Blog

Story: The School-To-Prison Pipeline

*Update June 5, 2014: Published via The Austin Chronicle. View details.

Source: state.sc.us

For my master’s report, I will be discussing the school-to-prison pipeline theory in terms of it’s solutions. Most stories and documentaries about this issue tend to take the blame-route, primarily focusing on the types of children who are in trouble and the types of institutions that are to blame. I am currently taking a class about this theory and have read a variety of studies and stories about this issue. From what I have gathered, a lot of programs and legislation has been implemented to address this issue, but has not eliminated it. For instance, according to a Texas Appleseed report, Texas has decreased the population in state secure facilities by 60%, increased funding for community-based programs, and closed a few facilities. From this perspective, it looks like we have made a lot of progress in a short amount of time. In contrast, I visited a juvenile courtroom and detention center a week ago and sadly it was not empty. Observing the cases and touring the facility, I could feel my heart weep for all these youth who do not get a chance to tell their full story and are given an orange suit too quickly. I suspect there is a disconnect between the implemented solutions and the existing issue. To find the answer to this dilemma, I am interviewing individuals who have worked in education, detention facilities, and promising programs to dig deeper in what has been implemented and their take on what still needs to be done. I will also be using data analysis and research from a variety of organizations dedicated to solving this issue. This project will be a long-form article with a creative media component. If you or someone you know have a story to share about this or suggestions for resources, please comment here or contact me.

Source: pbs.org/tavissmiley

October 20, 2013
Prince New Single – Breakfast Can Wait

Prince released the official video to his latest single “Breakfast Can Wait” earlier this week and it is addictive! The smooth funk and soul that accompanies his familiar appealing voice blends beautifully in this new track. The even bigger surprise is the music video that features 18 year old dancer, model, and actress, Danielle Curiel, with a killer dance sequence and a female Prince impersonator. In an interview with Pitchfork, Danielle explained that Prince e-mailed her to create a concept video for his upcoming single. Talk about lucky! I think she did a pretty clever job with this. It is nice to see real choreography and fun acting makes it’s way back to music videos. Getting back to the music, if this single is a sample of an upcoming album, we have a lot to look forward to. Enjoy!

October 19, 2013
Lurdez da Luza

Lurdez da Luza is a rapper from Brazil and is paving the way for hip hop and female MCs in her country. With a confident attitude and a sense of humor, her music and videos fuse Brazilian culture and traditional rhythm with contemporary jazz and hip hop. Enjoy!

October 19, 2013
Myriam Fares

Also known as the Queen of the Stage, Myriam Fares is a Lebanese singer and entertainer. Her style, from fashion to acting to music fusion, is really admirable. She showcases her culture in such a vibrant way. I love the imagery and theme in the video for “Kifak Enta.” The color and retro style is so fun. Enjoy!

October 10, 2013
The Royal African Experience: Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in South Africa

As seen on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine

Continuing to indulge in the riches of Africa, this week we are visiting South Africa at the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. Located between the Twelve Apostles mountain range in the Table Mountain National Park and the Atlantic Ocean, this hotel and spa is home to luxury services and breathtaking views. All of the guest rooms are individually decorated to provide a unique experience. I know “Coming to America” was strictly entertainment, but some of these rooms remind me of the kingdom in that film. The different dining areas are also gorgeous and is recognized as one of South Africa’s top places to wine and dine. From every angle of this place, one can experience a romantic sunset, a fun day on the beach, or just a relaxing break.

Music Spotlight:

Mafikizolo is a South African musical group that originally formed in the late 1990s. Their music puts a unique spin on the kwaito genre. This is their latest single and I love the beat as well as the colorful video. I also love the fashion style of the female singer in the group. Enjoy.

Temi DollFace is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, composer, and producer. She coins her style of music “Drama-Soul,” which, as you can hear, is highly influenced by Afro-beat. This is her latest single and everything, from the lyrics to the music to the imagery, is worth sharing. The title also caught my eye – as some of you might know, the legendary Miriam Makeba sang a song called “Pata Pata,” and I was interested to see what she was going to do with the song. Enjoy.

October 8, 2013
Safari Honeymoon: Chongwe River House in Zambia

As seen on Munaluchi Bridal Magazine

This week we are indulging in another pearl of Africa. The Chongwe River House provides a breathtaking location to view the wonders of the Chongwe and Zambezi river. The home was created to complement its majestic surroundings without interfering with nature. The frame of the home was built with wild wood and all the furniture was carved from one fallen tree. It is almost like the best tree house you could ever imagine. They also provide a private vehicle, guides, canoes, and a boat to explore the park at your convenience. For those who really love the outdoors and talking to animals, the Chongwe River House would be the perfect honeymoon destination.

Music Spotlight

Mutinta is a Zambian singer-songwriter and guitarist. Her music blends afro-beat, jazz, reggae, and soul. I chose to share her latest single with you because of its happy vibe and peaceful imagery.

Cleo Ice Queen is a Zambian hip-hop artist. Her latest single showcases the new wave of music in Zambia.

October 1, 2013