Urban Memoirs - The African Bushmeat Trade

Learn more:  http://www.4apes.com/bushmeat/report/bushmeat.pdf

THE MARKET AND ITS EUROPEAN SPONSORS

    The food source consumed by nations in the Central/West African regions prior to Colonialism almost becomes insignificant when you consider the diseases that encompasses African nations and the endangerment of primates in Africa today. There is clear cut evidence of records that conclude to these issues of diseases and endangered species being a result of Colonialism. Diseases such as: HIV/AIDS, cholera, malaria, Ebola, Tuberculosis, chronic diarrhea, and Hepatitis A/B etc, did not pose a threat to Africans prior to Colonialism. In fact, they were unknown to the Nations residing on the continent before the Colonial period.

    Naturally, those individuals that have the privilege and luxury of residing in Western societies today may wonder why these Africans are eating Primates and various other species causing a swift affect of endangering these species’ survival. Ignorance is bliss. Needless to say, it’s evident that the Africans are not concerned with the lack of knowledge of the Western civilizations because they too are fighting for survival due to lack of land for cultivation, access to seeds, and clean water. Some African tribes, unlike the early Colonialists, refused to leave their rich native land; instead they found alternatives for survival. Of coarse it seems inhumane and very cruel to animals, but in their minds it’s ‘Eat or Die‘. Besides, in various articles you will find that the Bushmeat Trading is strongly linked to various European Logging Companies. What does this mean? Well you just can’t let a region of homeless Primates go to waste, right?  

   

    Contrary to popular belief West Africa was a civilized and wealthy region of Africa, before Colonialism and the scramble for Africa. There is no question that Western African cultures were very civilized and wealthy prior to Colonialism, to those who research their history. The geographical position of The Kingdom of Congo is simple evidence that it was once the center of a network of trading in Africa. They have lineages of noble King/Queenships that predates the Colonials, the very same people that sent missionaries and business men (traders/brokers) to civilize their already civilized nation.

    During the period of Colonialism there were mandates to be met, and land to be taken. This period lasted from the 15^th century to 20^th century. It was spearheaded by early Portuguese and European traders/brokers on a conquest for various commodities such as land, gold, spices, and humans. In the process, Nations died to never be seen and new governments were formed to never be removed.

    Post Colonialism resulted in millions of Africans displaced and natural resources confiscated. The devastations divided the natives and left the remaining survivors poor. The 19^th and 20^th century sprouted the fruits of Colonialism inflicted on the Native Africans. This will include: Civil Wars in diverse regions, major Oil tycoons polluting the water resource, lack of food and nutrition resulting in diseases and seeking other alternatives for food (ie consumption of Primates), European Logging Companies destroying the rain forest (resulting in homeless Primates), and human experimentations. (Note: I just named a few)
   
    In 1959 the first human to be diagnosed with HIV was from Congo. I remember when I was growing up in the early 90’s the media revealed that an African male contracted this virus by having sexual intercourse with a monkey. That’s interesting because now researchers say that HIV may have been transferred via consumption of the “Bushmeat” (Primates) because they carry a similar virus known as SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus). So, if this is the case then allow me to give you something to ponder on. Why are professionals telling the world HIV in Africa is such a problem today because of sexual intercourse; oppose to saying it comes from Africans eating bushmeat (Primates)? I mean it’s not like they stopped eating bushmeat (Primates). Africans still eat bushmeat and probably consume more than in 1959, because the demand for it is more than ever. (I will be posting another article regarding HIV/AIDS on a different date. It still needs more research.) 
   
    The Bushmeat Trading regions are in highly populated and heavily impoverished regions of South America, Africa, and Asia. Yet still I am baffled with this market being worth billions of dollars. Hopefully, when the media makes mention to the Bushmeat Market's cash flow, they are factoring in the European Logging Company’s income as well. If not, then it’s safe for individuals like me to wonder if there are developed countries that are paying big bucks for the “bush“? (Play on wordZ) BON APPETITE!

MORE VIDEOS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogsg8SRAGJc&feature=relmfu   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDMFuOGyLsw&feature=fvwrel

Urban Memoirs - Kanye West

Kanye West Album Cover “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasies”

    When I first saw this album cover I was almost certain that my eyes were deceiving me. Knowing Kanye, I'm sure that was his attentions. I actually sat at my laptop for 30 minutes trying to understand why he made this his album cover. Moments later I connected the fact that the name of his album was “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasies” and I began to ponder. My mind began to drift to other black male entertainers (past and present); suddenly his album cover began to make a lot of sense. Entertainers from Rick James to Dennis Rodman and countless others that have been “in the closet” have lived this reality. You have to realize that it’s not a black or white thang, but it seems to be a standard for some of the black men that become successful to drink excessively, snort cocaine, and have sex with white women when they reached the level of being a “ROCKSTAR”. Hopefully I’m not the only one that understood the statement Kanye is attempting to convey to his audience, because if not I’m sure there will be a lot of controversy with this album cover. Needless to say this is art, and Kanye West in my eyes is a Master Artist.  Genius!  Lol

Other 3 choices of album covers below.

Art, I guess…

Most King's get their heads cut off image…inspired by Basquiat

 More Art, I assume…

Featured Artist Thaxton Waters

Thaxton Waters (Contemporary Artist)

     Thaxton Waters have to be Nashville’s hardest working artist with a fresh new style of painting that the art world must see, bar none. I guess you can say he is the James Brown of Art.  His calm yet old school demeanor is a combination for destruction when he traps himself in his own world to create his ongoing collection of Masterpieces.  There is one thing you must know about this artist as it pertains to his paintings.  Each and every painting he creates, you can bet your last dollar that he has a mass storage of historical background of the iconic figures or images he creates with his paint brush.  If you don't believe me then you must contact this brutha and hold a 5 minute conversation with him and you'll see what I'm talking about.  He is literally sick with the paint brush.  I've literally stared at one of his paintings for at least 20 minutes wondering how in the hell did he capture this in his head and be able to transfer that thought to the canvas.  Please don't take my word for it because you can see it for yourself.  All of his contact info is below if you want a custom painting, tour his gallery, or purchase a piece of his collectables!!!  Please support!!  It doesn't matter what country you are located in because we will make sure you get it! 

 View more work on facebook! @ Taxton Waters

hebrootsartstudio@yahoo.com

(615) 586-4376 ‎ by appointments

 Dr. Cornel West

Don't act like you don't see the expression on Dr. Cornel West's face!!  PRICELESS!!

Take the time and admire the explosiveness of energy coming from this image!

Artist Formerly Known As…



Featured Artist Kelly Dion AKA "D-Revolution"

Kelly Dion "D-Revolution"

    There was another extraordinary performance this past weekend by the prolific award winning artist Kelly Dion, also known as D-Revolution.  He is continuously using his God-given gift of Spoken Word to break his way into the mainstream of the art world. He has countless performances under his belt and the natural ability of moving any crowd of various ages from his authenticity, superb stage presence, and relevant subject matter.  He exposes the issues that lurk in the neighborhoods of the Urban Community.  His story lets you know that he is one of the few survivors that beat the odds of becoming a "statistic".  I had the pleasure to hear him heat up the mic on several occasions when I was a student at Tennessee State University.  So I bare witness to his greatness.  If you view this page show your support and make sure you take the time to copy his contact info to book him for your City, State, or Country!  I promise you he will not leave you disappointed.  His rap sheet is proven!!!

D_Revolution357@yahoo.com
facebook.com/Dee.Revolution

615-485-2614

D-Revolutions recent performance brought in a jammed pack audience at the Dark Horse Theatre in Nashville, TN where he once again showcased his talents only to leave his fans with an unforgettable experience. He was amongst 3 other artists (Shawn Whitsell, Binky, and Sheerene Whitfield) in the premiere of an innovative format of spoken art called "The Storytellers". 

Don't take my word for it!  Listen!!

Martin Luther King, jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King, jr. . (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)



Here on 'The WriterZ Block' we will honor his greatness with two of the greatest speeches known to humanity (with an exception of the "I Have a Dream" speech).  I also want to mention that his "Last Speech" is my personal favorite because of its profound message that only a few will understand. ;)



Drum Major Instinct

The Last Speech

"The Beginning"

I started writing before I ever learned how to do anything else whether it was sports or various other hobbies. I kept this secret until 2001 when I was about 20 years old serving for the United States Air Force. At that time I read one of my poems to a lady 5 years older then I was and afterwards she was astounded. The poem was titled "Mental Love Making". When I was a child I was raised in a single parent home. Whenever my mother would speak to my father she would beg him to come and pick me up and spend quality time with me. My father would never come to get me when it is just us two. He would urge my older brother to come as well for extra company or something. I don't know. So we would all go do various things following going to my father's house. We would arrive to his house to sit down and relax. That is when my father would lay a pen and pad on the table and tell me to write him something. And I would, every time. He was usually preoccupied with what he was doing, because he was an artist, or he would do some activity with my older brother. It was during these times when I started writing. I've always been patient and quiet with my creativity. Until I moved to Nashville,TN I met some very artistic people that made a major impact in my life. (They know who they are) I was around some of the most talented individuals that had no desire to be famous. From this point I made several appearances at local Poetry Lounge's and college functions. In addition I wrote and directed two plays; The Lamb's Lion (co-wrote) and The Watchmen, both performed for non-profit organizations. Around the same time I felt we could progress with various ideas we had, but after college our desires vanished for a multiple of reasons. So at the time I was in college studying for Biology to be a doctor. For one of my electives I made sure I enrolled in a Director's course my senior year. During the end of the semester the 10 minute play I directed was a success. Prior, other minor projects also occurred my sophomore year during a class I took called Black Arts and Literature. My Professor was a Nashville-native old man named Mr. Byrdsong. He was the type of guy that would inspire you just because of his passion for Black Arts and Literature. This class opened my eyes to literature and the power it gives. I was exposed to numerous amounts of Black writers and artists. Mr. Byrdsong never covered his students' visions. He just urged us to take it serious even though some students just wanted those 3 credits. I listened to Mr. Byrdsong and took it serious because his body language was priceless when we listened to Negro spirituals or when we read out-loud authors like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, or Alice Walker in class. The way he explained their work urged me to be on his level of understanding arts and literature. I'll be honest; I am not that far at my age. To be on his level I would be required to really sharpen my own skills and practice hard to appreciate what those before me accomplished. It will be an honor to be listed with the "Elites" in Black Arts and Literature but at this moment in time I most think small. I plan to patiently soak up information and continue writing until my lane opens. This is predestined to happen.

The Reason

‘The Writerz Block‘ is where you will be exposed to hard working artist's with some of the best material you‘ve yet to see. Currently, we are all in the midst of pursuing something we love to do, so dedicate a small portion of your time to support us and we will be sure to give you what you've been missing. Also, you will find literature written in regards to the urban community, history, and current events written by me. Feel free to leave comments or advice and remember that you’re always welcomed back to my block! Enjoy.