Abiodun Oyewole, member of the legendary Last Poets, is in danger of losing his apartment, which served as a gathering and mentoring place for a community of artists. This fundraiser happens on Sunday. Please see the press release below:
CELEBRITIES PERFORM AT BENEFIT FOR
Abiodun Oyewole, FOUNDING MEMBER OF
“THE LAST POETS”– SAVING ‘POET HAVEN’
(New York City, NY) — March 14, 2011— The National Black Theatre announced today–They will host a fundraising concert and celebration to honor and support “Open House Sundays @ 110,” and it’s architect, Abiodun Oyewole, founding member of the legendary group The Last Poets. Born out of Mount Morris Park (AKA-Marcus Garvey Park) in Harlem on the birthday of Malcolm X in the late 60s, The Last Poets are considered by many to be the ‘Godfathers of Rap’. The fundraiser will be held at THE NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE located at: 2031 5th Avenue/125th St., in Harlem on Sunday, March 27th from 4-8pm.
Abiodun means “he who brings joy to the town,” and this founding father of ‘Spoken Word’ has certainly done so, becoming a fixture in the landscape of Black Consciousness. He has dedicated over 40 years using his craft to retro-acting the perils of poverty, racism, and uplifting his people. His people are all over the world; where he and his colleagues known as The Last Poets, travel gaining the love of them all. Abiodun is truly an ICON– living breathing history, and still finds the time to open up his living room for the past thirty years, every Sunday. Here is where he feeds his fellow artists, food for thought, body and soul.
It is now time to “feed the feeder” as we honor Abiodun’s legacy and his most prized institution, Sundays @ 110, a true rendition of free art, expression, and family love. On Sundays we celebrate each other, eat delicious foods, and gravitate to the elders. For many, this is ‘home’, where you can help yourself to salmon croquettes, grits and home fries. In his living room you can find an aspiring young artist sharing their work with people who have an appreciation for the arts and yearn to be around love and expression of black consciousness. Affectionately known as Brother Dun, he shares his life experiences and his knowledge of history with fellow artists–they come from all walks of life, and from all over the world to share their work.
The beautiful energy of this space is in jeopardy! Rent increases and unexpected medical bills have made it difficult to maintain the residence without extra support and assistance. We must take action to keep the apartment occupied. Your presence will show the strength in the numbers of people he has touched through his living room. Let’s protect his pledge and continue to know that we are “blessed for being here!”
Tickets can be purchased for $25 in Advance — $30 at the Door.
THE NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE BOX OFFICE HOURS ARE:
Friday 7:00-9:00pm / Sat. 3:00-5:00pm * 7:00-9:00pm / Sun.- 4:00-6:00pm
Day of Show 3:00-6:00pm. *Tickets can also be bought on line and DONATIONS made at: 110fundraiser.eventbrite.com.
“We’re no more ‘godfathers of spoken word’ than the man in the moon; it comes in a package from the motherland. But we accept there is work out there that we can do. People need to see a focal point, a beacon, and we don’t have no problem with shining.”
-Abiodun Oyewole on The Last Poets
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