‘Miscellany’ Archives
MLK Author of A Memoir of Injustice Mayday Bookstore on May 13th 7 PM
Martin Luther King, Jr. was felled by an assassin”'s bullet on April 4, 1968 in Tennessee. The lone gunman, escaped fugitive James Earl Ray, was arrested for the crime and spent the rest of his life behind bars. Case closed. Except for one problem: he was innocent, and even King”'s wife and son agree. A Memoir of Injustice, by investigative journalist Tamara Carter, provides a behind-the-scenes look at the life of Ray, as told to her by Jerry Ray, his younger sibling. As Jerry freely admits, the Ray family was very dysfunctional from the word go. Many members spent time in prison, including the father, and the Ray brothers frequently found themselves in the Federal pen for any number of crimes. The book goes on to tell what it was like to be dirt poor, always on the run and is populated with all the nefarious characters that inhabit that world. The elder Ray had rented a room in Bessie”'s Flophouse on the orders of a mysterious drug smuggler he had met named [...]
Phillips Student Erika Espey-Sundt Honored for Songwriting
by Kevyn Burger Erika Espey-Sundt, a senior studying music at the Perpich Center for Arts Education, is winner of Zeitgeist”'s 16th annual Eric Stokes Song Contest in the youth category. Her piece, “Gust of Wind,” reflects the different stages of an adventure, from whimsy and playfulness to mystery and intensity. The daughter of Kristen Sundt Espey-Sundt began composing just three months ago, under the direction of local composer and Arts High School music teacher Janika Vandervelde. Erika studies viola, violin and also enjoys singing. “Composing this song started as a class assignment, but I spent a lot of time out of class working on it as well,” Erika said. “I can”'t wait to see how they will arrange it and hear it performed. This is amazing.” The Eric Stokes Song Contest is sponsored by new music group Zeitgeist in memory of late composer Eric Stokes; designed to encourage and celebrate amateur composers [...]
Noche de Paz Night of Peace Celebrating community! Hosted by Latina leaders and friends
By Kathleen Sullivan and Mary Laurel True, Powderhorn neighbors What brought neighbors to come together in warmth and light on a cold February evening? Inspired by the Peace in Powderhorn event on December 1, Powderhorn neighbors kept the bonfires burning, and came together to enjoy a Noche de Paz or Night of Peace. It was an evening of fire and ice-lanterns, love of community, and warmth of togetherness on February 13, 2011 in Powderhorn Park. The idea was spearheaded by a group of women who shared a vision. This vision was to extend the community spirit that came out of the December gathering, in pro-active ways that would continue throughout the year, with a goal of further developing a peaceful and united community. The fruit of their effort became Noche de Paz. Bonfires, melty ice lanterns, and a painting of a peace dove transformed the outdoor space, while twinkling lights and homemade peace signs adorned the cozy space indoors. Park staff generously opened [...]
