‘Miscellany’ Archives
AMEN CORNER: in collaboration with Ventura Village Neighborhood Association
”¦excerpted from a one-year report written by Jason Rodney, Amen Corner. July 2012 marked the one-year anniversary of Amen Corner at Peavey Park, Thrones Plaza. The project successfully engages residents and visitors in Ventura Village in dialogue, relationship, and action. The name was derived from the Amen Corner phenomenon which has a long history in American lore. It was made famous by James Baldwin”'s play, “The Amen Corner”, as an arena where an African American minister used her speaking skills to explore truth and obtain the support of parishioners. Supporters of her point of view were put in a special section of the congregation, the Amen Corner, where the people would indicate agreement by shouting in unison, “Amen”, or “let it be”. The Amen Corner in Ventura Village uses a “soapbox” or “open mic” by which to engage residents. Listening and documenting is also used as a positive way to [...]
Backyard Initiative
The Backyard Initiative is a dynamic partnership between Allina Health and its neighbors to improve the health of residents in the seven neighborhoods immediately surrounding the Allina Commons, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, and the Phillips Eye Institute. In collaboration with the Cultural Wellness Center, the Backyard Initiative supports residents as they draw upon their own knowledge, skills and cultural values to care for themselves, their families and their neighbors. Research shows that social conditions ”“ including isolation and a lack of social support ”“ have a profound impact on health. Backyard residents have formed Citizen Health Action Teams (CHATs) that implement prevention and wellness pilot projects to improve community health. Check out information about the Backyard Initiative and all of the CHATS at:Â www.allinahealth.org/backyard Alley Communications provides leadership and representation to the COMMUNICATIONS CHAT. Together, the Backyard [...]
“Soukousize” Dallas and Siama, African and Reggae
Dallas Johnson, a singer, songwriter, producer and band leader- loves exploring musical styles. She composed jazz songs for Jevetta Steele”'s last record, recorded an original house single for OM records, an electronic jazz song for Keston and Westdal, performed an American Traditional song on a compilation CD in support of marriage equality, wrote a lullabye that”'s being recorded by grade school children in Colarado and can be heard singing soul music on Dan Barreiro”'s KFAN show. Currently, she”'s singing world music, finalizing her 3rd original CD, and writing a non-fiction book. She”'s the community arts director behind Bridging Minneapolis ”“ a project in Phillips West. Guitarist and composer Siama Matuzungidi hails from DR Congo and came to Mpls. by way of Uganda, Kenya, Dubai and Japan. A prolific composer, Siama wrote big hits in the 70”'s that are considered classics, earning him the title, “soukous legend”. [...]
