Work at RDAC•BX this summer!

Are you a youth ages 16-24? Are you interested in using Hip Hop as a form of self-education and empowerment? Learn how to make beats, record and mix music, edit film, organize cultural events, and even a lil rooftop gardening, all while making some summer money and building positivity within yoursef and your community... Still some slots open! Apply today at:

https://application.nycsyep.com/

make sure you specify:

Borough: BRONX
Provider: CASW
Worksite: Rebel Diaz Arts Collective (RDAC•BX)

See you this summer!

The 2nd Annual RDAC BX Film Festival--May 21st, May 23rd -27th..

Rebel Diaz Arts Collective BX PRESENTS: THE 2ND ANNUAL RDAC BX FILM FESTIVAL

When? MAY 21st, May 23rd- May 27th....2010
All movies start at 730pmish.
Events from 7 to 10pm

Where? The South Bronx.
RDAC BX
478 Austin Place
off of 149th and Bruckner....
6 train to E. 149th

What? A peoples film festival. Where hip hop meets politics and politics meet the South Bronx. We will have live post film performances and question and answer sessions with the directors...

All for Free!!!! Free!! Free!!


Friday May 21st.

"Xip Xop OaXaca"
(50 Minutes)

Hip Hop is alive and well today all over the world. This film is just another piece of evidence that by taking back identity, territory and community, Hip Hop can be part of a movement for hood liberation. In Oaxaca City, Mexico we see one more city in which young people continue to speak truth to power, through Hip Hop.
Directed by Simon Sedillo

Following the film there will be a Question and Answer session with the director.

And then a performance by HCP a Mexican Hip Hop crew

Film Trailer

http://blip.tv/file/3381741

Extras:
http://blip.tv/file/3381219
http://blip.tv/file/3381375
http://blip.tv/file/3381474




Sunday May 23rd.

"El Regreso de Lencho" ( The Return of Lencho)

110 minutes

The film is based on a script written by Director Mario Rosales about a graffiti artist from Guatemala named Lencho Aguilar. Lencho lives in NY for 10 years and decides to go back to Guatemala. Lencho organizes an artists collective and also is doing research about the killing of his father, a journalist killed by the army in 1980. By doing so, Lencho becomes a target of a secret social cleansing program that the Guatemalan government has right now.

After ten years in New York pursuing an art career,

30-year-old graffiti artist Lorenzo 'Lencho' Aguilar finds

himself back in his native Guatemala. As he organizes

a collective of multidisciplinary artists to develop

community-based arts projects, painful and unresolved

memories from Lencho's past resurface and threaten

both his project and his life.

Recently fiction and reality collided, about a month ago the police killed the youngest member of the cast, Carlos Chacon (aka El Chino), a 17 yr old boy. He was shot 5 times after leaving a public school where he was teaching a Break dance workshop. Carlos was a rapper, b boy and graffiti artist.

The idea of the film is to bring attention to this situation in Guatemala, where the government labels the youth as gang members and no questions are ask about the violence against them, the media is completely censor by the state and actually they are also persecuting journalists again. So Guatemala is back to the violence of the 70's...

After the film we will have a Question and Answer Session with the director Mario Rosales...

Film Trailer:

This is the website of the film http://elregresodelencho.com/


Monday May 24th


Sin Nombre

96 minutes

Making its world premiere at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, Sin Nombre is an epic dramatic thriller from award-winning director Cary Fukunaga.

Seeking the promise of America, a beautiful young Honduran woman, Sayra (Paulina Gaytan), joins her father and uncle on an odyssey to cross the gauntlet of the Latin American countryside en route to the United States. Along the way she crosses paths with a teenaged Mexican gang member, El Casper (Edgar M. Flores), who is maneuvering to outrun his violent past and elude his unforgiving former associates. Together they must rely on faith, trust and street smarts if they are to survive their increasingly perilous journey towards the hope of new lives.

After the movie we will have a Hip Hop performance by Honduran MC DeLaCeiba
and Salvadoreno MCs Reyes del Bajo Mundo!!!!


Film Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTSi0pKjC5g


Tuesday May 25th

The Art of Love and Struggle
Running Time: 1:18

A film of passion, ³The Art of Love and Struggle² profiles twelve amazing women. Artists, singers, emcees, activists, poets and writers who come
together in an explosive exploration of feminine creation. Independently minded women with voices that must be heard, each lady brings to the screen her innermost struggles, in an attempt to outline the obstacles that face the female artist. Based in New York City, this journey is narrated by the mystical Smokifantastic, and navigates the challenges of poverty, politics and personal sacrifice. Exploring love, identity and urban culture, our film dives deep into the underground movement of female artistry and features:

* Raqiyah Mays (Editor and Chief of the Ave Magazine, Hot 97 DJ)
* Amanda Diva (MTV2 VJ, Def Poet)
* Helena D, Lewis (Def Poet)
* Claudia Alick (Def Poet)
* Elizabeth Mendez Berry (VIBE magazine, TIME magazine)
* Toni Blackman (Recording Artist, Hip Hop Ambassador US State Department)
* Nemesis (Underground Emcee)
* Denise De La Cruz (Reggae Singer)
* Vista (Performance artist)
* Kyana Brindle( Smokin Word Playwright, Poet and Actress)
* Rosa Clemente (Media Activist and co-founder of National Hip Hop Congress)

Directed and Produced by Jessica Habie, Eyes Infinite Films.
Edited by Melissa Ulto.

Soundtrack Composed by Spiritchild of Mental Notes.
See www.eyesinfinite.com for more info.


Afterwards there will be a Question and Answer Session with Rosa Clemente who is in the film and a special performance from SpiritChild who produced the soundtrack for the film.


Wednesday May 26th

Operation Small Axe

directed by Adimu Madyun

"Operation Small Axe" takes a raw and unflinching look at life under police terrorism in Oakland. Through the stories of Oscar Grant ,Lovelle Mixon and POCC Minister of information JR Valrey, the film focuses on the occupation of Oakland's communities of color by militarized and racist police forces. Oscar Grant was shot in the back and killed by Bay Area Rapid Transit police officer Johannes Mehserle on January 1st of this year. On March 21st, Lovelle Mixon was killed by Oakland police after having allegedly shot five OPD officers, killing four.

Following the film we will have a a Question and answer session with members of The POCC and a local showcase with MCs addressing the issue of Police Murder by Police Departments across the country and globe.


film trailer:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfixe3-2RQo


Thursday May 27th


"APACHE LINE: FROM GANGS TO HIP HOP"


This documentary is a work in progress by Jorge "Fabel" Pabon.


It takes us on a journey through the trials, tribulations and triumphs of NYC street gangs/families that celebrated urban culture, through artistic expression, prior to the advent of what we know as "Hip Hop culture". This documentary is a testament to the power of transforming negative energy to positive. "APACHE LINE: FROM GANGS TO HIP HOP" captures testimony from some of these folk heroes who reveal untold chapters of New York City's urban history. Urban folk heroes, legendary street families and Hip Hop icons such as: Afrika Bambaataa, Yellow Benjy from the Ghetto Brothers, the Black Spades, Savage Skulls, Ching A Ling Nomads MC, Savage Samurais, Renigades of Harlem, T.KID 170, INK 76 and many others share their trials and tribulations experienced during the transition from gang to Hip Hop culture. Former gang members describe how they fought for survival and a sense of identity. "APACHE LINE" gives us an insider's view of a place that time forgot. This documentary also focuses on accountability and encourages our youth to think critically about decisions they make. It represents the experiences of generations of Americans and many who continue to search for acceptance, love and a family.


After the film we will have a question and answer session with director Jorge "Fabel" Pabon



Film Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdmQludvzBQ

Sunday BBQ w/ Circa95, The ReMinders and some serious dancing!

So on Sunday, May 16th.. the weather was extremely nice and it just happened to be that our good friends The ReMinders were in town from Denver. That's our peoples right there, so it was only right that we host them at The RDAC BX for a South Bronx style welcome/ kickin-it session/ BBQ. So like they do every other Sunday, Rephstar and Patty Dukes A.K.A. Circa95 were also doing their livestream internet radio/tv show on www.circa95.com , so we knew we had the components for a great time.

The Day actually got off to an early start as El Lucho Sigue showed up with some carne asada and came to kick it before noon to watch the Chile- Mexico pre World Cup warm up. Carlitos, RodStarz and G1 cheered for Chile and Lucho seemd to be alone, until Jay, who's Puerto Rican, shows up screaming in a Mexico jersey. Turns out Lucho invited him to a Mexico vs Ecuador game last week and the crowd loved him so much they bought him a Mexico jersey. The homey is a riot. So Mexico won 1-0, after a lucky toekick goal, and it was time for The Circa 95 Show.
The special guests for The Circa 95 Show were 8 and 9 Clothing, Luis Colon and Nick Howard of My Sneaker Apps, The ReMinders and Dama Nillz.The show went great as we leanred about a dope new clothing company. a fresh new app for all the sneakerheads out there, and a dope female mc. The energy from the show was definitely in the air as all the guests hung out for a while and kicked it...as folks trickled in.
We were especially happy to welcome Christie and PopMaster Fabel, and their cool friend. They do the dope old school park jams at Crotona Park, Fabel is working on a dope new movie about the gangs in Harlem from back in the day, and we love and admire them as people. Also Christie brought over some super bomb Apple Crumb Cake which everybody loved. You can peep their work at www.toolsofwar.com Also in the house were our comrades from El Salvador Los Reyes del Bajo Mundo, Alexplosivo de Chile via Queens, Lopez Victoria de Toronto via Peru, RDAC BX family; Bliz, Rela, Chris Diaz, Claudia De La Cruz ( who took the dope pics you see) , Cheebie and the homies from Castle Hill and many more friends.
After some good burgers,tacos, shrimp kabobs, bbq chicken and turkey burgers we were treated to an exclusive private show from The ReMinders. I first met this crew at a IMAN Community Cafe event in Harlem that Christie Z put me onto. While i went to see Brother Ali, I came home talkin bout The ReMinders and this dope jam they had called Black Roses. Well we connected and kept missing each other across the country in Chicago and New York. We recently touched base with them again in Denver and found out they would be in NY. Aja Black, Big Samir and their 2 beautiful little ones owned the stage! They had the crowd rockin and everyone boppin their heads with that fists and hands in the air status. Aja Black's got the ill voice and kills it on the mic as hard as any MC out, while Big Samir's flow is fresh and his lyrics hit home. Their topics range from love, family to just being happy in a better tomorrow. Our type of music. The highlight for me was when they rocked Black Roses and their little ones were on stage dancing. But truthfully every song they had was dope. The energy at RDAC BX was thru the roof. After like 2 encores, The Reminders left the stage, but they left it in flames.

To hear their music and buy it, go to : http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/reminders

The BBQ continued and PopMaster Fabel took over the IPOD Dj position and had the crowd rockin to some classics. He even played some old school jams from The Ghetto Brothers, a band that was also a local gang here in Hunts Point back in the day. Jay and Chris Diaz got to dancing and then next thing we know PopMaster Fabel treated us to some poppin and locking. Jay and Chris tried to keep up but couldnt hang with Fabel. It was a classic dancefloor scene. Jay had us all dying of laughter with his wiggles.
The sun was beginning to come down but the energy in The South Bronx from that day will have the RDAC BX shining for a while.
A beautiful start to a fun summer season coming up!


Peace!
RodStarz

The 2nd Annual Younity Markit

Refreshing! Energizing! Loved- filled! Just some words to describe the feel at the 2nd Annual Younity Markit celebrated this past weekend in the Lower East Side. This annual celebration is a definitely a family affair where all elements of the hip-hop culture live and community is experienced. While some children ran freely and the piragüero sold his colorful drinks, DJ Laylo was on the 1s and 2s spinning music for the soul. At the breaker’s corner Rokafella and a crew of b-boys were getting down! Walking and visiting the different tables was a celebration in itself as one experienced diversity at its best. From the children’s art station, eco-friendly and unique jewelry, to on- the- spot painters, original and unique t-shirts, and so much more. But no celebration is complete without cake. Whoever did not get to taste the Bake-One-Frost-Two brownie cup- cakes shared by Sofia, covered with her special frosting, a tasteful strawberry and a fun little umbrella needs to head to the Younity Markit next spring. And if you tasted these brownie cup cakes, I’m sure ya’ll be back for more next year…

The Younity Markit is definitely a space that brings together all the components for a beautiful spring-day gathering. Birthing nothing but joy, creativity, and inspiration… I’m excited for the years to come celebrating Younity…

By Claudia De La Cruz

Check out the May Day Freedom Fest Footage!!

MAY DAY FREEDOM FEST A SUCCESS!!!

The May Day Freedom Fest was a complete success! On Saturday May 1st, thousands of people came to Union Square to stand up for Immigrant Rights and say no to the racist anti immigrant laws passed recently in Arizona. There was also a strong stance taken against the supposed reform of the Schumer-Graham bill. The reality is is that we need legalization for now and an immediate stop to the deportations and raids. ICE seems to have become a rogue agency that terrorizes immigrants and divides families. Whats going on in Arizona is the revival of Jim Crow!

The response led to the largest rally that Union Square has seen since the marches of 2006. Families, students, workers, students Hip Hop artists and many different organizations came out. It helped that it was a beautiful 80 degree day under the sun.

The day started with the morning set up team meeting up at RDAC BX at 7am. From there we all rolled up to Union Square and set up shop. The whole RDAC sound system was put to use! We chalked up the whole area and there we had it: Hip Hop was back in the Park. Outdoors. For the people and free!

Around 11am the people started arriving, folks gathered....and the rally was on!

There was much teamwork that went on to put on the May Day Freedom Fest. RDAC BX came together with The May 1st Coalition ( www.may1.info ) and put out the calling to the masses. The result was a really dope program in that there were speakers for 30 mins and then culture for 30 mins. This led to a great balance between politics and culture and also between the generations. There were artists from all over that came to support. Artists like Hasan Salaam and Bad Sportt from New Jersey, Reyes del Bajo Mundo from El Salvador, Marcel Cartier, Fascious,GTP and Division X from The Bronx, Crosby from the Lower East Side, Immortal Technique from Harlem, Rebel Diaz from Chicago/S.Bronx, Dj Ethos from Los Angeles and Dj Charlie Hustle reppin Milwaukee. We also were blessed with the participation of Rev. Claudia De la Cruz from the revolutionary, La Iglesia San Romero de Las Americas. We also had the solidarity of some striking students in Puerto Rico and the son of PR Political Prisoner Avelino Claudio Gonzalez. Hip Hop was united that day and it wasnt only in performing. In true solidarity the artists not only performed but also helped take down the sound system and load the trucks afterwards. This type of camraderie is whats needed yall!! The march continued to Federal Plaza but we stayed back to take the sound system down.

This march was only the beginning of much work that is needed and that the RDAC BX will continue to support! We need Legalization 4 All! Lets not forget, besides the Native Americans and the forced Migration of Africans thru slavery, we are all immigrants. Like Immortal Technique said " We may not run America, but we make America run!!"