Author: Dr. Joan R Cartwright
National African American Museum NAAMHC
Just before COVID, we were supposed to visit the brand new National African American Museum of History and Culture in Washington, DC, a $540 Million project of the Smithsonian. It took four years for us to get the next opportunity to visit this amazing monument. My cousin, Millicent Brady, and I had a wonderful time, exploring the various exhibits at NAAMHC. First, we had lunch on the Concourse level, then we headed up to the 4th floor where we were emersed in the Cultural exhibits. The height of our visit was meeting several women visiting from the City of Chicago. Ms. Miles is a string player and leader of a string ensemble. Enjoy these be photos.
Pen Arts Building NLAPW
The National League of American Penwomen was founded in 1897, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports and promotes professional women in arts, letters, music, and allied professions. I joined the organization in 2017, recruited by Sheila Firestone, the President of the Boca Raton Branch, at that time. At first, I applied as a Letters member, since I had authored several books, including three books of poetry. A couple of years later, I applied as a Music member, since I had composed well over 40 songs.
At two of the Florida regional conferences, I was a presenter. Also, I’ve been featured in the Pen Women Magazine. This has been a fruitful membership for me, introducing me to several authors, musicians, and visual artists. My ultimate goal is to apply as a Visual Artist in my 80s, which will happen by 2028, once I retire from teaching college and begin to paint, again.
On Thursday, September 12, 2024, I visited the Pen Arts Building at 1300 17th Street NW, Washington, DC, with my cousin Millicent Brady, for whom I organized her book, Stories, Poems & Musings. This building is 137 years old, and the interior is mostly original.
We were greeted by Evelyn Wofford, Director of NLAPW National. We had a pleasant meeting with Evelyn and got to meet the artist-in-resident pianist and composer, Simone Baron. The photos tell a lovely story. https://www.nlapw.org
Old Woman
When you’re an old woman and the object of your own affection
It’s time to appreciate You!
That you got you here
That you focused on
That which you need
That will house you
That will feed you
That will clothe you
That will pay you
That which you must learn
That which you must teach
That what you must know is
That which you must live
That which you must do
That which you must be
That I AM THAT!
Lessons Learned
In the sixth month of my 76th year, I am reflecting on lessons that I’ve learned recently and throughout my three score and 16 years of life on Planet Earth. Here are some of them:
Live to breathe, breathe to live.
Be fruitful and multiply and love your family.
Ask questions and don’t assume you know the answer.
Find something you love to do and do it ’til you’re satisfied.
Recognize your friends and keep your enemies close.
Before you ask someone, try to do it yourself.
Learn new skills.
Look at the other person’s perspective but keep your feelings present.
Observe and listen.
Fulfillment
In 2007, I incorporated a non-profit organization to promote women musicians, globally. It took 17 years to gather the women to promote. They each became members of the organization and some contributed songs to our 8 compilation CDs, or stories in our annual publications www.musicwomenmagazine.com and www.musicmanmagazine.com
Tonight, I realized that the deed is done. Congratulations to me!
http://wijsf.org/musicians.htm
These women are musical legends in their own right.
http://wijsf.org/musicians.htm and http://wijsf.wijsf.org/musiciansbyinstrument.htm
http://www.musicwomenmagazine.com and http://www.musicmanmagazine.com
Promoting women musicians, globally!
Gathering great women musicians together and getting their music heard by multitudes!
Strength in Numbers
In light of the recent outbursts by actresses Monique, Viola Davis, and Taraji P. Henson, I am posting this message from ChatGPT. In 2024, women of color need to continue this discussion and come up with some viable solutions.
Why are women of color so undervalued? [ChatGPT]
The undervaluing of women of color is a complex issue with roots in historical, social, economic, and cultural factors. It is crucial to recognize that the experiences of women of color are diverse and intersectional, shaped by the intersections of gender, race, ethnicity, class, and other factors. Here are several contributing factors to the undervaluing of women of color:
- Intersectionality: Women of color often face intersectional discrimination, where multiple aspects of their identity, such as race, gender, and sometimes socioeconomic status, intersect to create unique and compounded challenges.
- Historical Oppression: Historical patterns of colonization, slavery, and systemic racism have had enduring effects on communities of color. These historical injustices have contributed to disparities in economic opportunities, education, and representation.
- Stereotypes and Bias: Stereotypes and biases based on race and gender contribute to the undervaluing of women of color. Prejudices may influence perceptions in various areas, including the workplace, education, and the media.
- Systemic Inequality: Systemic structures and institutions may perpetuate inequalities. This can include discriminatory policies, lack of representation in decision-making roles, and unequal access to resources.
- Limited Representation: In media, literature, and other cultural outlets, representation of women of color has historically been limited or portrayed through narrow and often stereotypical lenses, reinforcing harmful narratives.
- Economic Disparities: Women of color may face wage gaps, limited access to economic opportunities, and disparities in wealth accumulation, making financial independence more challenging.
- Educational Barriers: Disparities in educational opportunities, including unequal access to quality education and resources, can limit the advancement of women of color in various fields.
- Microaggressions and Discrimination: Microaggressions, everyday instances of subtle or overt discrimination, can negatively impact the mental and emotional well-being of women of color, contributing to their undervaluation.
Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that involves dismantling systemic inequalities, challenging stereotypes, promoting diversity and inclusion, and advocating for policies that address the specific needs and challenges faced by women of color. Conversations around equity, representation, and social justice are essential in fostering a more inclusive and just society.
Most women of African descent have experienced this inequitable phenomenon in the Americas and Europe. Now is the time for this maltreatment to END. Women of color have given everything they have to their families, husbands, children, employers, and the world. Blues women brought music to the world, and it was usurped and capitalized on by mostly white men who play guitars. For instance, why are the Rolling Stones worth $1.45 Billion, while Big Mama Thornton, from whom they got the Blues, was only worth $16 Million upon her death in 1987, at 54?
Women of color need a solution to this problem. NOW! Abstaining from your art is not the solution. Perhaps, joining hands with other women of color and continuing this conversation may bring to light the disturbing phenomenon.
Meanwhile, at http://www.wijsf.org we promote women musicians who are mostly obscure in the male-dominated, white-dominated music industry. We have 433 members, 277 musicians, and 76 men who support our mission.
The eight points made by ChatGPT, above, need to be addressed by governments and corporations that fund the arts. However, it will take the continuous outcry from women writers, actors, musicians, and entrepreneurs to fix this problem.
What can you do to help women of color to be seen as more valuable?
Reinvention (2)
The beauty of matter is that it can be revived, revised, reevaluated, renovated, and reinvented. In seven and a half decades, it has been my experience that you can reinvent yourself in many different ways. For instance, I was a student, until I became a mother and a wife at 16. That was my journey, until I became a professional performer. Although I remained a mother and became a wife to three other men, music usurped my time, energy, and convictions. By 40, I was only concentrating on being a musician. I got to tour the world, bringing songs of love, light, and promise to masses of people. However, learning was still in the mix.
At 43, I accepted my Master’s degree in Communication. However, I was weary of studying and writing, so I took off and running to Switzerland, where I concentrated on meditation and music. I met new friends, who offered me new experiences. For eight years, that was all I did.
Upon returning home, I focused on my fourth marriage, which lasted only four years. During that time, I learned about the Internet, designing websites, and uploading photos and music from my past experiences. I went from MySpace to my own website that took a lot of time to build with HTML coding. [http://fyicomminc.com]. I built websites for other artists, authors, and entrepreneurs, earning money to live on.
From jazz clubs, concert halls, school programs, and community events to yacht parties, weddings, and cruise ships, I sang, I sang, I sang, until I couldn’t sing anymore. I visited places that had been posted on my dream board since 1983. I worked with musicians in Mexico, South Africa, Ghana, and 8 European countries. I recorded on four CDs, wrote 14 books, taught numerous college courses, and established a global organization to promote women musicians from 27 states and 21 countries. http://wijsf.org
Yet, I am still in the game. As long as I have breath in my body, I will eat, love, work, and play. I love meeting new people. Here are some of my most recent friends. Life is about loving yourself and others. Stay relevant by reinventing your circle of friends!
Upliftment
Sometimes, you need to change your mind.
You need to recollect what you were doing
Before you became distracted.
You must walk back a few paces
And remember what your joy was
You need a reminder that what you want
And what you fight for might be two different things.
Then, there’s the choice you make to fight
Or you choose to be happy.
You cannot do both.
Once you make that choice, you’re free to fight or fly.
Recollection
Although dé·jà vu is a feeling of having already experienced the present situation, today, I felt like I was living an experience I once had. That is called memory, remembering, and recollection.
Travel: Trains, Planes, and Automobiles
The trains made travel in Europe a pleasant adventure. Most notable are the trains in Switzerland that are first class, even in second class. Travel through Switzerland opened my mind to possibilities. People built their homes high up in the Alps. It is a tremendous feat in my mind.
