Arts and Culture
Don’t Kid Yourself, History and Racism Are Traumatic
Filipinos weren’t enslaved, but as colonized people the tens of thousands who came as laborers were convenient replacements to come and work the agricultural fields of California. There’s not much difference between how Filipino colonials were treated compared with Blacks post-slavery. Filipinos, like Blacks, couldn’t be citizens, couldn’t intermarry, couldn’t own land, couldn’t vote.
By Emil Guillermo
“Emil Amok: Lost NPR Host…,” the one-man show I’m doing at Under St. Marks Theater in New York City until March 4, wasn’t really intended as a history show.
But it has turned into that.
I talk about how Filipino Americans continue to overcome the legacy of being America’s first colony in 1898. The U.S. had 13 original colonies, I guess the country just felt the need to have a colony of its own in order to feel its own oppressive power. The impact has lasted with Filipino’s “colonial mentality.”
I also point out how a pattern emerges between African American history and Asian American Filipino history. Filipinos weren’t enslaved, but as colonized people the tens of thousands who came as laborers were convenient replacements to come and work the agricultural fields of California.
There’s not much difference between how Filipino colonials were treated compared with Blacks post-slavery. Filipinos, like Blacks, couldn’t be citizens, couldn’t intermarry, couldn’t own land, couldn’t vote.
But Filipinos had that designation, “American National,” special class, second class, colonized. As non-citizens, the U.S. owned us and considered us “wards of the state.”
As I prepared for my show looking at our collective BIPOC history, it’s incredible how much AAPIs in particular have had to endure. Model minority?
Not if you look throughout Asian American history, from the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 to Filipino colonialism, to incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. (Incidentally, the 82nd anniversary of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s signing of Executive Order 9066, that rounded up 120,000 Japanese Americans was this past Sunday).
There’s so much history of discrimination to ponder among all BIPOC communities that if you are a member and think it’s taken a toll on your brain, as well as your entire body, you’re right.
Richard Sima, a neuroscientist and science journalist at the Washington Post, writes:
“Experiences of racial discrimination are consistently linked with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, substance use and PTSD, as well as physical ailments such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Black Americans, for instance, are about twice as likely as white Americans to develop dementia.”
Sima says that over the long term, racism accelerates aging and degrades the parts of the brain that deal with emotion and cognition.
“This is not an effect of race,” Nathaniel Harnett, neuroscientist at McLean Hospital and an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, told Sima. “It is an effect of the burdens we place on racial groups.”
The problems really kick in personally when the trauma we experience from race is invalidated or questioned.
How many times do people tell you, “That’s not racism.” Or, “It’s in your head.” Or “You’re imagining things.”
Chances are you’re not imagining things.
But that’s the problem. The self-doubt leads to “individual invalidation” and the struggle over self-worth.
And either we think about it, get vigilant, and struggle to overcome.
Or, we get crushed by it, run out of resources and get overcome as we try to manage the constancy of racism in our everyday experience. When we can’t deal with it all in a timely manner, racism increasingly becomes a mental health issue.
More and more studies are showing the overall impact of race discrimination is a “wear and tear” on the body with neuroimaging data showing a degrading in the brain’s gray and white matter.
The remedy? For some, simply slowing down and seeking mindfulness training can help. For
others, talking to a therapist, or more, may be needed.
There should be nothing wrong with seeking help. But too often, seeking help is either seen as a weakness or a flaw that people would rather not admit to in public.
I choose to do a one-man show about being Filipino in America. It’s not therapy. But it’s entertaining. You don’t have to be in New York, get a live stream ticket and see the show from your home.
Get tickets here: https://www.frigid.nyc/event/6897:338/
Emil Guillermo is a veteran award-winning journalist, commentator, and stage performer. See his vlog at www.amok.com
Art
Mayor Breed, Actor Morris Chestnut Attend S.F.’s Indie Night Film Festival
On June 1, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based Indie Night Film Festival arrived at the Kabuki Theater in San Francisco. San Francisco native Dave Brown, Founder and CEO of the Indie Night Film Festival, has a vision for the film industry that is squarely focused on promoting the many talented producers, actors, and designers contributing to this billion-dollar industry. The festival has been running for 12 years and it’s only up from here, he says.
By Y’Anad Burrell
On June 1, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based Indie Night Film Festival arrived at the Kabuki Theater in San Francisco.
San Francisco native Dave Brown, Founder and CEO of the Indie Night Film Festival, has a vision for the film industry that is squarely focused on promoting the many talented producers, actors, and designers contributing to this billion-dollar industry. The festival has been running for 12 years and it’s only up from here, he says.
A weekly celebration of cinematic artistry designed to elevate emerging talent while providing a platform for networking and collaboration, entrepreneur Dave Brown created Indie Night to bridge gaps within the filmmaking community by fostering connections between like-minded individuals worldwide. The Indie Film Festival currently has over 450 film submissions worldwide, and its cinematic vault only continues to grow.
The festival showcased over 10 short films and trailers, and featured Faces of the “City: Fighting for the Soul of America,” produced by veteran actor Tisha Campbell. This film is about the vibrancy and legacy of San Francisco. The festival also previewed “When It Reigns,” a trailer by Oakland’s burgeoning filmmaker Jamaica René.
Indie films have not just challenged traditional cinematic norms; they’ve shattered them. These films offer unique storytelling perspectives and push creative boundaries in truly inspiring ways. With their smaller budgets and independent spirit, they often tackle unconventional subjects and portray diverse characters, providing a refreshing alternative to mainstream cinema. As a result, indie films have resonated with audiences seeking an escape from formulaic blockbusters and are increasingly celebrated for their authenticity and originality.
Organizers say the mission of Indie Night is to elevate the craft of independent artists and creators. It also provides a venue for them to showcase their work, network, and exchange information with new and established creatives. It creates a community that values and supports independent art.
For more about the Indie Night Film Festival, visit www.indienightfilmfestival.com.
Arts and Culture
Point Richmond Music Unveils Summer Concert Series Lineup
If the first performer set for Point Richmond’s Summer Music Festival is any indication, the concert series has some fantastic tunes in store for local concertgoers. The one and only Fantastic Negrito will kick off the concert series Friday, June 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.-ish with his unique blend of blues, R&B, soul and roots music.
By Kathy Chouteau
The Richmond Standard
If the first performer set for Point Richmond’s Summer Music Festival is any indication, the concert series has some fantastic tunes in store for local concertgoers.
The one and only Fantastic Negrito will kick off the concert series Friday, June 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.-ish with his unique blend of blues, R&B, soul and roots music.
The artist, who was born Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, had a serious early-career car crash that damaged his guitar playing hand. But he rose above it to reemerge as the rebranded “Fantastic Negrito” in 2014, earning multiple accolades — including multiple Grammys — upon his musical rebirth, according to his bio.
Negrito’s current album is “White Jesus Black Problems,” called by his website “an exhilarating ode to the power of family and the enduring resilience of our shared humanity.”
Point Richmond’s Summer Music Festival has two more concerts lined up as well, starting with the “swampy tonk” sounds of Miracle Mule on Friday, July 26 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Also performing that night will be Lorin Rowan + the Deep Blue Jam, featuring Americana, rock, roots, and reggae tunes from 6:45 to 8 p.m.-ish.
The concert series’ final performances occur Friday, Aug. 23, when Van Goat rocks out from 5:30-6:30 p.m., followed by the Latin, Venezuelan and Caribbean vibes of Bululú from 6:45 to 8 p.m.-ish.
In addition to dancing in the street to the music, Point Richmond’s many restaurants will be open during the concerts, along with face painting for the kids and art by The Arts of Point Richmond.
The concert series is organized by Point Richmond Music. Find the concert venue at the corner of Park Place and Washington Avenue in Point Richmond.
Art
El Cerrito Calls for Artists to Transform Its Utility Boxes
The City of El Cerrito’s Arts & Culture Commission is seeking individual artists, teams of artists or community groups to apply for its “2024 Utility Box Public Art Program.” The project is a beautification initiative designed to add to the vibrancy of the San Pablo Avenue corridor by having community artists transform unsightly utility boxes into attractive works of art, according to the City.
By Kathy Chouteau
The Richmond Standard
Do you have an idea for beautifying urban public spaces with your art? If so, this initiative might be perfect for you.
The City of El Cerrito’s Arts & Culture Commission is seeking individual artists, teams of artists or community groups to apply for its “2024 Utility Box Public Art Program.” The project is a beautification initiative designed to add to the vibrancy of the San Pablo Avenue corridor by having community artists transform unsightly utility boxes into attractive works of art, according to the City.
This program’s theme is “Artwork that Celebrates El Cerrito’s Natural Beauty and Environment,” and any artist/team/community group residing in Contra Costa County can apply. The boxes, including one main utility box and a smaller traffic signal box adjacent to each other, are located at Ashbury and Fairmount Avenues, next to Harding Elementary School in El Cerrito.
A $2,500 stipend is offered for each utility box completed and the application is due Friday, June 14, at 4 p.m. Work on the boxes begins Aug. 5, with work to be completed by Sept. 6.
To date, eight utility boxes have been painted by local artists as part of the initiative throughout 2021 to 2023. Artists including Adaleyd DeLeon, Kristen Kong, Shanna Strauss, Martial Yapo, Jesse White and Ricardo Cerezo have been selected by the city to beautify utility boxes with their art since the program’s inception.
Questions? Contact Will Provost at 510-215-4318 or wprovost@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. Applications can be submitted online https://el-cerrito.org/1522/Utility-Box-Public-Art-Program
WORK FROM HOME
Home-based business with potential monthly income of $10K+ per month. A proven training system and website provided to maximize business effectiveness. Perfect job to earn side and primary income. Contact Lynne for more details: Lynne4npusa@gmail.com 800-334-0540
Oakland Post: Week of June 19 – 25, 2024
Trump’s Conviction Sparks Accusations and Deepens Divisions
Ex-Trump Officials Confirm Talk of Executions, Potential Bloodbath if He Beats Biden in November
Biden Slams Trump’s Dangerous Policies, Defends Social Security and Medicare
Melinda French Gates Champions Social Progress Through Pivotal Ventures
Breaking News: Baseball Legend Willie Mays Dies at 93
Interview Ralph Gilles, Chief Design Officer
First Look 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S EV Trailhawk
Conquest Sales Trailhawk Wagoneer S, Antonio Filosa, CEO
Unbelievable Jeep Capability…
Car Reviews and Auto News
Electrification and Market Coverage…Wagoneer S
Surpassing Competition…2025 Wagoneer S
The New Jeep Wagoneer S EV
McIntosh Audio System 2025 Wagoneer S
Cal. Supreme Court Could Strip Gov and Legislature of Power to Raise Taxes
Activist and Organizer Peggy Moore and Wife Die in Fatal Car Crash
Expect to See a New Flat Rate Fee of $24 on Your Electricity Bill
Alameda DA Pamela Price is Ready to ‘Protect the Win’ in Upcoming Recall Election
Funds for Down Payments and Credit Repair Given to Black First Time Homebuyers
Oakland International Airport Will Now Be Called ‘San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport’
Radical Proposal to Limit the Power of Oakland’s Police Commission
PRESS ROOM: New AARP Pennsylvania Poll: Black Voters 50+ Say Social Security, Inflation, and Medicare Will Influence 2024 Vote
Alameda District Attorney Pamela Price Is Considering Legal Action If Recall Makes It to Ballot
Revamp Your Ride In The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD SUV!
Oakland’s New Police Chief Floyd Mitchell Gets to Work
Banning Menthol Cigarettes: California-Based Advocacy Group Joins Suit Against Federal Govt.
Third Annual Town Up Tuesday Lifts Oakland’s Community, Culture and Joy
District Attorney Pamela Price Will Face Recall Election on November General Election Ballot
Oakland Post: Week of May 15 – 21, 2024
New Car Reviews and Important Auto News
Why the 2024 Subaru Solterra Touring EV Deserves a Spot on Your Test Drive List
The Future of Driving…Solterra
Mind-Blowing EV Safety Feature 1
Likes and Dislikes…2024 Subaru Solterra
2024 Subaru Solterra Touring EV
Solterra POV Drive
2024 Lincoln Nautilus AWD Reserve lll Tour | POV Drive
Luxury Redefined…Lincoln Nautilus
Stunning 2024 Lincoln Nautilus
2024 Lincoln Nautilus… Tour
All New Cars Must Have Automatic Emergency Braking Systems by 2029 AutoNetwork Reports
Selecting A Traverse for the Drive
First Look 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71
2024 Chevrolet Traverse Off Road
-
California Black Media3 weeks agoFunds for Down Payments and Credit Repair Given to Black First Time Homebuyers
-
Alameda County3 weeks agoAlameda District Attorney Pamela Price Is Considering Legal Action If Recall Makes It to Ballot
-
#NNPA BlackPress4 weeks agoRevamp Your Ride In The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD SUV!
-
Alameda County3 weeks agoOakland’s New Police Chief Floyd Mitchell Gets to Work
-
Community3 weeks agoState Secures Settlement Agreement with City of Vallejo, Police on Reforms and Accountability
-
Bay Area3 weeks agoFormer Holy Names University Education Students Struggle to Complete Credentials, Call on HNU Trustees to Honor Commitment to Pay Teacher Training Scholarships
-
#NNPA BlackPress4 weeks ago2024 Chevrolet Traverse Off Road
-
Antonio Ray Harvey2 weeks agoMore Segregated Than Deep South: ACLU Releases Report on Calif. Public Schools