Who doesn’t know what a Soul Train Line is? And, who doesn’t remember those original Soul Train dancers whose iconic moves set the stage for a myriad of dance steps, not to mention fashion, that have permeated every aspect American culture—even today? For as significant as these dancers were to the American lexicon, they have never been honored. Damita Jo Freeman, one of the original Soul Train dancers, renowned choreographer, actress and trailblazer decided to change all that. On Saturday, January 12, the original Soul Train gang will be honored at a private gathering in Los Angeles—the first step in launching her new non-profit, the Dancer Jo Foundation.
Says Freeman, “I have been so incredibly blessed in my career. I’ve been a ballet dancer, I’ve traveled the world over touring and working with incredible artists from Shirley McClaine and Cher to James Brown and Diana Ross after being plucked from Soul Train by Joe Tex. I choreographed everything from American Bandstand and sitcoms to award shows such as The Emmys,Grammys, among others. I even choreographed the Clos
ing Ceremonies of the 1984 Olympics with Lionel Richie and created a
dance phenomenon when I enlisted the help of 500 street dancers and 25 professional dancers to take part in a dance style that I and the original Soul Train dancers created–popping and locking. However, the other dancers that worked alongside me never received their due—and I intend to change that by honoring our own. This event is called Legendary 70’s Pioneers AKA Original Soul Train Gang. I’ve opened so many doors and it’s time to give back to those who have not had the same opportunities in their careers that I have.”
Dancer Jo Foundation, while still in its developmental phase, intends to honor the contributions of unrecognized/unsung influencers artists in the field of entertainment through an annual Legendary Pioneer Awards event. It is also planning to provide scholarships to youth in performing arts (film, TV, music, theatre and broadcasting)
For more information, please visit www.dancerjofoundation.org.
Join a diverse and dynamic collective of Seattle-are writers of African de- scent. This forum provides an informal and supportive venue for new and published writers. Meets every second Monday of the month!
Few men caught in this cycle survive and come out the other side better men. And even fewer record their experience with rawness and humility to help others avoid this path.
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Terry Hill Sr. is the accomplished author of Memoirs from a Prison Cell Trilogy: The Missteps of a Southern Boy. Memoirs from a Prison Cell vividly brings to life the long road traveled by a nine-time convicted felon. He used his many years behind bars to teach himself the craft of writing.
Seattle offers an extraordinary array of arts and cultural events throughout its diverse neighborhoods and communities. The Office of Arts & Culture’s Neighborhood & Community Arts (NCA) Program supports creativity at a grassroots level by investing in recurring festivals or events that promote arts and cultural participation, celebrate diversity, build community connections, and enhance the visibility of neighborhoods through arts and culture.
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Four years ago Damien Escobar was a shell of himself. Humbled by homelessness and depression, Damien had to fight through his fear of failure and reemerge as a confident, positive, thriving artist. Today he has arrived. An unprecedented story of triumph, Damien Escobar can look back at his days playing the violin for change on the subway platforms of New York to playing for Presidents in the White House. Unpretentious yet confident, Damien makes no secret of the determination necessary to gain the recognition he has obtained while becoming one of the few commercially successful mainstream violinist. Damien Escobar is a musical pioneer dominating an industry that’s ready for change. The future of the music industry rests in his hands – and he’s ready.
Friends of Waterfront Seattle has announced its 2018 waterfront summer event lineup, featuring free live music, performance, and sports for all ages. Family-friendly performances occur every Saturday and Sunday from July 7 through September 2 at Hot Spot, the event stage on Pier 58, located at 1401 Alaskan Way.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual observance designed to increase awareness about mental health and mental illness. According to Mental Health America (MHA), the 2018 theme is Fitness#4Mind4Body. The theme “is a call to pay attention to both your physical health and your mental health, which can help achieve overall wellness…”
Good mental health is essential to overall health and personal well-being. It also contributes to the ability to lead a healthy, balance and productive life. Emotional problems can impair a person’s thinking, feelings, and behavior and, overtime, can become increasingly serious and disabling. Unfortunately, many people do not seek treatment for mental health issues for a number of reasons. They may not be completely aware of the extent of their problem, they may be hesitant to make contact with a mental health professional because they fear they will be stigmatized, or they may not know how to access services. Yet, overall the quality of life is greatly improved when a person with a mental health concern or problem seeks help and receives appropriate treatment from a qualified professional.