Tonight (August 6) at Busboy and Poets DC Votes will host Votes, Voices and Visions, a night of musicians, poets and spoken word artists. The event starts at 5:30 pm and will feature M.C. Sciryl, representatives from the D.C. and Prince George's slam teams and local artists Joe L. Da Vessel. Votes, Voices and Visions will be a free and fun way to enjoy progressive poetry. RSVP to jquinto@dcvote.org
Campus Progress invites you to attend the Washington D.C. premiere of the Media That Matters Film Festival! The Media That Matters Film Festival will be hosted on July 23, 2008 from 7:00 pm –9:00 pm at E Street Cinema. The festival is the premier showcase for short films on the most important topics of the day. Local and global, online and in communities around the world, Media That Matters engages diverse audiences and inspires them to take action.
From gay rights to global warming, the jury-selected collection represents the work of a diverse group of independent filmmakers, many of whom are under 21. The films are equally diverse in style and content, with documentaries, music videos, animations, experimental work and everything else in between. What all the films have in common is that they spark debate and action in 12 minutes or less. Click here to learn more about the Media That Matters Film Festival. Free popcorn and soda will be provided.
Everyone is invited to attend Out and About: Networking with the GLBTQ Community. The event will be held July 21, 2008 from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm at the Equality Forum at the HRC Foundation Building. This event is a joint effort between Campus Progress and the Human Rights Campaign to bring together young gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer professionals and allies to discuss the role of GLBTQ voices in the progressive movement. Rob Anderson, editor of CampusProgress.org and Pushback.org, and other prominent GLBTQ activists will be speaking at the event. Did we mention that FREE DINNER and DRINKS will be served? I repeat free food and alcohol will be provided. However, we want to emphasize that this is a huge networking opportunity for members in the GLBTQ and for those interested in working with the GLBTQ community. So come out! Wine and dine and meet cool people in the process. For more information, please contact speakers@campusprogress.org. Click Here to RSVP.
Address:The Equality Forum at the HRC Foundation Building 1640 Rhode Island Avenue NW Washington, DC 20036
Yesterday, I was asked to embark on a quest to find free food for an entire day. I woke up yesterday morning with full intentions of stuffing myself. After getting a late start yesterday, I began to search for hotels around my area for a free continental breakfast. I walked for approximately 20 minutes to find a hotel that served breakfast for their guests. When I finally found one, I quickly went inside, swiped a couple of muffins, and politely exited the building. I guess I should have been excited to have completed the first mission of the day. Unfortunately, I was not amused; I was so mad that I had to walk back to the metro station to go back to work that I told myself, “Artair, it takes too much energy to find free food so you won’t be able to participate today.” I am sorry that I can’t entertain anyone because I bought my lunch and dinner. Trust me, I enjoyed every minute of it, and I was very entertained. Thus, if you are going on a scavenger hunt for free food, please take the time to research, research, and RESEARCH. As for me, unlike Pooh Bear, I did not go to bed with a rumbling in my tummy.
If you dare to bare the heat, you might as well see something cool (right). Well, I suggest that you should go check out the “Cool Globes” exhibit at the Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Gardens is by far one of the prettiest places in the DC area. With just one look inside, you are mesmerized by the beautiful flowers and vegetation; I know I am! Although I am captivated by its beauty, honestly, I never leave the Botanical Gardens thinking of what I can do to protect the environment and beautiful vegetation that I just observed. To be real with you (or to be frank), the Botanical Gardens and other similar places just cause me to praise their beauty momentarily. With the Presidential election quickly approaching, we should think about the issues that directly affect us. Coming from the great town of Guntown, MS, I have never really been concerned with climate change or global warming. Of course, I have heard of how global warming is affecting our world. I am informed that vast differences in temperature and severe storms were results of the global warming problem; despite alarming facts, my daily routine never changed. I never recycled (sorry Tommaso) and really did not feel bad about it. In my defense, recycling and trying to protect the environment is not stressed in my “neck of the woods.” Interning at the Center for American Progress and hearing Tommaso give passionate sermons about saving the environment, I have slowly improved. Although it needs to be reinforced sometimes, I have slowly started placing objects in recycle bins. Unfortunately, we all do not have a Tommaso in our lives; thus, the Botanical Gardens along with the Center for American Progress are sponsoring a “Cool Globes” exhibit at the garden. The “Cool Globes” exhibit allows viewers to marvel at creative artwork, learn about climate change, and receive tips of what we can do as individuals to save our environment. Every third Saturday of the month is Family and Friends Day at the Botanical Gardens. On these days, the Center for American Progress is providing tour guides to give you more information about the globes, the artist, and the message behind the globe.
There are many people in DC, LA, New York, Atlanta and other cities slaving away at their internships. Working 8 hour days can be grueling, demanding, and stressful. After we leave work, everyone thinks about one of two things: (1) I am ready to get something to eat and go to bed or (2) I am ready to go out. For number 2s, especially those living in a foreign city, we live by a motto that tells us to live it up. Unfortunately, some of us, have to live off “a not so pretty” salary. There is no shame; trust me. I shake my head in disgust every time I see my wallet.
Although this new life in a foreign city can sometimes be overwhelming, we all know that this phase of our life will soon conclude. We all have to return back to our college campuses and work towards our goal of a beloved degree. Many of us are in the final stages of obtaining that long-awaited piece of paper. However, the diploma that we receive from undergrad seems to be losing its worth; thus, we are forced to think of acquiring a higher degree at grad school. Now, the question of where we will attend graduate school arises. Where will we go? Which grad school offers a program that caters to my interests? Most importantly, how much does it cost? All of these questions can be answered by graduate schools themselves. (I am pretty sure all of you knew that!)
Personally, I don’t know about you but I can not wait til’ June 25th. Campus Progress is hosting the hottest progressive spoken word event of the summer, Spoken Word: Protest through Poetry. Everyone needs to come out! The event will feature fire-blazing performances from some of the most talented spoken word artists today. Honestly, we already know that Campus Progress is only going to deliver the best in the business. For example, spoken-word artist Droopy Anderson, the co-host of Spit Dat at Mocha Hut in DC, has received praise due to his humorous, witty performances that are enhanced by his clever lyrics and exceptional flow and delivery. On that night, Alvin Lau, the socially-aware, politically-inclined spoken-word artist, will also enlighten us with meaningful messages embedded in his hip-hop style. The ladies will be well represented by Miss Laura Perez, a young progressive, who captivates audiences with a conscious but clever style. As an emcee and poet, she uses a battle-style approach when performing, but she always provides a meaningful message in her art. Finally, Mario Rocha, a spoken-word artist with much to say, will undoubtedly keep us amazed with his captivating performances. Campus Progress is taking Spoken Word to the next level by bringing in the undeniably talented Triflava band. Triflava is so unique as they are described as a hip-hop and beyond band. Everyone will be enthralled by their catchy hooks and insightful messages combined with their outstanding musicianship. For the up and coming spoken-word performers (definitely does not include me), Campus Progress is providing an opportunity that will give them exposure as well. You can enter the open mic contest by submitting a video of yourself performing 3 original pieces to posullivan@americanprogress.org. The winner will perform one poem to open the night’s performance.
I’m tellin’ ya…Campus Progress is doin’ it big with great entertainment and great food all for da FREE. I repeat….this event is FREE! (Y’all know that this is my favorite price!)
FREE FOOD + FREE ENTERTAINMENT==WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR!
The Campus Progress Summer Kick-Off Party at Grand Central in Adams Morgan was the place to be this past Tuesday. Where I am from, parties do not start at 6:00 PM, and they definitely do not end at 8:30 PM. However, it proves that free alcohol can attract us anytime. The only thing that I thought the party was missing was dancing, but truthfully, Grand Central was so packed that you really could not move. If you missed this event, Campus Progress has many more events occurring throughout the summer. On June 25th, Campus Progress will host a Spoken Word event with amazing talent, including Alvin Lau and Droopy Anderson. Everyone needs to come out because it is so FREE (my favorite price)! Furthermore, on July 8th , Campus Progress will host its National Conference featuring Senator John Edwards and Ryan Gosling. Again, it is so FREE! So be sure to check out Campus Progress to see what else they have planned for this summer.
Ya’ll it is so hot outside. The DC weather is even getting to me, and I am from Mississippi, where a hundred degree weather is normal in the summertime. So, I refuse to tell you to go to the Washington Mall, although it is good to see, because this brother doesn’t play with the sun. However, there are so many good places to go in DC that I have to tell you to get out of the house. One of my favorite areas in DC is Chinatown. In my opinion, this area incorporates good food with excellent entertainment all in one convenient location.
Please remember that Campus Progress' terms of use do not allow promoting or endorsing any particular political party or candidate for office. Posts or comments that do this will be deleted.
Posts
!
