well paying job, every struggling single father, and every fatherless son. Walter Lee represented the desperation for survival in this racially unwelcoming and capitalistic world we all recognize; that same desperation that drives crimes rates up in urban communities; that same desperation many of us in the hip-hop generation can relate to. He became the dealers on the corner, who slang to support their children and feed their families. He became the gang banger who is simply in search of a family. He was all of these, and Combs became the visual representation of all of these things, all of these men and all of these voices.
The reason “A Raisin in the Sun,” is such an important work among African Americans is because of its common theme. It is a theme very relative and familiar to the Black existence. Walter Lee, Ruth, and even Beneatha can be found in every black family as well as the stories they represent. But what is important, is that we find strength in these characters, because it is that same strength that lies within us. The best part of “A Raisin in the Sun,” is when Walter Lee finally comes into his manhood, as realized by his mother, sister and wife after he insists that his family challenge racism and move into their newly purchased home located in an all white neighborhood. The choice to stay or leave was left up to him as the man of the house, and he was going to have to live with the consequences of his own decision. It was then, that Walter Lee became a man, realizing that being a man was about more than material gain or the $10,000 life insurance policy money he lost. He found out being a man was about love, family, and having the courage to stand up for what was right, facing the consequences and challenges head on.
 Casting Combs in that role was symbolic of a message that needed to be heard and told to my generation, the hip hop generation. I’m sure it was also a role Combs could himself relate to as well. What impressed me the most however, was that not only was Combs cast in the movie, but he produced it as well, making it possible for a “A Raisin in the Sun” to be accessible to my generation. More importantly, he took a classic African American tale of economic distress, and applied it to the hip-hop generation, allowing a new audience to discover a great African American masterpiece. I commend him for that. Many people believe that because of his chart-topping success, visual “arrogance” and eccentricity, and mainstream appeal, that Combs has sold out and forgotten where he came from. “A Raisin in the Sun” on ABC was evidence of the exact opposite.
What I have written here today was never going to be a critique on the movie, the man, his acting skills or lack thereof. That would have been too obvious. He deserves more than an attack on surface symptoms. Sean Combs deserves respect and credit where credit is due, and I’m here to provide that. This piece was written to honor Lorraine Hansberry for such a magnificent work of Black art, Ruby Dee and Sidney Poitier for bringing her story to life, and Sean “P.Diddy” Combs for his efforts and accomplishments in a world with so little hope for the future. He again gave us Walter Lee....who in turn gave us Combs...who is making it possible for his successors....who ARE our future!

Say It Loud! Be Proud. The San Fernando Valley's Black Newspaper. 
March/April 2008
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How to Get Over Him and Learn from Your Mistakes
 
 
 
SAHARRA WHITE
Say It Loud! Publisher
 
Author Denician Angeleia in her book How to Get Over Him and Learn from Your Mistakes, gives readers pointers on how to pick Mr. Right from Mr. Wrong. The author dated a number of Mr. Wrongs. She has survived through some rocky situations including date rape and a seven-year abusive relationship.
    In the survival guide Angeleia starts explaining how to get over him. Getting over him takes four steps: taking care of your health, finding closure, finding out what keeps you from getting pass the relationship and acceptance.
    Angeleia discusses making standard rules for dating, red flags that can let you know he’s Mr. Wrong as well as some pointers in self-improvement for the reader. The author shares her past experience to help the reader find their Mr. Right. The guide also includes poetry, this poetry element adds a twist to the average self-help guide.
    So girl what are you waiting for? Go get your copy of How to Get Over Him and Learn from Your Mistakes, and go get your Mr. Right.
    How to Get Over Him and Learn from Your Mistakes, Denician Angeleia, $10.95. Available at www.iuniverse.com.

Say It Loud! Be Proud. The San Fernando Valley's Black Newspaper. 
March/April 2008
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 Vamanos a Mexico! (Let’s go to Mexico)

FELICIA SERRANO
Say It Loud! Contributor
Hispanics are now the largest minority in the United States. With half of its population Hispanic, at least one-third is Mexican or Mexican American. So, who are these people that are making our city a more interestingly enriching place to live? What better way to meet and greet our fellow neighbors then by diving into a deliciously, entertaining book that educates the reader on the Mexican culture, language, and indigenous foods provided in Mexico’s Most Wanted the top 10 book of Chicano culture, Latin lovers, and Hispanic pride by Boze Hadleigh.
    Hadleigh’s book takes a clever approach in expressing Mexican Culture and all its wonder and brings it home to the reader in a Q&A style. The author highlights the history of Mexico, from its native drink to famous actors, actresses, movies, directors, singers and athletes. It even goes as far as to show the reader how to pronounce and use different sayings to greet one another in Spanish. Mexico’s Most Wanted is a great way of learning about the people from Mexico and its beautiful, rich culture that should be celebrated and shared more often.
 
Say It Loud! Be Proud. The San Fernando Valley's Black Newspaper. 
March/April 2008
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 Down With Armél
MARISSA D. BELL

Hailing from Gardena, CA, Armél is the hot new R&B singing (and producing) sensation-causing shockwaves throughout the music industry. Armél is not your average songwriter/producer turn singer. At 22 years young, he has already made a name for himself, working with the likes of Trey Songz, B2K, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Beyonce and Omarion to name a few. He has also appeared on Access Hollywood, BET’s 106th & Park, and MTV’s TRL. Versatile in his talents, Armél holds many titles ranging from pianist to songwriter to producer. However, he has most recently focused on the vocal aspect of his budding career. His voice inhabits a combination of the soulful Donny Hathaway, commercial appeal of Usher Raymond, and remnants of the Black church, the most important foundation for some of the most successful black R&B artists to date. Currently, his debut single “I took it down” featuring Juelz Santana is blazing airwaves across the country. The release of his highly anticipated debut album is bound to raise the bar of the current R&B trend, and set Armél apart from all the rest, possibly bringing R&B back to its rightful place in music history. So stay tuned, because Armél could be coming to a city or radio near you. For more information about Armél, visit his myspace page at Myspace.com/Armelsworld or Armelonline.com.
 Say It Loud! Be Proud. The San Fernando Valley's Black Newspaper. 
March/April 2008
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Book Review
Song For Night
a novella by Chris Abani 

 

 

 

    We all hear about war and the horror stories that go along with it.  We all know or believe that war is a grown up thing, a decision made by adults, and carried out by adults.  This is what we are made to believe or choose to believe.  In foreign places were war is quite different.  Children are just as much a part of war as any adult. They are thrown into the battle and forced to learn how to kill to survive. 
     “Song For Night” brings this harsh reality to light in a way that puts you the reader right in the line of fire, in the young minds of the youth who are forced to become a part of a long battle that they did not choose.  These children are forced to enter an adult world were death and life is a very thin line. 
     The story takes you into the mind of a 15-year-old boy who is forced, after his entire family and village are wiped out, to become a part of an army of youth. They are trained at boot camp by a general referred to as John Wayne, but John Wayne he is not, this guy is the bad guy, the person whom you would never trust your child with, who has no moral values, the devil himself.  At this boot camp, these children are taught to diffuse mines.  They comb the landmines, and are known as mine diffusers.  Upon graduation their vocal cords are cut so that if any one of them happened to set of a bomb, the others will not know and be effected by the cries and screaming of their fallen comrade which would make their task even harder to continue and carry out.
    This general takes away any innocence a child may have had.  He takes away any pride a man may have.  He takes away the joy that any person might have had and fills the void with distrust, betrayal, violence, rape, greed and death.  With silence and no words that can be spoken to each other, you enter into the mind of this young boy and follow him through a journey unlike no other.  You follow him to places he is going, to places he has been, and to places were he or any other child should never be.
     “Song For Night” will make you wonder about the things we do not see and witness for ourselves.  It will force you to become more aware of the bigger picture outside your world.  It will make you realize how blessed we are in this land called America.  It will make you want to go out like so many people are doing today and reach out to those whose land is far away and far from the freedom that we know.

                                                                    --Darleen D. Edwards

                                                                       Say It Loud! Staff  

Say It Loud! Be Proud. The San Fernando Valley's Black Newspaper. _____________________________________________________

 

Theater/Film Events

 Theatre/Film
Feb-March 9, 2008. 

The Color Purple. From the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand, L.A. www.ahmanson-theater.com.

Weds. Feb. 6th @ 7p.m.
Sankofa. Film showing as part of the Movie Series hosted by the African Student Organization at CSUN. CSUN Black House, 18356 Halsted St., Northridge. Info: aso-csun58@hotmail.com.

Thurs. Feb. 7th @7p.m.
PAFF Opening Night Film-Namibia: The Struggle For Liberation Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Charles Burnett, starring Carl Lumbly, Danny Glover, Joel Haikali and Obed Emvula. The film depicts the long struggle waged by the people of Namibia for their independence that was ultimately won with the help of Cuban military volunteers fighting in Angola. Directors Guild of America. 7920 Sunset Bl. L.A.
Info: 323.295.1706 or www.paff.org.

Feb. 7-18th
16th Annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF). Will take place Thursday, February 7 through Monday, February 18 at the Magic Johnson AMC Crenshaw 15 Theatres and the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles, California . Highlights of the 2008 festival include the star-studded red carpet Opening Night Gala to be held in Hollywood at the Director’s Guild of America on February 7th. Magic Johnson Theatres, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall, and the Director’s Guild of America King & Crenshaw Bl., L.A. Info: 323.295.1706 or www.paff.org.

Weds. Feb 13. @7p.m.
Blood Diamonds. Film showing as part of the Movie Series hosted by the African Student Organization at CSUN. CSUN Black House, 18356 Halsted St., Northridge. Info: aso-csun58@hotmail.com

Sun. Feb. 24th @ 4p.m.
For Whom the Bell Toll Set For Life (A California Nonprofit 501C3 Organization) PRESENTS A Black History Month Celebration. A musical comedy drama, “For Whom the Bell Toll” set in the 1950s. General admission is $15 and $10 for Seniors and Children. Special VIP tickets are available for $25. Guest will also be treated to a Black Art exhibit of pen & ink illustrations by Disney Artist Ron Husband of Ron’s World. Proceeds raised will support SET for LIFE 2008 programs and the new sanctuary capital campaign of Second Baptist Church, Inc. The Duarte Performing Arts Center.1401 Highland Av. Duarte. Info:www.setforlifenews.org.

Thurs. Jan. 31 @ 7p.m.
FAMLI Film Screening, “Negroes with Guns,Robert Williams & Black Power”
Monthly Film Screenings & Discussions hosted by FAMLI Inc. & In The Black Productions. Lucy Florence Cultural Center, Leimert Park, L.A. Info: (323) 293-1356

Say It Loud! Be Proud. The San Fernando Valley's Black Newspaper. _____________________________________________________