A Treasure Chest
This is from The Shed’s web site:
Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy invites visitors into a colorful, riotous fun house of carnival attractions by visionary artists of the 20th century, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Sonia Delaunay, Keith Haring, David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, and more.
The brainchild of artist André Heller, Luna Luna first opened in 1987 in Hamburg, Germany, as a spectacular fairground. And then, by a twist of fate, the park’s treasures were forgotten in storage in Texas for 36 years.
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Such a fun show, I highly recommend. It’s in NYC until February 23.
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“Treasures forgotten in storage”, that got me thinking. I think the incredible historical stories that I find and write about are treasures. BUT what about the many, many beautiful, thought-provoking and life improving things that were created for us by giving and caring artists who were passionate about their offerings and truly believed that they would get to us and help us, and yet we know nothing about them or their work?! In other words, what other treasures are hidden out there?!
That is why it is so important for YOU to know your stories! What treasures do you have in your family tree? Find out why that crazy cousin is so crazy, or why was that uncle so tobacco spittin’ mean. (I had a relative who would spit tobacco as he spoke to you with a very mean and irritated snarl.)
I always wanted to go further and do better, but believed there were things bigger than me (racism, sexism, classism, colorism) that would stop me. And they did. All of the “isms” did what they were supposed to do to me. The “isms” made me feel bad, insecure, unintelligent, untalented. BUT my faith was stronger. It just was. (I thank my mother for teaching me faith.) I just really wanted to go further and do better. Eventually, I understood the job of the “isms” and how they effected me, but I still kept it moving. That is one of the many reasons treasures are so important to me.
“The very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being.” - Toni Morrison.
The following discovery helped me manage the “isms”:
Last year, I learned that my great, great, grandfather (a Black man) was a freeman in 1850 and served in the Civil War! I had no idea. How was he a freeman in 1850? We do not know. Place and time tells me that he probably bought his freedom. Bruh had skills, he was a cook. He may have worked “extra” to buy himself. Of course, that makes total sense to me, he invested in himself like I invested in myself by making my podcasts. It was so good to see this streak of going further and doing better in spite of the “isms”, in my blood. I feel proud and powerful and most of all secure. Discovering treasures is so important. I hope you will find some treasures.
More treasures:
Esther Rolle got her starring role as Florida Evans in the series Good Times in 1974, Rolle was 54 years old.
Roxie Roker secured her starring role as Helen Willis in The Jeffersons in 1975, Roker was 46 years old.
(Coincidentally, Roker and Rolle performed with the Negro Ensemble Company. The Negro Ensemble Company is a treasure I really must look more into.)
Madge Sinclair was 36 years old when she made her film debut in the film Conrack.
Toni Morrison was 39 years old when she published her first book.
When Isabel Sanford was 43 years old, she took herself and her three children to Los Angeles, leaving behind an abusive husband in New York City. She was 56 years old when she began her role as Louise Jefferson on The Jeffersons.
I especially appreciate these treasures because they are Black women who gained “success” when they were “mature”. For years, they were studying and working their craft, while working day jobs, while raising children.
This scene of Helen Willis dancing with George Jefferson on The Jeffersons tickled me so much when I was a kid. I was so glad to see Helen, even though she was married to a white man, Tom Willis, still be able to show that she was “Black” by dancing “like a Black woman”. In this dance I saw that Helen was not a “sell out”, she did not hate being Black, she was just a Black woman who happened to marry a white guy. I got all of that out of that short dance.
This was more than just a silly dance, this was a statement about race, sex, age - all of the things. THAT is why we truly need stories told by a VARIETY of people - and shared by ALL people - so that we can all see those levels and recognize ourselves and/or our people and feel affirmed and secure.
Share your treasures!
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This issue’s CTA - Call to Action: Check-in on your people in L.A. Check-in on your people anywhere, just check-in.
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Audio Drama shoutout:
Alpha 8 by Stephanie Elie, here is the link: https://pod.link/1675414859
Why I like this show:
I enjoy the story, a lot is going on, but the writing is strong enough to make it palatable for the ear.
Most of all, I am very impressed and inspired by the creator, Stephanie Elie. She does the work. She managed a crowdfunding campaign to raise the funds to make the show, she connects with other creators, she gets her show on the lists, directories, she wins awards. She is doing it! and I see it and I try to do the same.
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AND We’re putting on a show! Dancers on the Shore will be an audio series! Yes, this is one of the shows on my “to-do” list. Yay! Thank you for donating! If you weren’t able to make a donation, thank you in advance for checking out the show when we publish it and telling your friends!
I will certainly keep you posted!
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Thank you so much for reading, sharing and donating.
Thanks for the shoutout!