September 2023 Edition

Culture & News

The Walter Anderson Museum

Walter Anderson (1903-1965) was a highly acclaimed Mississippi artist who has a museum dedicated to his work. The Walter Anderson Museum has a small boutique-like atmosphere filled with beautiful thought provoking images. There is a glass front entrance with a windchime bouncing circles of pink and blue in the breeze. Once inside, you are greeted by the gift shop and reception desk. The gift shop features Walter Anderson’s work and the work of other regional artists. It has books and artistic prints of various sizes. The museum allows guests to take cell phone photos of the exhibits, but no flash. I have included a slide show of some of the art below.

The museum has many beautiful images of nature, sculptures, and a watercolor painting of flaming angels. There is a section dedicated to childhood fairy tales in tall wall length black and white images. All the while, towering Native American Indian paintings are hung high on the walls above us mere mortals. During the final years of Walter Anderson’s life, his workroom was graced by his paint brush with coral butterflies, black birds, and a glowing deer. Even the ceiling did not escape his hand, as it is bathed in coral and blue. The workroom was given to museum after his death.

I had a lovely experience at this museum and encourage you to seek out places of interest in your own local community. Take some time to smell the roses, whether it be a day at the museum, browsing the bookstore, or a picnic with the kids at a local park or even in the backyard! I also enjoy watching YouTubers: LivinFearless and Karla Espinosa for lifestyle tips and as both of them participate in book clubs (see their videos below). Gather your sweet smelling roses and have a great day!

Art/Film/Literature News

The Pod Generation

A New York couple decides to have a baby in a new old-fashion way–through an artificial womb. The film: The Pod Generation (2023) starring Emilia Clarke and Chiwetel Ejiofor explores the couple’s decision to use a birth pod and the related ups and downs. I want to watch this scifi indie film that’s currently in limited release in theaters. Hopefully, it will have options to stream in the future.

The science fiction genre offers the opportunity to explore new novel ideas or even old ones, in a setting parallel or perpendicular to our own world. The idea of an artificial womb as a childbirth choice is a unique concept that may be on the horizon. It verges with the potential for “designer babies” where genetic manipulations are used to produce favorable phenotypes, eliminate genetic diseases, and increase intellectual attributes. But it doesn’t stop there, as the cloning process may produce offspring of the human variety. I have already watched a movie that incorporates some of these genetic themes for a clone infant.

In the movie, Closer to God (2014), science produces the first viable clone infant named “Elizabeth” whose birth causes socio-political unrest. This is a good movie to watch as it raises many interesting questions, such as: what qualifies one to be human, do clones have human rights or are they only a scientific experiment, and do clones have a soul?

Looking forward to watching the Pod Generation, as it’s questions will probably also stir the imagination!

Business/Non-Profit News

Sankofa Bookstore

The Sankofa Video, Books, & Café in Washington, D.C. opened in 1993 and has been a staple in the community ever since. The husband and wife owners, Haile and Shirikiana Gerima, are filmmakers who offer a variety of books about the African Diaspora and host author events. The bookstore has been in a struggle with gentrification and was successfully awarded a tax exemption for its small business. Be sure to watch their book launch event: “Callaloo: The Trickster and the Magic Quilt” posted below.

WUSA 9 News: Bookstore in D.C. is on track to get a Big Tax Break (2019, includes video)

https://www.wusa9.com/video/news/bookstore-in-dc-is-on-track-to-get-a-big-tax-break/65-5b7d839c-e6a2-4f6b-917a-ae5146e43dea

Code of the District of Columbia: § 47-4671. Mypheduh Films DBA Sankofa Video and Books, Lot 884, Square 2885. (2019)

https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/47-4671

Book Review

My Little Golden Book About Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) was an amazingly talented artist. Her work is known for its use of bold colors and pays homage to her Mexican heritage. Read more about her in the book: My Little Golden Book About Frida Kahlo by Silvia Lopez & Illustrated by Elisa Chavarri (2021, 24 pages, kindle edition). This mini biography explores her childhood, life as an artist, marriage, and health issues that would challenge her until death. It has a great storyline and beautiful illustrations. A wonderful book! Happy Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th – October 15th)!

Book Quotes:

“She wanted to be a doctor, although at the time, girls were not always encouraged to study.”

“He knew his daughter was smart.”

“And she threw a party on every Mexican holiday!”

News Video (7)