ASHE!

Seasonal Bucket List vs. Reality Check: Remembering Family, Unity and the Truth

2010-12-12T11:55:00.002-05:00

By Imakhu
Peace & Blessings Family,

We have now entered the season when we huddle to the near and dear for meaningful community
feasting, while simultaneously engaging in commercial mass consumption.

In addition to buying into (pardon the pun) the seasonal diversionary motto "Spend, Spend, Spend!", we
allow our memories of the origins of holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and yes, sadly, even
Kwanzaa, to become amnesiatic lore. Why? Because, like so many cases when it comes to the true
history of a country, reality sucks. And frankly, it is human nature to want to feel good as opposed to
facing ugliness and the responsibility that goes with the fact that "once you know, you can't not know."

I am not advising people to skip the holidays. Far be it from me to talk down the bonding ritual of
celebrational gatherings. The "Family Unit", in general, is far too splintered to avoid the advantage of
reconnecting to your roots. What I am advising is that you research the history of your precious
holidays and traditions to make an informed decision about how you will honor them. Create your own
traditions based on historic truth, not fairy tales.

In 2008, I went to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year with my then-husband, Sammie. I have
always wanted to experience attending that renown parade instead of watching on TV (a tradition from
my own childhood). Going to the parade was part of my "bucket list." Do I believe any of the
Thanksgiving lie? About as much as I believe that the original U.S. natives were red-skinned. But
honestly, as an adult who has had way too many near death experiences because of my lousy health, I
have come to appreciate, hackneyed as it may sound, that life is too short. I want to experience fun with
the man I've been waiting for my whole life. On this day we decided to forego the stress of holiday
hosting and focus on each other. A rarity for both of us, being the accommodating, family oriented
people we are.

Indeed, we did have fun. Even freezing in the cold. There was a group consciousness of innocence and

unity. Well, except for the Caucasian folks who showed up in brigades carrying ladders and planks to
set up their own random viewing stands on the sidewalks. (Let folks of color try to get away with that.)
And the hot pretzel vendor hiking his price from $2 per pretzel up to $4 was an act of capitalistic slime.

I must say though, this is what intrigued me. In spite of the celebrities who stood at the helm of many a
float, in spite of the gi-normous balloons of commercially familiar cartoon characters, the two floats
that elicited the most spontaneous applause and hand waving from the multi-generational crowd were
the Sesame Street float (yes, Susan, Maria, and Luis were there with Muppet favorites), and the Native
American float, carrying members of the Oneida tribe.

Okay. How the heck did Macy's entice a group of Native Americans to get in on this gig, knowing that, to
my understanding, many indigenous groups reject Thanksgiving and July 4th because of the genocidal
slaughter? Then again, I'm Cherokee blood on both sides of my family, and my behind was there...
What was more interesting was the hush toned remark a Caucasian woman standing beside me,
made to her husband.
"We still owe the Native Americans for taking their land."
Yeah. How 'bout that. And considering the fact that the first Native Americans to populate this country were actually Black, that spells double reparations to me.

Interesting that this mother of two chose this instance to whisper. For two hours she had been loudly
and proudly spewing incorrect multicultural info and her stereotypical misperceptions in a sincere
effort to educate her young children on cultural awareness.
I asked Sammie why he thought the crowd exuded such support for the Native American float.
"Guilt," he responded resolutely.

I was now forced to face my squelched, seething resentment that arose at the site of the walking
bobble-head pilgrims, the floats bearing brand names, and yes, the Know-It-All White Woman who, in
my mind, was a poster child for screwed up race relations in this country.

Waiter, Reality Check please. I felt read' ta go.

We went home, thawed out, and enjoyed the beautiful meal my husband lovingly made for me. We gave
thanks for each other, our families, our wonderful friends, then fell into our usual daily conscious
conversation, which now focused on realistic observations of the parade. We ended the evening
watching the hilarious animated film, "The Incredibles." The next morning, as customary, I arose, went
to my ancestral altar, lit a candle, poured libation, and said my daily prayers for all those who had gone
before, including my Native ancestors. On the following Sunday I helped my relatives and friends put up
my mother's Christmas decorations, a family tradition. Do I believe in the Christmas story? (And I'm a
Kemite too?) About as much as I believe in the red suited fat man. I'm too hip to the story's actual
Kemetic origins. (For more info, check out my mp3 podcast lecture, "The True Kemetic Origins of Christmas.")

But my very Baptist family and I don't discuss our vast belief differences. That works. And considering
that we'd buried my cousin the day before Mom's seasonal soiree, my point is further emphasized - life Is
too short.

Living with the truth can be difficult to negotiate day-to-day on the real. Looking for little breaks from the
weight of it is necessary to keep body and soul together. How you seek relief should be based upon
maintaining integrity and heart-to-heart relationships in order to maintain peace within.
So, I could scratch the Macy's parade off my bucket list. In Thanksgiving 2009, my husband and I were celebrating the day in warm and toasty family homes, but not with each other. In spite of the wonderful memories we'd shared, we separated. Oh well... That's life. We still see each other occasionally, making new memories in a new context. Because, after all, life is short.
Watch your wallet, especially in these economically challenged times. Bring your focus back to loving
the people in your life through simple, heartfelt gestures. And say a prayer for your ancestors.

Queen Mother Imakhu is the founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia.
www.akeruradio.com

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/ Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the 24/7 radio station, AKERU! Family Radio, the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show "Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within African global communities, who is known for speaking her mind. Imakhu teaches the mystical art of Sacred Metaphysical Bellydance, which reintroduces women to the ancient healing mysticism of our ancient indigenous foremothers.

Imakhu's FERMENTED Herb Cashew Cheese!

2010-03-13T21:12:00.007-05:00

By Imakhu

Well, I must say, I almost made the mistake of tossing some unexpectedly fermented raw cashews away.

When I added water to soak the raw cashews the other day, it was with the intention of making raw cheese, then raw ice cream. When I took a whiff over a day later, wouldn't you know, they had a fermented smell.

Dag. I waited too long. Or so I thought.

I went to the net to find out if using raw fermented cashews was safe. Not only is it safe, but it also is highly recommended for faux cheese recipes! Invest a bit more soaking time, skip the Brewer's Yeast, and have a ball making endless varieties of cheese substitutes. Soft, spreadable, or goat cheese crumbled texture, it's your fancy.

Gotta tell you, this recipe I came up with is a winner. As you know, my food preparation is highly intuitive. But I'll give you the ingredients I used and the process.

Imakhu's Fermented Herb Cashew Cheese

1 c. raw cashews, soaked in container outside of the fridge for a minimum of 12 - 16 hours. Drain off water, rinse.

1/4 cup raw almonds

1/8 cup of sunflower seeds

1/4 small onion

soaked sundried tomato slice

a splash of lemon juice

a splash of water

freshly ground black pepper to taste

fresh ground sea salt to taste

fresh or dried herbs, including basil, rosemary, parsley, oregano, basil, mint, sage, thyme, cilantro

a hint of Jamaican curry to taste

Directions:
Blend nuts in processor or blender, adding liquids to ease mixing (just enough to create desired consistency for creamy spread, or chunkier for goat cheese texture). Blend in the rest of the ingredients. For dip or spread, pour into a container to be served right away, or can refrigerated to chill. For harder texture, use less liquids, pour into cheese cloth to shape. Refrigerate several hours in a bowl. Unwrap, slice, serve.

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-five year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/
Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces motivational radio show ASHE! , the TV show ASHE!, and the podcast show "Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind. Imakhu teaches the mystical art of Sacred Metaphysical Bellydance, which reintroduces women to the ancient healing mysticism of our ancient indigenous foremothers. Imakhu is also a visual artist. She sells her cultural art and clothing at http://www.artfire.com/users/imakhu .

Imakhu's E-Z Raw Cheesy "Cheddar" Recipe

2010-03-11T02:46:00.003-05:00

By Imakhu

Gotta tell ya - I cook much like my foremothers. I'll take or create a basic recipe, but precise seasonings tend to go according to each cook. Keep that in mind as you prepare this, or any other recipes I offer you. And be creative!

Imakhu's E-Z Raw Cashew Cheddar Cheese ingredients:

2 c. soaked/drained cashews
1/2 c. sesame seeds
1/8 c. flax seeds (for binding)
soaked dried tomato slice
a bit of onion and or garlic
fresh juice of half a lemon
just enough water to increase moisture
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive or grapeseed oil
1 tbsp. nutritional yeast
sea salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
hint of Jamaican curry to taste
(Note: Add fresh red pepper slices for more of a Jack cheese flavor)

Directions: Throw in a processor or blender. Blend to desired consistency (smooth or more textured). Refrigerate in container 12 - 24 hours for firmer consistency, as little as 2 hours for cheese spread. You can also put in a low pan and place in dehydrator for several hours so the texture is somewhat harder on the outside, but leaving a softer consistency on the inside, yet sliceable.

Enjoy on sprouted bread, dehydrated crackers, romaine lettuce leaves, or with apple slices.

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/
Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show
"Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind. Imakhu teaches the mystical art of Sacred Metaphysical Bellydance, which reintroduces women to the ancient healing mysticism of our ancient indigenous foremothers.

Imakhu's Raw/Live Pizza!

2010-03-09T13:22:00.006-05:00

By Imakhu

Here, in the video below, is one of my basic recipes for raw/live pizza.

Now, the recipe below has a few more ingredients for a slightly different flavor.
CRUST:
Put dried oats, flax seed, walnuts, and Italian herbs, fresh ground pepper, and a pinch of sea salt in a blender or processer. Put dry mixture in bowl, blend with water and olive oil (or grape seed oil) to form a ball. Press/flatten with oily fingers into a pan. Heat oven to 170 degrees. Put pan in oven to dehydrate several hours until dry. (Can prop oven open a bit to let air circulate. Or you can skip the oven and allow to air dry, which will take longer. Just cover and place somewhere safe.)

SUNDRIED TOMATO PASTE TOPPING:

Soak dried tomatoes in olive oil, water, garlic, onions, Italian herbs. Put in processor for a paste. Spread mixture on crust.

MOCK CHEESE SPREAD:

Put soaked cashews, sunflower seeds, almonds, sea salt, a hint of curry in a processor. Put in bowl, add small amounts of wet ingredients Bragg's Aminos, fresh lemon juice, water, and olive oil (or grape seed oil). Blend everything in bowl with fork. Spread mixture on tomato paste. Add fresh chopped spinach, parsley, tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, sliced mushrooms...whatever floats your boat. Add fresh ground pepper to taste. Ready to serve.

MOCK PARMESAN CHEESE:

Blend dry raw almonds and sesame seeds and a hint of sea salt in a processor or blender. Sprinkle sparingly over pizza.

Enjoy!

- Imakhu

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/
Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show
"Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind. Imakhu teaches the mystical art of Sacred Metaphysical Bellydance, which reintroduces women to the ancient healing mysticism of our ancient indigenous foremothers.

Seeing Past "Post-Racial" Propoganda

2010-02-15T16:18:00.000-05:00

By Imakhu

The phrase "Post Racial America," introduced by a newly inaugurated President Obama, is an evasive political term that many eager Americans are buying into. If there are places in the world that have successfully achieved balanced, "post-racial" living, it is certainly not here in the U.S.

It is my observation that some countries claiming to have eradicated racism are those that set out to brainwash the masses by erasing their racist history from school books and classrooms. The younger generations grow up with no knowledge of the truth, believing everything has always been idyllic. I knew a lovely German family (Boomer adults, pre-teen son) who relocated to NJ. The only oddity about them was their tendancy to belly laugh when the Holocaust was brought up, saying that it was all a lie, never happened. That's what their governmental schools taught them.

A decade ago, my daughter visited South Africa with her college group. She met South African peers who never heard of Apartheid - it had only been a decade outside of Apartheid and it was being removed from their written and oral history. Not mentioning it does equate to societal healing.

The U.S. is using the same propoganda tactics used by Post-WW II Germany, introducing cleverly crafted lingo and mass media programming to impress the notion that all is well with America. The serious soft-pedaling of America's shame has begun. The next step is diminishing the voice of the elders.

Truthfully, as I've watched Dr. Henry Louis Gates' Black History Month specials, "African American Lives," which provided so-called DNA results to Black celebrities that oft times countered proud personal oral histories. (I was as shocked as Tina Turner when she was told she had NO Cherokee blood - WHAT? C'mon, look at her. And we'll leave the Cherokee Nation's politically contrived denial of Black Cherokees for another column.) What was more bothersome was the glee with which Dr. Gates delivered the esteem shattering news. The greater projected message that was, "Don't believe your family oral history, it's a lie." How disempowering. And untrue.

We Black Boomers who still hold memories of Jim Crow need to keep telling our stories, documenting them, broadcasting them. We, as new elders, are living historians with first-hand experience. This is why we must speak for ourselves at cultural events. These programs, originally conceived by us, were designed for us to keep telling our story; to affirm each other, to share our history with the youth, and to prevent the atrocities we have faced from reoccurring. How? Knowledge that leads to activism is power, and ultimately, self-empowerment.

A Black presidential figurehead does not mean equality is here. As I had predicted, there has been an increase in hate crimes in the U.S. since the day after Obama's election. We find now that many voted for him merely as a desperate, what-the-hell measure to protect their wallets from a ragged economy. This country's bottom line has always been about "any means to an end" when it comes to commerce. Yes, there were plenty of voters who voted for Obama from a place of sincere belief in the man, others who were voting against U.S. racism. But the increase in society's overt and covert anti-Black rhetoric is proof that racism is still a common and welcome citizen here in America.

Here's another interesting side to all of this. After twenty-five years of being around the New Age Movement, I can say I am convinced that it has been co-opted by the powers that be as another desensitizing, feel good drug to lull followers into inactivity. If you can be convinced that all injustice in the world is the fault of the participants who attracted those situations to themselves through bad karma or lack of enlightenment, you eventually believe that you have no part in correcting any of the world's ills because it's not your business. Focusing soley upon your development would make you selfish, egocentric, and desensitized. I've seen this in too many followers to count. I'm here to tell you, it is your job, as a world citizen, to tune in, be aware and get involved. And be aware that true Oneness teachings should encourage intensive dialogue to learn more about people and their conditions. To narcotically claim we are One while stepping over a displaced person in the street smacks of superficiality.

I'm a proud, lifelong activist. I'll be happy when I can sit back and relax because global equality has been achieved. But for now, the shoulders of my ancestors provide a promontory for me to see and speak out against injustice for all who will hear. I invite you to join me. Let us create change with practical mundane and spiritual solutions. Let us work to create a post-racial world. Today.

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/
Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show
"Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind. Imakhu teaches the mystical art of Sacred Metaphysical Bellydance, which reintroduces women to the ancient healing mysticism of our ancient indidenous foremothers.

My Response to a Post Questioning Blacks Upholding Our Own Cultural Traditions

2010-02-15T16:14:00.001-05:00

By Imakhu

I always teach my students of color about the concept of Nya Akoma, the Patient Heart, and create much of our art therapy projects around heart shapes. Why? Because we, as a people, have experienced generations of beaten down esteem due to an oppressive dominant culture invalidating us to the world. A culture that historically and continually communicates that we U.S. Blacks do not have the right to have our own culture, yet cavalierly co-opts and adopts the same culture that we are aggressively trying to reclaim. We (U.S. Blacks), as a people, have the right to institute new healing traditions in order to reclaim our culture and rebuild esteem. To diminish, dilute, or dismiss what WE institute for our own healing is to disrespect us as a people. The U.S., by and large, is anxious to sweep the long-reaching effect of slavery under the rug because it looks and feels bad. But imagine the psychological condition of a man who has been unjustly imprisoned for a lifetime, then told as an old man, "You WERE innocent. Sorry. You're free." Would you expect and tell the man to forget it, move on? That type of immediate absolution is not for the ex-prisoner's well-being, is it? No.

I don't want to hear about supposed DNA testing that "proves" how multi-ethnic many of us are. Most of us already know this. Sure, Henry Louis Gates seems more than delighted that DNA testing indicates he is 56% German. His brown skin still got him racially profiled and arrested for breaking into his own home. New genealogy tests do not erase the experiences those of us categorized as "Black" have shared. I never hear it said to Jewish people about the Jewish Holocaust, "It happened. Get over it." They are allowed to protect and preserve their traditions without question. We experienced our own Holocaust, and present day forms of genocide. We are accused of being "bitter, angry, unforgiving" just by drawing attention to it.

Oneness means that we share common bond as a human species, each housing spirit, all part of an interrelated ecosystem and Universal grid. It does not mean that we share the same life experiences individually or as a group. "Ua m UA." - I am One from THE ONE. There are greater spiritual and yes, cultural lessons to be learned from observing, internalizing, understanding, and respecting our differences. Ultimately, we learn something about ourselves.

And when you talk about "race," remember the U.S. Government is the culprit that assigned race based on the one drop theory in order to increase their enslaved workforce. A Black president and an Oprah does not mean the scales are balanced. I am a spiritual person of color who lives in the real world. Don't dare diminish the breadth and depth of my life experiences AS a person of color because they make you feel uncomortable.
Nya Akoma Brothas & Sistas. Nya Akoma. Y'all pray my strength.
--Queen Mother Imakhu Mwt Shekemet Htp Maati

http://www.imakhu.com

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-five year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/
Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the TV show "ASHE!" , the motivational radio show "ASHE!" and the podcast show "Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind. Imakhu teaches the mystical art of Sacred Metaphysical Bellydance, which reintroduces women to the ancient healing mysticism of our ancient indigenous foremothers.
Imakhu is also a visual artist. She sells her visual art at http://www.artfire.com/users/imakhu.

No More Tolerance for Zero Tolerance

2009-10-13T10:35:00.004-04:00

By Imakhu

The parents of six year old Zachary Christie had no idea that when they rewarded their son for being a good scout, he would end up with a 45 day school suspension.

Young Zachary, a first grader who had just become a Cub Scout, was given a standard scout utensil - a combination jack knife, bottle opener, spoon, and fork. I remember being a Girl Scout. Utensil gadgets, mess kits, emergency flash lights and the like not only make for excellent camping gear. They hold a fascination for children in general. I mean, how cool is it to have so many essentials fit handily one into the other? I wanted to take my mess kit and eating implements to school to use for my lunch. Why just use it for camping? But my mother stopped me from leaving the house with my camping kitchen kit.

Zachary's parents, however, had no idea that their son left for school with his souped up jack knife.

The Christina Delaware school district didn't find Zachary's cuisine kit to be quite so cute. According to the national Zero Tolerance policy, deeply re-imposed and reinforced by the former Bush Jr. regime, Zachary was a dangerous thug wielding a weapon. From my understanding, Zachary just wanted to eat his lunch with it. His punishment? A 45 day suspension, which includes reform school. His parents are fighting the system. A "Help Zachary" advocacy group has been formed.

Zachary is a highly articulate, intelligent, personable little boy from a middle class family. Zachary is also white.

For the last three years, I have been telling people about the highly articulate, intelligent, personable middle class youth I teach art to, who are unjustifiably thrown into the Juvenile Justice System because of the inane, insane Zero Tolerance Policy. These students, however, are predominantly of color. I can count the number of Juvie white children I've taught over three years on one hand. However, let's look at the big picture: Zero Tolerance was not created for children like Zachary. It is a fear-based control mechanism to minimize the activity of those perceived as threatening. Who is threatening according to hysterical social standards? Blacks, Latinos, and non-conformist whites. I've been telling folks that I work with youth who often look like deer caught in the headlights, trying to figure out why they got arrested in school for mildly kicking a chair on a bad day. And trust, when a kid is caught in the system it is difficult to get out.

The U.S. Government set upon a seemingly brilliant system of fishing for future free prison labor. Occasionally, the Zacharys of the world get caught in the net. Then, and only then, does the world pay attention. And in spite of how crazy Zachary's suspension is, at least he was spared the indignity of being handcuffed, tasered, and arrested like other five, six, seven year olds I've read about across the country. Google it. You'll be amazed. Zero Tolerance has enhanced authoratative adult bullying and xenophobia. As I've toured across the U.S., I've also learned that Zero Tolerance (originally coined and instituted during the Reagan and Bush Sr. administrations, 1981-93), has negatively influenced countless young people of all racial backgrounds who were stuck in the system. Imagine how that effects the esteem; considered worthless throwaways before age 21.

Heading into 2010, as ZT persists throughout school, workplace, and social settings, we are actively breeding a passive country of conformist cowards.

My hope is that the Obama administration will reverse Big Brother Zero Tolerance policies. But change begins with YOU. Get educated. Voice your outrage. Insist upon change. YOU have the power.

-- Imakhu
www.imakhu.com

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/
Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show
"Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind. Imakhu teaches the mystical art of Sacred Metaphysical Bellydance, which reintroduces women to the ancient healing mysticism of our ancient indidenous foremothers.

My Bellydance 2 a Nu Life

2009-10-03T22:42:00.008-04:00

By Imakhu

I can't believe that I walked away from the healing, sensual, utterly affirming art form of bellydance four years ago.

I was introduced to bellydance, geez, how long ago? As a dancer/choreographer I was challenged, intrigued, and enchanted. I loved the technique and the freedom in feminine fluidity. I began incorporating elements of it into my choreography, whether jazz, modern, or African. Of course, bellydance had its origins in the Motherland, so lacing it into "African-influenced choreography" wasn't too far of a stretch.

It's amazing how Life Stuff can hamper creative pursuits. Yes, I know. I seem to maintain a creative life in spite of difficult days, and, well, yes, I do. But somehow you always know when you feel like something has been cut off and you are dealing with a ghost limb.

The blessing about a ghost is that it can haunt you so you won't forget it had a corporeal life. After four years of dealing with a taunting apparition, I realized the best way to make it stop was give in to what it wanted - a chance at a new life.

I gave myself over to the dance with all of the abandon I had wished I had when I was younger. There is something so liberating about finally knowing who you are, about having raised your children, about not giving a damn what anyone else thinks, and coming to a new place of falling in love with your body all over again - or perhaps, really, for the first time.In spite of my being a dancer, I have often felt trapped by my body because of my health. So much has seemed out of control because of severe asthma that sucked my breath away. Epilepsy that showed up unpredictably, making me shake uncontrollably. Meds that made me feel like I was trapped in coffin. I've been brought to death's door so often that my footprints are embedded in the Grim Reaper's front walk.

I began making bargains with the Reaper by leaving parts of myself at his threshold. I believed that these acts of sacrifice demonstrated my willingness to cling to life. Truth is, I was giving up. Part of what I readily relinquished was bellydancing.

Now I was ripe for renewal. My bellydance spectre decided to revisit me. As part of my Women's Empowerment series on my TV show "Ashe!", a fifty year old guest who had just discovered bellydance, testified to the healing attributes of the art, even offering up two performances. I tried to remain detached and act like I didn't know.Uh huh.

My bellydance ghost said, "You better act like you know!"I caved.As I began dancing again in my home I noticed the energy moving not only in my body, but also in my world. I emitted a renewed sense of sensuality and confidence. I made peace with myself about situations that gave me adjida, but found the strength to change certain circumstances based on a new outlook. I redecorated. Moved furniture. Through out old stuff, bought new. My body and lungs got stronger. And daggonit, wouldn't you know, I found my special man who healed my wounded heart.

Who would imagine that I'd reclaim the healing power of my sensuality at age forty-eight? Maybe it's because of the wisdom I have gleaned from my life's journey, or perhaps the near-death health crisis I've become a bit too familiar with...whatever the case, I celebrate my inner goddess within and without. In so many ways, I control my life's flow. I also celebrate the expansion of the bellydance art form through my beloved tribal fusion, and the emerging Gothic (big surprise, I'm sure) and urban tribal genres. I love all three. As an eclectic artist I find myself all the more intrigued. And at home.

Sometimes you need to embrace your ghost. While the dead may not always be wise, you'll find that some messages from The Great Beyond can lead you to become greater, beyond the limited vision you held for your own destiny.

-- Imakhu
http://www.imakhu.com/

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/
Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show
"Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind. Imakhu teaches the mystical art of Sacred Metaphysical Bellydance, which reintroduces women to the ancient healing mysticism of our ancient indidenous foremothers.

Confessions of a Nubian Witch: True Ancient Kemetic Beliefs Teach Oneness

2009-10-03T22:18:00.003-04:00

By Imakhu

From Imakhu's ebook, UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK

I have seen a great deal in this forty-nine year incarnation.

The most glaring behavior I have seen played out over the years is that it is human nature for people to use their religious beliefs to further their own agendas. Arabs forced Islam on Africans for the purpose of domination and enslavement. Christians slaughtered countless men and women who refused to convert to their way of thinking. Based on the philosophy that Africans had no souls and were of an inferior species, Christianity was also used to justify slavery and Jim Crow. Women, throughout the ages, have had to bring their healing spirituality underground due to patriarchal repatterning resulting in victimization, rape, and murder.

Over the years I've met metaphysicians who claimed they intentionally left people of my own Black race out of the spiritual loop of events and info because we were "not evolved enough." I've had members of my own metaphysical congregation stop speaking to me after I meekly brought up the fact that for the six years I had been around them they continually used the term "colored," which is passe and disrespectful to African Americans. My frustration led me to seek out the exclusive company of the African-centered spiritual communities, where I discovered the same types of philosophies. I've heard Caucasians called inhuman, immoral, and soul-less.

The least obvious place where smugness is carried out is in the Black consciousness communites that claim to follow the Kemetic path. How could a spiritual system based on the Laws of Maat (truth, justice, reciprocity, harmony, balance) produce such bitter, resentful followers?

The problem is that the devotees are not truly following the energy of Ma'at. Ma'at represents unconditional love. Once Ma'at is achieved, the heart arit (chakra) opens, allowing one to experience the Divine Oneness of creation. It becomes clear that we are truly connected to everyone and everything. While looking into the faces of those who are different, we are still looking at an aspect of self, for the Creative Force, Mother/Father God, is multifaceted. A true daily practitioner of the Kemetic laws would know, live, and share this belief. One cannot claim to be a true Kemite and foster elitism, sexism, and prejudice.

Additionally, there are the words of the wise man Tehuti, mate of Ma'at, and prior mate to Seshat (who is the unsung teacher of Tehuti). In later times Tehuti became known as Hermes. Tehuti, as recorded in the Hermetic teachings, says"For man's delusion there are disunions in them, son, while in their action they are one." The modern interpretation is "Man's delusion is that there is disunion amongst them, but in truth they are One."

We are One.

I find it amazing that the new African/Kemetic mystery schools and temples manage to leave out this significant statement by a wise man they claim to uphold. However, it does make sense.

Looking at the greater global political agenda, it would certainly be more in keeping with the pattern of domination through "divide and conquer" to keep furthering separatist beliefs. History has born out over and over again that the Manipulation Machine places people in power who will keep us at one another's throats and in darkness. This includes the major leaders in the Black community, whether under the political, social, or spiritual banner. It is more advantageous to keep us wandering in the desert, thinking our leader is bringing us home.

I heard one major "Kemetic" leader, known for brainwashing his flock and raping women, brag how the government doesn't mess with him.

Really? How is that?

My activist friends and I, peons that we are, face continued harrassment through mail tampering, phone/room bugging, computer hacking, being tailed. We're not even violent. We're artists. How is he exempt?

It's amazing how some people tell on themselves.

It's time for a new paradigm. With all of the Light on the planet now there is no way the truth can continue to be ignored.

For those of you who are trying to be Kemetic, I urge you to listen to your intutive voice. If you find yourself struggling with resentment be aware that you may be playing host to someone else's agenda, whether your leader's or even an unsettled ancestor who experienced severe racism. Perhaps you have your own unresolved anger you need to come to grips with. The feelings are easy to get caught up in. I know.

Whatever the case, cleanse your spirit. Cleanse the ancestral spirit too and send it to the Light. Detach from all negativity. Ask for the negativity that leaves you be replaced by divine Maat love to bring you into balance. Yes, there is such a thing as justified anger, as stated in the 42 Laws of Ma'at, but justified anger is supposed to be the impetus for producing positive change. Racism and injustice are never right. Why replicate a hate-filled system that was imposed upon our people? Some may say that doing so is justified and in Ma'at. This comes from armchair scholars who create philophies based on books rather than by building a working relationship with Ma'at's energy. Through experiencing Ma'at you'll learn the difference.

No, we are not to forget the atrocities that have been committed. Forgetting often gives way to repetition. And I still believe that cultural groups have the right to maintain their own cultural traditions. Our uniqueness should be celebrated, not stolen. Stealing and claiming ownership over another's cultural is immoral. Through Ma'at, however, we are empowered to see, act, and react from a place of clarity, balance, and respect.Our Kemetic ancestors maintained peace, remaining unpoliced for thousands of years. Maintaining standards of excellence, they were the beacons of civilization. The decline began when the 42 Laws were compromised down to the Ten Commandments. Without the entire forty-two principles, the heart chakra could not open. This is why it was written in the stories of Jesus that he added two new commandments. They both were about loving one another.Let us elevate ourselves back to a state of divine Love. Let us pray for the eyes of Ma'at to see the truth, and the wisdom of Tehuti to speak and act upon it.

As for me, the veteran, natural Nubian witch devoted to Kemetic spirituality, I've realized that the lofty spiritual titles I've earned along the way don't mean much. What matters is in my heart. People want titles so badly today for validation and ego boosting. They don't want to do the work to purify their hearts. Despite the anger of new seekers, I refuse to initiate another person for priesthood. Folks have to learn to embrace the journey sans the title. My own spiritual journey has taken me down many paths. I found that they all ultimately converge. I have felt divine love from diverse folks on each of those roads. I have also experienced malice and manipulation from all cultural/spiritual groups. Through Ma'at's eyes I have come to realize that each person should be judged according to his/her own merits. If I'm drowning and a person outside of my race comes to rescue me, am I going to wait on a Black person to pull me out of the water? There is already a multicultural cadre of cruel people who would come along and put a foot in my neck to push me under. I'd be a fool not to accept the hand of the well meaning stranger who can pull me to safety.

I know a Brother who quickly rants about how he hates Caucasians. Yet his eyes tear up when he gratefully recalls the Caucasian doctors who saved his life when he had heart replacement surgery, and the Caucasians who helped raise money for the unaffordable procedure. Ironic in many ways, isn't it?

The glaring issue that we need to see is that our human struggle is not about race. It is about universal oppression, mostly economic. And it is about our collective internal struggle for spiritual evolution. We need one another to transcend the darkness without and within. Let the heart light of Ma'at shine.

We are One.

-- Imakhu

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/
Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show
"Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind.

The Mysteries of the Dark Goddess

2009-10-03T21:52:00.003-04:00

By Imakhu

It has been my experience and observation over these last twenty plus years as a metaphysician, that the term "dark" takes on different meanings.

As a Black woman of African descent, I have been all the more intrigued and effected by the concerted patriarchal effort designed to bring about emotional disempowerment and self-hatred brought about based on a cursing of the words "Black" and "dark". Global society has denigrated the understanding and appreciation of these terms in every day usage and most especially in spiritual application. Black balled. Blacked out. Black magick. Black witch. Dark Days. Dark skin. Dark mysteries. Dark continent. Dark goddess.

Hmm...

The mysterious dark continent which gave birth to civilization through the dark goddess. The mystical dark matriarchy who birthed spirituality through earth religions, whose teachings were forced to go, ironically, underground.

The concept of polytheism, now misunderstood to be evil, was created by matriarchal structures to have a better understanding of the various faces of the one Creative Force. These faces are seen in the forces of nature and the energy patterns of life. To break things down to simpler categories, night and day. Darkness and light. There are definite lessons in the value of the shades of not only brightness, but also darkness. Therefore, there is value in the role of the dark goddess and all of her sisters.

I have often been asked the question, "What is the purpose of dark goddesses?"

Dark goddesses have one purpose: to heal. How?

Let's briefly explore this by using some of the earliest African goddess archetypes, their legends and their attributes.

1. Dark goddesses challenge us to grow by making us chose between what is right and wrong.In the classic Asarian legend, Neb-t Het, or Nephthys, tempted and slept with her brother-in-law Asar (Osiris). He willingly allowed himself to be deluded, succumbed to his lower nature, and caused the downfall of his kingdom, Kemet. The "Neb" in Neb-t means "to master." Asar blew a chance to master his lower nature. Neb-t means "mistress of the house." The house refers to mastering your personal vehicle, this house of flesh. Her sister Ast (Isis), whom Neb-t Het betrayed, forgave her sibling and used her to help in the resurrection of her dead husband. Ast also recognized that Neb-t Het was her own Shadow Self, longing to be embraced and integrated. She transmuted Neb-t Het's energy to positive and made it work to her benefit, which is what Neb-t Het ultimately wanted -- to serve the greater good. This demonstrates how the dark goddesses offer us a chance to turn what appears to be a destructive situation to our benefit for the greater good, for our own healing.

2. Dark goddesses come as destroyers. It must be understood, however, that they generally destroy whatever is not beneficial personally and in the planet. If we look at Sekhmet we see the simple example of how a fever works in our bodies to eradicate infections. Sekhmet’s energy reflects the same principle. Sekhmet used her fire to clean house after man no longer showed reverence for the Life Force (her father, Ra). Destroyer goddesses step in after major screw ups or when people blatantly disrespect life by disrespecting themselves or one another. Destroyers tear down faulty structures to clear the path for positive rebuilding. You may be unhappy that the goddess Oya blew the roof off of your house, but later become glad to find that if you hadn't been forced to move, you would have been there when the whole house was destroyed by a previously unknown sinkhole. This demonstrates how dark goddesses can protect you when you are unknowingly vulnerable.

3. Dark goddesses seem shadowy because they work behind the scenes, doing their thing. Neith is a warrior goddess who stays in the hidden realm, yet connects us to timely situations and people. She is a fierce protector who does not make her presence known. However, if asked, she will reveal to you who your enemies are. Seshat sets up schematics and quietly takes notes. The Kemetic Ogdoad is comprised of the Eight Primordial energies who dwell in the elevated astral spheres in the deepest darkness. All are hidden. They are among the oldest elemental energies of the Kemetic pantheon. The females Nut, Huhet, Kuket, Kerhet are powerful because without them, their male aspects cannot complete their work. They avail themselves at high initiation levels, including the adept’s work with astral teachers.

4. Ast (Isis) has a crone aspect in Black Ast, or Sepdet (now more popularly known as the Black Madonna). It is well known that Ast is the Tarot's High Priestess, who "knows all, but doesn't tell all." It is through her older aspect, Black Ast, that she holds the keys to all occult knowledge and wisdom. Black Ast/Sepdet is the path of Binah on the Tree of Life, which is the path of severity. Her energy is like a cold, yet compelling vortex, drawing courageous seekers, and rewarding battle worn survivors with greater wisdom, insight, compassion, and abundance. She is another high initiation level, actually representing the last phase of Ast initiation. The triple goddess is expressed through her by the Maiden Ast (Satet), the Mother (Ast), and the Crone (Sepdet). It begins with the light emanating from Satet's star and goes to the dark, hidden realms of the same star. But you must face your fear of the darkness to get back to the light.

5. Akerit or Akeru represents sitting within the stillness of the unknown darkness to listen to the voices of the Guardians and the Venerated Ancestors, who guide you to the Light. Dark goddesses can knock you on your butt, forcing you to stop and think about what the heck you are doing. But again, it's all good. It ultimately brings a higher level of awareness. Very much the same with the protective Simbis of Vodun tradition. Simbis, as with all African water spirits, can pull you down to the bottom of the water, where you will learn the deepest, darkest mysteries and life wisdom. After a number of years you are returned as a new person, a healing shaman to not to be reckoned with.

6. Dark goddesses, whose energies exist without and within, provide lessons in energy work that help us perfect our crafts as metaphysical practitioners. The misperception that those who work with the dark goddess are evil is largely untrue. It is important to have an understanding of and respect for utilization of both light and darkness. To remain focused solely upon one aspect brings imbalance. Light cannot occur without darkness. Shadows aren’t created without light. The Yin Yang symbol shows light and dark working with one another, and that light is within darkness and vice versa. We cannot expect to learn the complete lessons of wisdom living entirely in a heaven or hell of our own making, based denial. Isn't life about negotiating energies in all forms?People most often shun dark goddesses due to personal fears of facing the lower aspects of the self. How ironic. Embracing the dark goddess (with pure intention and true desire for growth without hurting others) brings communion with the higher self. This communion gives birth to a brilliant inner light. Makes sense. New life is nurtured within the darkness of the maternal womb.

And naturally, as a Black woman, I would be a fool to not recognize my power as a dark goddess, descendant of the mother whose dark womb birthed civilization.At this sensitive time our planet is experiencing nearly unilateral upheaval. While it may seem new and stressful to many, the wizened among us are aware that this is part of familiar patterning. The dark goddesses are coming to the fore, once more, to give birth to a newly evolved civilization. Raise your glass and your veil in praise of the Dark Mother.

-- Imakhu
http://www.imakhu.com/

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/
Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show
"Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind.

African Origins of the Word "Witch"

2009-10-03T18:16:00.005-04:00

By Imakhu

A chapter from Imakhu's book, UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK.

I just viewed a news video showing how Nigerian children are being ostracized by their own families and communities because they are believed to be witches.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/video/2007/dec/09/video

This is tragic on so many levels. Who would think that the Motherland that gave birth to the witch tradition would turn its back in such denial? Witches and witch doctors were once highly revered. Now they are considered community threats. Until the recent turn of the tide, if a child exhibited special gifts he/she was given to the tribal shaman for training to step into his honorable destiny as healer. Now misguided, misinformed parents abandon or try to kill their offspring based upon fear, superstition, and hearsay. No gifts are necessarily even shown, although that would increase the likelihood of the child's death. The witch snitching is widespread across the continent. In 2007, a friend spent three months as a volunteer teacher in Ghana, where he witnessed innocent animals beaten to death because they were thought to be witches. Christian colonialism has reinforced that the only true witch doctor is Jesus. This all smacks of Salem, the Crusades...

It is time for people of African descent to reclaim and understand our historical link to the witches. The terms "witch" and "wise woman" actually had their origins in ancient Kemet (Egypt's true name, meaning Land of the Blacks). Wadj (or Uadj) is a Kemetic word meaning "power, health, green, water." A wadj scepter represents a tied bundle of herbs for health and prosperity. A variant of the word is Udja (pronounced WOO-jah), where the term Ouija board is also derived from. The Mdw Ntr (hieroglyphic symbol) is believed by many to actually represent a mortar and pestle. Another variant is Ujdat (WOO-chaht), the name for the protective amulet representing the Eye of Heru, which is comprised of the protective psychic/magickal energies of Wadjet and her sister Nekehebet (who are actually Ast/Isis and her sister
Neb-t Het). Wadjet (Uadjet, Uachet) is a term for a strong magickal woman who can suddenly bend energy for healing.

Much of the Yoruba language and traditions can be traced directly to Kemet. Aje (ah-JZAY) is a Yoruba term meaning witch. The Aje is an energy like Wadjet. The Aje are symbolized as birds, who lovingly, fiercely protect their witch queen Oshun. Anyone who offends Oshun must answer to the Aje, or witches. A little known Yoruba prophecy says that balance will not be restored on the planet until the Aje have risen to their rightful places once more.

Anglo-Saxons claim the word witch came from wicca. However, an early, older variant of the word in their language was wicce, pronounced "weecha." Wicce meant a wise woman/wise man healer.

Wadjet. Weecha. Witch.

Also for the record, the Kemetic term for wise woman, "Rekhut, Rekhuit, Rekhit, Rekhat," means "skilled in words, knowledge, and craft." The Mdw Ntr (or hieroglyphics) are comprised of a mouth (Re), a placenta (kh sound like the "ch" in "chutzpah") and a bread loaf (t) indicating a female. The Rekhut was believed to have mastery of and work with the Uadj energy. Rekhut was also a name for Ast (Isis), recognized and honored today as a witch because she represents the ultimate female magickal healer. The pentagram is actually Sepdet, the star of Ast, held within a protective shen. Quiet as it's kept, there is also a prophecy that balance will not return to the planet until Ast's star rises to it's rightful place and she is seated on her rightful throne once more. Variants of this prophecy are whispered in traditions throughout the world.

With this rich history and prophecy of hope based on the strength of witches, it is sorrowful that people have fearfully turned against the power source that will heal humanity.

Stand strong in our proud tradition.

We are the witches. We have returned.

-- Imakhu
http://www.imakhu.com/

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/
Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show "Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind.

Those Who Can, Do; Those Who Can’t, Bitch: Understanding Today’s Working Artist

2009-10-03T17:11:00.008-04:00

By Imakhu

During my 4th of July weekend getaway, I sat in the protective home of dear friends, fellow artists who were preparing for their intimate shindig. Close friends and family made for a diverse, fun bunch of busy folk, all eager to slip into the vacation vibe as a reprieve from our professional lives.

Then again, there's always one.

I had been warned by the host couple about The One, the wife's new client/friend who is a know-it-all.
watched her arrival, which smacked of the attitude, "Aren't you glad I'm here?", along with her constant one-upping

in all conversations and unsolicited opinions. I smiled politely whenever she looked at me, then turned my head away or slipped away. I was there for much needed rest, not needless stress.

Eventually, while I quietly sipped on homemade Sangria, The One posed the question to me, "What do you do?"

Shit. Now I had to talk about myself.

As a working artist, you get used to talking about yourself. Not from an ego standpoint. Not talking about what you do when the opportunity presents itself can mean missing a gig opportunity. You are your own product and pitchman. Translation: If I don't "sell" myself I may not pay my rent...or pay bills...or eat. It can feel like you are always "on", but it's the nature of the business. That's why a true working artist seeks out opportunities to just hang out around true friends where you don't have to sell yourself. Quiet, anonymous social occasions are like gems. Except around the know-it-all.

I slowly muttered a response.

"Excuse me, I can't hear you. What did you say you do?"

Sigh.

"I'm a working artist. Performing, literary, visual, and multimedia producer. I'm also a teacher-in-the-arts."

"Performer!" she said. "What exactly do you do?"

I contemplatively cut my eyes away. Did I really feel like getting into this? Sometimes when people recognize me or say I look familiar I just respond, "I get around." That usually cuts the conversation I'm really not in the mood to have when I'm trying to enjoy my quiet times. I could already tell from the tone of The One that this was not going to be enough to shut her up.

"I'm a vocalist, storyteller, actress, dancer...I host a radio and TV show. I have an online radio and TV station. And I teach performing, visual, and literary arts."

I was hit with all of the know-it-all responses. "When I was a soloist in the church choir...When I was in community theater...When I volunteered with my college radio station...when I took a few classes at the local art school..." And of course, all of her hobbyist experiences made her an expert in the arts, which sanctioned her qualifications to critique everything in the professional arts world.

Often I'll just let folks run their mouths and excuse myself. Personally, I was raised on the Mark Twain saying, "Better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." I also believe there is much truth in Shakespeare's "Me thinks thou doth protest too much."

Modern day African American translation: "If you sellin' noise, I ain't buyin."

So oft times I just let folks sell their noise while I remove myself to invest my time in something else. But not this day.

Sometimes you've got to publicly humiliate a know-it-all hobbyist in order to re-establish group harmony. You see, many know-it-alls tend to be bullshitters. And one weakness of the bullshitter is that he/she assumes everyone else is a bullshitter too. What's the best way to shut up a bullshitter? With authoritative truth.

When The One started dictating the proper way to run a 501-c3 non-profit organization without her even having the experience of sitting on a board, I asserted that she was clueless. I was not only an active board member where my performance ensemble was in residence for years, I had also served as board president and interim executive director. My younger daughter came out of college and went into arts administration at a 501-c3 theater. My older daughter is an arts administrator for the most prestigious 501-c3 photography collective in the world. Okay, now whatcha got?

The One picked her mouth and ego up from the floor, made excuses and quickly departed. I was thanked by

astonished attendees for my selfless sacrifice to restore order. I went back to quietly sipping my Sangria.

Damn. Some people have a lot of nerve.

The Arts. One of the most misunderstood, underestimated professions on the planet. Yet the accessibility of it on so many levels leads the naive to believe that it is anyone can easily do it, and that it is unworthy of respect.

Actually, I have discovered that those who spend a lot of time critiquing are truly those who stand on no practical authority. They are dabblers, mediocre hobbyists, or flat out failures who lacked the heart, the discipline, the creativity, the business insight, the talent, or all five. It takes a lot of work to make art look so easy.

It has also been my experience that those who buy into the saying, "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach", are not true working artists. All real working artists I know are wise enough to see their skills as marketable, therefore include teaching as a viable part of their incomes. We are also aware of the need to pass on our knowledge for the betterment of the world. To put the tools in the hands of others who will hopefully evolve the craft forward. What would the world be without art?

I am a proud working artist. I don't voice my opinion about it much, and especially as my spiritual work as a high priestess has come to the fore, people forget that the arts comprise much of my life.

For more than thirty years I have worked in various mediums and venues. I have paid enough dues for myself and six other people. I can happily perform in front of an audience of three or three thousand. I can teach privately or in group workshops. I negotiate and dispense my own contracts, handle my own publicity, produce my own stage, radio, and TV shows. I continually work on expanding my mastery through taking additional classes and workshops, and through much rehearsal. The self-employed artist understands the need to be talented in numerous aspects of the arts. Simply put, the more diversified the artist, the more opportunities to get work. "Jack-of-all trades, master of none" does not apply when it comes to the working artist.

I had a woman who is a fledging armchair critic once say to me, "You do too much! Just focus on one aspect of the arts and stay with that! How can you be a dancer, singer, storyteller, and the rest of it? I mean, yeah, you're wonderful at it all but..."

But what? What's the issue really? That this is my career and your dream?

I ain't hatin', just statin'.

Give honor to all of the working artists you know. I'm not talking about "stars". The workaday artist is the real star.

You'll find us performing at school assemblies, festivals, libraries, birthday parties. Theaters large and small
across the globe. Touring with ensembles, touring solo. We sing in bars to drunken audiences. We liven up your wedding. We choreograph your community theater productions. We host your local radio and TV shows. We design your websites and T-shirts. We write for local periodicals. We provide art for local galleries and city murals.

We teach your children, our senior citizens, and YOU.

We obsess over our art even when we're forced to take nine-to-fives to survive. Some of us take jobs we hate just to pay for master classes, canvas, congas, microphones.

We are the folks on MySpace who have a social site AND artist business site. In fact, those claiming to be serious
business artists aren't taken seriously WITHOUT an official MySpace or Facebook artist page. If you have time to just socialize on the net (which is important and gives balance to ground you), and if you are always out event hopping as a spectator, sitting around with friends afterward pontificating, then you are not a serious working artist. You are lying to yourself and the world. Sorry, but that's the truth. People ask if I've seen the latest movie. Most often I have not.

Who has time? I may catch it on video. Even with TV, yes I have my favorite shows, but they're usually on in the background as I'm working on my computer (a vital tool for today's artist). Most of my phone conversations take place as I'm in transit via bus or train as I'm on my way to a gig, a class, or picking up art supplies.

Perhaps you now have a greater understanding of why I crave meaningful moments of solitude. The arts
profession is indeed a lot of work. But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. I have known since
childhood that this is what I wanted for my life. I am blessed to say that this is my life.

And if you are a hobbyist, that's cool too. Just don't try to draw me into a bullshit conversation about the arts when I'm tired. You may get your feelings hurt.

-- Imakhu
http://www.imakhu.com/

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/
Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show
"Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind.

Harriet Tubman: Water Warrior & Healer

2009-09-30T18:01:00.007-04:00

By Imakhu

"I freed thousands of slaves. I could have freed thousands more, if they had known they were slaves." - Harriet Tubman, c.1820 - 1913

Born into slavery in c. 1820 as Araminta Ross, Ancestor Harriet Tubman showed a fighting spirit since childhood, preferring working in the field over her previous work in the big house under the 24 hour watchful eye of her oppressor. Still a developing young woman, she, as a female slave with a small frame, did the work of a man, cutting hay, chopping and hauling wood, driving oxen, plowing fields, setting animal traps in swamps, working on the docks. She also worked as a laundress and a cook.

Leaving her husband John Tubman behind (a freeborn Black man said to have been, according to various accounts, self-serving, lazy, and who also threatened to tell Harriet's owner she was planning to flee), Ancestor Tubman escaped from slavery in 1849. She risked her life thirteen times over a decade to liberate enslaved U.S. Africans by secretly leading them to the north and Canada.

She went on to serve as a Civil War spy, soldier, an herbalist nurse, and an activist/lecturer for African American and women's social justice. All of this in spite of the lifelong epilepsy, narcolepsy, and chronic headaches that plagued her from the time an overseer cracked her skull as a teenager with an iron weight. The resulting severe head injury led to Ancestor Tubman having visions and hearing voices that showed her the way to freedom, which included being told when to quietly hide in the water or cross through it for protection from dogs and slave catchers. She would also experience her "sleeping spells" (narcolepsy) and seizures and arise with answers for what the next move should be. Her deep faith and intuition proved to be her saving grace over and over again. Her escapes from close calls were thought to be miraculous.

Epilepsy (seizure disorder), a life-threatening neurological disability, is said to be the mark and calling of a healer in many African traditions, including of the South African Shona and Ndebele traditions that I am initiated into. Disability and illness, referred to as "sacred illness," are believed to create a more compassionate healer who understands and feels the pain of the human condition. After Ancestor Tubman freed herself, she wanted her enslaved Brothers and Sisters to know the joy of being free. "I had crossed the line of which I had so long been dreaming, I was free...to this solemn resolution I came; I was free, and they should be free also."

-- Imakhu

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/

Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show
"Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind.

The Relationship Between Ast & Yemaya, Sekhmet & Bastet, Het Hru & Oshun

2009-09-30T17:41:00.006-04:00

By Imakhu

This post was written in answer to questions regarding the relationships between Ast (Isis) and Yemoja, Sekhmet and Bast, Het Hru and Oshun:

The Great Mother Ast is the forerunner to Yemoja. Another aspect of Ast is Uadjet (Woman of power who bends energy for health and abundance). A variant of the word uadjet is udja. If you look at the Kemetic (ancient Egyptian) words Iem (pronounced "ee-yem", meaning "water") and udja ("wood-JAH", meaning "abundance, power"), and since the feminine Mother energy in Kemet was related to water, one can easily see how Iem Udja became Yemoja, Powerful Mother of the Abundant Waters.

Bast & Sekhmet are said to be the daughters and eyes of their father Ra. Bast & Sekhmet are similar, but not the same.

Sekhmet's leonine energy is about healing by purging with fire, like a fever acts within the body. She aggressively attacks anything that stands in the way of purity and righteousness, but from a place of love for humanity and wanting humanity to evolve.

The cat-like Bast, on the other hand, represents home and hearth. She is said to be the soul (ba) of Ast. (Ba Ast) She is also known as Bastet. Bast will only attack when she has been attacked, like a cat protecting her young. She is love from a nurturing, familial, coupling standpoint.

Hathor's real name is Het Hru, meaning House of Awakening. She is related to Sekhmet and Bast because she is Divine Love in every sense of the word. She, Bast, & Sekhmet also represent the arts. Het Hru & Sekhmet are actually two sides of the same coin. Het Hru is the other side of Sekhmet. When you get one, you get the other.
People are familiar with the shallow, patriarchal view of Sekhmet's story. Here's the matriarchal understanding of the tale.

Sekhmet offered herself in loving sacrifice to purge mankind of those who mocked
righteousness and disrespected the Life Force. Women, who represent yin energy, are able to pull in negative energy and transmute it to positive, a divine alchemical act. She went temporarily insane as she drank the blood of the impure. (The patriarchal story would have you believe that she began a random killing spree because she began enjoying the taste of blood.) To help bring Sekhmet back to herself, the priests of her father, Ra, poured seven thousand vats of red wine in a field, letting it intermingle with the remaining blood of those who had been killed. As Sekhmet began drinking she become intoxicated from the elixir and fell into a deep sleep. Gentle rains began to fall. When she awakened she found she had gone through an alchemical transformation from the entire sacrificial process. She became the sweet, loving Het Hru - who was always within her. Her act of sacrifice brought her to a higher evolved element of love, which brought her more power. Het Hru is the portal traveler of the seven astral planes. You may have heard of The Seven Hathors? That's why. And because the astrals are accessed through the chakras, you find Het Hru's energy contained within each of the chakras (aritu).
Het Hru is the forerunner to Oshun, as Oshun also represents Divine Love. She is also the river, with all of its beauty, subtleties, and power. River currents represent the enticing undulation of a woman's hips. Both Het Hru and Oshun are greatly underestimated because people who misunderstand the energy interpret them as being bubble headed sexpots. One must truly understand the power of love to understand Het Hru and Oshun.

There are also many stories of Oshun allowing herself to be the sacrifice for man's greater good. At one point Olodumare tried to wipe out all of mankind because it had devolved into unrighteousness. Stories say Olodumare sent relentless rain, some say drought. The orisha could not get to Olodumare to beg him to stop. Only Oshun, because her love for mankind was so strong, was able to reach Olodumare by transforming herself into the strong, protective vulture, flying to the heaven's to plead for the best of humanity to be spared. The vulture Oshun arrived weak, exhausted, and with sun-scorched feathers from her heavenly journey. Olodumare was so touched by Oshun's act of loving devotion that he spared the best of mankind. Only the power of true Divine Love conquers and saves all.

In these times when everyone is talking about 2012 and ascension it is important to note
how these stories of the earth going through a purging when mankind becomes arrogant and unrighteous are not new (i.e. Noah and the Ark). This purging has happened many times over. We get to a place in our civilization where we forget to be humble, we hate one another, we needlessly create through science just to prove we can (i.e. cloning, industrial operations that ruin the ecology). Nature always pushes the reset button. Only the pure of heart are spared.

Both Het Hru and Oshun are known for their mirrors. The unwise believe their mirrors stand for their own vanity. In truth, the mirrors are used to reveal an individual's true nature, showing what is in the person's heart.

What does your own spiritual mirror reflect out to the world?

Begin purging yourself by loving the water energy that flows in your body. Open your hear to see and feel your interconnectedness with everyone and everything. Know the responsibility that goes with that type of love. Allow Divine Love flow throughout your spiritual nature so you may transcend and ascend. That is the answer.

--Imakhu
http://www.imakhu.com/

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/

Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show
"Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind.

Sexual Abuse in the Name of Conscious Community

2009-09-30T16:13:00.004-04:00

The dirty secret kept by men and women in the Black Consciousness and African-centered spiritual groups is that women and children are quietly suffering through brainwashing, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

Before people from outside of the culture or community begin pointing and wagging judgmental fingers let me remind you that this is an issue across the board. No matter what race, religion, economic strata, or profession. No matter what the package, whether Brooks Brothers or African Bouba. Abuse is an accepted and/or intentionally overlooked practice.

I have personally experienced levels of abuse during my teen years. Lecherous, groping older men who trapped me in the Sunday School room of our tiny Baptist Church in my New Jersey hometown. My mother told me not to tell so it wouldn't break up the church. A young "prophet" who got away with choking and raping me because the renown Christian youth ministry feared a soiled reputation. My Sister friend Hildie, a known goody-two shoes like myself, shared how at seventeen she had been chased, forcibly held down and kissed by her very married middle-aged minister in their empty church. Her mother told her to hold her tongue .

After leaving the Christian church for obvious reasons I went on a spiritual search for Truth. I learned more truth than I ever expected to encounter.

Through the years I have heard many and more stories from women who were victimized by men in the name of spirituality or pseudo devotion to The Cause. Another friend, Iriana, revealed how an Arizona Native American shaman she sought guidance from aggressively made inappropriate advances. Her rebuff was followed by a sudden mysterious illness that took her to the brink of death. My girlfriend Lana reported the same story, only her perpetrator was a Black American mega-guru in New York. I later met a similar fate with two priesthood members of a high profile, worldwide Pan-African group, whose leader found the incidents to be humorous, then spread rumors about my being a lying whore.

Then there were the tales of a New Age healer known in a Pennsylvania metaphysical community as Wallace The Groper. He encouraged women, including my friend Terri, to take off their bras and shirts so his healing could be more effective. His expertise was individual and mass hypnosis, which helped hide his predilections and the fact that he was a pretty lousy healer. While the church gossiped about his sins, Wallace was rewarded by being allowed to preach a sermon as guest minister. I know. I was there. Dumbfounded and disgusted.

A Central African wise man who claims ownership of the Dogon legacy propositions women, then sexually and physically abuses them. His wife had to flee for her life and beg for community protection which she did not get. The same stories have followed a prominent touring healer from India.

A dreamy Meditation Man with a huge following was shot and killed in Washington DC. This colleague had the reputation of being a knowledgeable teacher. He was also a known player who specialized in mind games. The woman who shot him had endured one emotionally abused heartbreak too many. His M.O. was common - drive the woman crazy then label her a nutcase, claiming she's a liar and that the relationship, "...was all in her mind, not that deep."

Most recently, I was made aware of a holier-than-thou alcoholic Vodun priest in Georgia who pretends to be a protector of women while womanizing, victimizing, and hiding an enforced restraining order. He is reputed to have endagered women and children's safety. His attempts to discredit his victims backfired. The Sisters have gotten together to speak out and warn other women in the community, publicly sharing the paper trail he left behind of condemning pictures and abusive letters. Blessings upon them for their selfless bravery. After my own investigation into these matters, I now consider this priest to be a "former colleague."My journey for Truth brought me a ministerial collar. As an ordained interfaith metaphysical minister and Kemetic elder high priestess I have been told enough abuse stories to fill a book. There is a common thread amongst the victims in these circumstances. Naive women sincerely seeking spiritual knowledge and taken advantage of by men who viewed the spiritual hook as a means to an unfortunate end. It's the same story for the female activist who gives her heart to a cause only to have it ripped out by misogynistic mentors. In this day and time when we have access to so much information at a fingertip's touch, how can we remain silent?

I had a conversation with a Brother whose friend told him that she was sexually attacked by a priest in NJ. Same experience as mine, same Pan-African organization. Even though the Brother considered her to be a good friend, he chose to believe she was lying. Years later, he realized he owed her an apology. My experience mirrored and validated hers. When I asked him why he chose to discount her story he said, "That organization puts on such beautiful rituals. And the food in their restaurant is so good."What?

"Let me ask you this," I said. "If the owner of a popular soul food joint was a known neighborhood rapist would you still support him because the collard greens were tasty?"

No more lame excuses. No more silence. Silence begets cycles of violence.As mourners stood contemplatively at Meditation Man's wake, his friend was heard to say, "Shame on us Brothers. We knew his behavior was wrong. We were wrong not to put him in check."Yes, shame on anyone who sits on the truth to uphold an abuser. Kudos to the mourning friend, however, for acknowledging his lack of responsible action. Perhaps it's a start.If you feel you are part of an organization that uses brainwashing techniques to keep you blindly loyal, GET OUT. Seek help. Learn to recognize the many methods of a brainwasher, including hypnosis, isolation, humiliation, and personal violation, and personal loss.If you have been the victim of abuse, whether mental, emotional, physical, or sexual, SPEAK OUT. Your voice gives you power over your tormentor. Alert the community. Go to the authorities if need be. Many of us have had guilt imposed upon us about going to The Man. This is an effective method of allowing abuse to go unchecked. Brothers, if you don't want The Man involved then control your own behavior.If you know of an abuser then CALL HIM OUT. Cowardly silence is akin to aiding and abetting.

Finally, even though you may face major disappointment because of various religious and social organizations have let you down, give yourself a chance to heal. Look to your heart, where your faith ultimately lies. Know that your inner spirituality and sincere devotion to community are what shape your legacy imprint upon the world.

Offer prayers of protection and support to those of us who speak out.

-- Imakhu
http://www.imakhu.com/

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com//
Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show
"Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and metaphysical communities, who is known for speaking her mind.

The Arduous Process of Racial Healing Begins

2009-09-30T15:47:00.010-04:00

By Imakhu

For Our Ancestors who paved the way. Ashe!

For the time of change issued by Oya. Ashe!

For the beginning of Maat and healing. Ashe!

As the First Family-Elect stood before the crowd last night wearing the colors of Eshu, I knew the way had been opened.

After a lifetime of holding on to hope, sometimes with a fist, sometimes with a weary finger grasp, I woke up this morning and threw both fists in the air in victory.
Often, I've felt tired and nearly hopeless. After a lifetime of activism, of marching, boycotting, of rallying our people, of fighting, of often being the only person in my community to speak out and then deal with the backlash through mail tampering, police harassment...after a lifetime of serving as a token for a higher cause, of being the spook who sat by the door, of being the outspoken Black Mom going to school to fight for my kids because of regular slights against them in racist New Jersey - yes, New Jersey...always, along with my activist comrades, fighting on small levels with The Big Picture in mind...

I spoke to my 28 year old daughter, who has been weeping since last night. I taught both of my adult daughters to speak out and get involved. They have been community activists since middle school, continuing through college. Even today, as artist activists, they walk circumspectly for a higher cause. My daughter cried for the same reason I cried; she was weary from fighting. Now she felt renewed hope.

I remember going to kindergarten in 1965 with white children who called us "niggers". Twenty years later I sent my daughters to kindergarten where the white classmates called them "nigger". My children went to school with children, whose confederate flag waving parents (yes, in NJ) openly resented my daughters' intelligence, articulation, calm outspokenness, and pride. I know my daughter is tired. I know.

As an artist activist, as a mom, as a Black woman, my hope is renewed.
But I also know this is the beginning. Our troubles are not over. This country still has a long way to go. But at least a President Obama offers what many of us had lost - Hope. And a Vision. Without either, we perish.

I pray that our young Brothas & Sistas have a new sense of pride, hope,

and have higher aspirations for themselves. Now there is a high profile, authoritative media image to look up to that doesn't have gangsta rap attached to it. The Obama family reminds us of the best of ourselves.

May we continue to keep race discussions on the table. Many will claim that Blacks have no more excuses because of this victory, and want to close their ears to the reality of racism. We can't let that happen either (and BTW, we may have to watch our backs for a while because of radical racists who refuse to accept a Black president). May blind bitterness be tossed aside so we can truly see and embrace one another, recognizing our diversity, yet seeing beyond it. We need one another to thrive and survive. As a whole, it seems we, as a people, are ready for change. It was expressed resoundingly last night.

Healing takes time. This election of Sen. Barack Obama as president is a significant first step.
I took a long, unexpected nap today. My warrior soul needed the rest. Just woke up. And rolled up my sleeves.

-- Imakhu
http://www.imakhu.com/

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com//
Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show
"Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind.

The Pendulum Swing Vote

2009-09-30T15:40:00.005-04:00

By Imakhu

Imakhu hosting ASHE! with guest, social commentator
Karen Hatter. Topic: "Is America Ready for a Black President?

(I posted this article, THE PENDULUM SWING VOTE, at AKERU Radio prior to the election in November 2008. Nearly a year later, let us remember the fervor and conviction that got Pres. Obama elected.)

History.

Family, we are about to witness and participate in history.

Presidential Election Day in the United States is upon us. And what a potentially powerful day it can be. From a metaphysical and cultural standpoint, we have entered November, which is a tremendous month for African Americans, especially at the beginning.

November, in and of itself, is the month long celebration of Ghedes, or ancestors, in the Vodun traditions (don't be scared, Family, this is your culture). Saturday, November 1st (All Saints Day), and Sunday, November 2nd (All Souls Day) are high holy days of ancestral remembrance and communion. It is a chance to set things aright for our ancestors; to give them a measure of peace. Monday, November 3rd, is Black Solidarity Day (always the Monday prior to election day), which started in 1969. It is a day of absence - no work, no shopping, no spending money, only community political discussions/strategizing/programming and introspection.

And wouldn't you know it, the presidential election falls right into this auspicious ancestral cycle. Imagine how pleased our ancestors would be to see a Black man as president of the country responsible for bringing us here as property.
I'm not saying a Black man as president is the answer to all of our woes as Black people in America. We're still talking about politics and politicians here, no matter what the party. I do believe that symbols do hold a certain degree of relevance.
As a child, I never believed it was possible for a person who looked like me to even be considered a serious presidential candidate. Now I am forty-eight years old. Look where we are today. This image of hope will, ideally, have a positive effect upon the youngbloods coming up. Perhaps the image of Sen. Barack Obama, a presidential candidate who first made a difference as a community organizer, will replace garden path glorification of the thug life.

I kinda sat on the fence at first about Barack Obama. He is, after all, a politician. But I have to look at the big picture. We are a people who stand upon the shoulders of our ancestors. We came from a tradition of Ma'at - reciprocity brings the balance. Balance is all about the pendulum swing. Right now, the way it looks, as long as he's not a Clarence Thomas or Condaleeza Rice, we should support our Brother. He is our Brother. And somebody has got to be The First.
It is time for change. No, troubles for Blacks in America will not end with a Black president in the white house, in spite of the last gasp racist utterings we've been hearing on the news. Actually, the rantings from the old guard are proof that the time for change is overdue.

Make a difference. Don't be complacent or buy into the media hype. We don't really know what the polls reflect at all. The media could be setting everyone up with high expectations of a high Obama lead in order to lull folks into complacency. Don't get lazy. Remember our ancestors and our future generations. They are all calling for the change.
Get out and vote. Support our Brother. Yes, for history's sake, dammit. It's time for a Nu Paradigm.

-- Imakhu
http://www.imakhu.com/

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com//
Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show
"Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind.

The Effect of Michael's Death on the Community

2009-09-30T14:16:00.007-04:00

By Imakhu

On Thursday, June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson left this incarnation due to heart failure.

On Friday, June 26th, I found myself in the midst of a multicultural, multi-generationl, non-stop lovefest street party for Michael's memory.

Under the marquis of the Apollo Theater, we sang, danced, hugged, laughed, prayed, and remembered. The heavens opened, offering a cleansing torrential downpour. Instead of scattering, we drew in closer, our arms reaching to welcome the wetness. A brilliant sun eventually burst through the clouds. Everyone faced the brilliant rays with uplifted arms of praise, as the jam continued.

Michael's musical legacy has touched and gloriously unified diverse admirers. We didn't realize just what Michael meant to us until he died so tragically. My most profound impression, however, is of how healing Michael's death has been for our global Black communty.

Our Black family has unified to mourn and remember from Harlem to world hamlets, from Brooklyn to Facebook. In my own life, Michael's music had an enormous effect on four generations. I remember seeing the Jackson Five at Madison Square Garden in 1970 when I was 10. My mom's generation thought Michael was a joyous wonder. J-5 music was always on the jukebox in my Grandparent's bar. My peers were inspired because Michael was our age. In my early 20's, my toddlers and I got down to "Off the Wall" and "Thriller", and all that followed. My sister and I bonded at the 1984 Jackson Victory Tour.

Michael, the young prodigy, made us proud. He shaped our culture. We recall a specific feeling associated with every tune, every outfit, every dance move. We admired his bold, artistic ingenuity. We felt a righteous comeuppance when he broke the iconic MTV color barrier. We linked arms and opened hearts when he penned, "We Are the World" for our Motherland's children. Folks who have dismissed Michael's as a valueless child molester don't have the same connection to Michael that our community does. We knew and loved him before the world knew him as a mega superstar. He, Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon, and Tito gave hope and happiness to those of us still living in overt racism while reaching for cultural identity in the 60's and 70's. And we watched what mega fame did to Michael. If there is a poster child for Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, it is Michael. For even though he had become the most renown and beloved performer in the world, he continued to search for a completeness defined by an Ozzie and Harriet society. Peter Pan's eternal youth. The ability to play with White children (then taboo for our generation). Looking in the mirror and seeing a pale face. Money that afforded some level of White priviledge.

On some subconscious level, many of us were hurt to see PTSS played out so publicly on the world stage. It embarrassed us. I was alarmed to learn that there are young people who didn't know Michael was Black. The wax image in the window of Madame Tussaud's is of an androgynous White person, whose sculpted wax face is actually a kinder, gentler version than the plastic surgery nightmare his face had become in life. It was painful to see Michael's beautiful mind unravel. He lived out the demons so many of us still quietly grapple with.

Yet, on another level, we understood why Michael was pushed over the edge. The mass media became merciless. It's fairly common for Blacks, especially Blacks with money, to be mischaracterized by the media, so in some respects, we were forgiving. But we also knew his life was further complicated by his abusive father, Joseph Jackson. Perhaps some of Michael's self-mutilation was a deserate attempt to divorce himself from a man who ultimatley seemed to see Michael as a tool, not a son. Joseph kept telling his pre-adolescent son, "Be a man!" so the sensitive Michael would not fold to fame and touring. In Michael's adult life, he privately chased the childhood he never had while playing out his pent up rage in his very public art. And the fame Joseph vicariously wanted for Michael ultimately did his manchild in.

How ironic that Michael's last and unrealized tour was called, "This Is IT". How ironic that Michael died from heart failure. Yes, we now know it was brought on by the complications of a placating physician's ineptitude. Still, I don't think he could face anymore heartbreak, and that he had no more to give.

Michael's death is a tragedy. I knew he'd die early, and this is horrible. But the beauty is that death always has a way of seeing what is and what ain't.

As sister Janet Jackson sadly stated at the 2009 BET Awards, "To you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family."

He is fam to us too, Janet. Bottom line, Michael was, and always will be, family. And our Black family around the world pours collective libation to his memory.

Ashe', Bro. Michael. Ashe'. May your tortured soul find peace.

-- Imakhu

http://www.imakhu.com/

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show "Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind.

And My Moolah Wept

2007-10-16T18:30:00.006-04:00

By Imakhu

"...strive for excellence in all that you do so that no fault may be found in your character." - Book of Ptah-Hotep

As a Black independent artist and entrepreneur I certainly endorse the concept of Ujamaa (Supporting Black Business). Money in African American neighborhoods make a quick exit. Unfortunately, as a people, we stack dough to dole it out to outsiders. Other ethnic groups recirculate their bills within community businesses at a rate of four to eight times before they flow into the mainstream money pool.

I make it my business (no pun intended) to patronize our own. Health food stores, book nooks, restaurants, fellow clothing designers and artists. I would leave the shops feeling happy that I had done my part to help our Ebony Economy. Recently, that good feeling gave way to pain, aggravation, and revelation.

As I sat in a neighborhood bistro trying for the fourth time to enjoy my overpriced meal in spite of the filthy water glass with the visible abundance of food particles floating in it again, the smudged utensils boasting the meal of the previous patron again, the hard, crusty greens that had seen its prime two days before - again, I realized there was a new nuisance. The main course quite obviously came out of a frozen food box. My gracious waiter, who always smoothed things over for me, agreed this was not a $14 meal. The owner agreed too when he rang my bill up to nearly $22. $6 for a pitcher of what I was led to believe was complimentary instant tea, which even had to be replaced because of the food crap floating in it. Plus tax.

Okay, this is a family business. But obviously putting Gran'maw on dishes ain't workin'.

The owner was unapologetic about the horrible food and service. Not even a discount. I paid the bill, then slipped the tip into the embarrassed waiter's hand so the shyster owner wouldn't take it. The good Brother begged me to come back so he could make this nightmare up to me. I said I would, then walked to the bus stop.

Standing waiting for the 62 NJ Transit bus, I realized my heart chakra (arit) was hurting. A sadness overwhelmed me. But the sadness was not mine. The money I had left in the soul food joint was calling me, unhappy it was undeservedly left there. I never knew money had a feeling until then. Deep moment. And it forced me to reconcile myself to some new concepts. (In addition to talking money, that is.)

I work extremely hard to earn my money. Am I being fair to myself by leaving dough in a dive just because it's Black owned?

I now walk right past the establishment as I make my sojourn to other fine Black businesses in our Roselle/Linden neighborhood. But yesterday another insult added to the money's injury.

Feeling a little dizzy while hanging out with my friend, Toure', we entered a Jamaican eat-in/carry-out to pick up some vegetable patties. We unfurled our brown paper pattie bags in the tiny upstairs customer dining area that had nothing except three tables with chairs and bare walls with dirt smudges instead of art. Unless you want to consider the crated inventory at the bottom of the steps art. I'd say it's a stretch.

The patties were soggy and white instead of crispy and golden. Microwaved. After the pattie started falling apart in my hand Toure' went to the counter to ask for a plate. He returned with a plastic fork and a napkin.

My turn.

Waiting at the counter while the conservative owner tried to ignore me, I smiled politely and stood my ground. Business-Brotha-Man insisted they had no plates. Mind you, I didn't want china, just a small paper plate.

"Can we have those small styrofoam carryout boxes?" I pointed to one of the three sizes of sample containers stapled to the wall.

"We don't have any."

"Really... How are you going to package your take-out dinner orders?"

"Look," Business-Brotha-Man said, " I gave you paper bags. You're supposed to eat patties out of the paper bags. If I gave you a plate I'd have to raise my prices. Be glad I gave you a fork."

Toure' and I left. My heart was hurting again. Although this time I think it was heartburn from the stank, half-eaten, half-cooked pattie. Toure' lamented.

"Damn, that place went downhill. And that Brother drives a Porche!"

As far as I'm concerned, I'll be damned if I help Brotha Man make another car payment.

-- Imakhu
http://www.imakhu.com/

Imakhu is founder and CEO of AKERU MultiMedia. She is a thirty-plus year veteran professional touring solo performer. http://www.imakhu.com/
Imakhu is author of THE COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING KEMETIC (EGYPTIAN) MAGICK, and has served as columnist for numerous publications. She host/produces the radio and TV show "ASHE!" , and the podcast show "Nubia Goddess Rising." An ordained minister, Imakhu serves as a cultural/spiritual leader within the African American and Pagan communities, who is known for speaking her mind.