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The Byrd Nest w/Catalina Byrd
I didn’t realize, until I received many emails after the first posting, that a person being passionate about the arts and politics, in equal measure, was such a rarity. In fact I thought it common knowledge that the two were connected indefinitely. Therefore, I thought it appropriate, that this be my initial post for the ’09 year, because it will set the tone for my article(s) platform that will follow in weeks to come.
I was invited here (Baltimore Independent Examiner page), to write and express my views, because I am an Independent! As I explained least week, I am an Independent because of my understanding of America and its purpose. The arts and philosophy have helped to shape those ideas for me, just as they did our founding fathers.
America’s creation can be largely attributed to the ideals and principles set forth by Plato, in The Republic, and his description in The Laws of how to form a functioning and comprehensive State. However, Plato was not just a political theorists, he was a poet as well, an artist. Confirming my first belief that artists are the mirror of society and in other era’s that was not only recognized but also highly respected. In our moving further away from the arts to embrace scientific advances, we have lost an aspect of our culture to the extent that society suffers.
My personal affinity has always been for the art of the written word. Whether it be poetry, essay/editorial, novel, or speech – the arranging of words and their meanings to express a feeling or idea has always been fascinating. For one to have the power to make another feel something within themselves, or redirect a way of thinking, is an awesome ability and one necessary in the human experience to promote self-growth and reflection. Fore I do not believe it to be possible, to mature if one does not revaluate themselves, at various phases of their lives, and that is as true of society as it is the individual living within.
After the passing of generations of Statesmen, that formed our nation by applying the lessons taught, by the writings of such scholars, as Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates, politics in America changed. It was in this time of change that we see the role of the artist change in politics, no longer is the mind of the writer, the basis of an ideology. Beginning with FDR and the employing of speechwriters, writers were now used for their talents to effectively project the ideas of their employer. No president, since FDR, has not had a speechwriter, and in the inclusion of this element to politics, changing simultaneously the purpose of the artist. Writers no longer were sought for their own thinking, now instead for their ability to make the vision of their employer palpable to the listener and/or reader. Artists are used to create language, for speeches that begin dialogues that have divided us and keep us divided to this day. An abuse of the artist and their talent has resulted in an even greater tragedy for society, as it less and less mirrors reality, and sets out to rewrite history and hopes that it will change the future.
Now where are we? A nation plagued by fear, in large part due the result of cleverly selected words, another sect in denial of the separations of church and state, and others believing that their beliefs must adhere to a specific political agenda or ideology and when others do not, they seek to conform. Where as once art had dictated our greatest possibilities, it is being used now as a tool of division, however, the artists still remain on the outskirts of popular opinion. Thought to be disenchanted with politics or “too deep” to participate, all across Baltimore and the rest of the country in slam competitions and open-mic arenas, the voice of the people, and their feelings, can be heard loud and clear. Still there reflecting what society is doing to itself, attempting to aspire faith that we shall again overcome and encourage those capable to continue to strive for the greater good. Though politics, as we know it now, has downplayed the need for these talents, the artist preservers, feeling indebted to the people first and politics never.
I encourage any one reading this that is either an elected official, or employed by one, to seek the local artists and go to a show. Many of you will find the teachers of your children, coaches, volunteers for charities, and supporters of all people, trying to effect positive change. Do you want to know what the workers of the educational system need? Go listen. Do you want to know what are the challenges met by the participants of failing re-entry programs? Go listen. Do you want to know which non-profits to consider for your reoccurring budget(s)? Go listen to the artists’, who shall tell you which ones are saving lives and which ones are wasting governmental funds. The answers, just as always, have been there for you to learn from and to improve upon the work that you do, on our behalf. We all play a role in the realization of our dreams as a nation, artists, politicians, and regular people alike.
I am a poet, a philosophy major, political consultant and voter. I get involved and offer my talent(s), to be used in hopes that, instead of being exploited to bring more to one side of a line that my words can, like those of the President-Elect, spark a unification that is needed, for us to overcome what are truly our greatest challenges. Dr. King once wrote that “human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted”. I believe Dr. King knew as I do, that it is in the arts that the human experience is chronicled and it is also the catalyst of all of the greatest accomplishments of mankind. I seek to unify the driving forces of our government by building a bridge between the artists and the politicians, the people and those entrusted to serve the interest of the people. I really hope that all of you will open your hearts and minds to the notion and help me.
Since I am in North Carolina I would like to ask that if able, as many of you that can attend, at least one of the events below, and support these artists, that are also my friends that have committed their gifts to enlightening and uplifting all people.
- The Art Of Conversation hosted by Ethepoetemcee
Every Saturday @ The Yabba Pot, 2431 St. Paul Street from 7- until
- Organic Soul Tuesdays hosted by Olu Butterfly Every Tuesday @ Eden’s Lounge, 15 W. Eager St. from 7-12
- The 5thL (Femi the DriFish & Native Son) will be performing Jan. 19th MLK day celebration 5:30pm @ The American Visionary Arts Museum and Jan. 15th Xscape the Matrix @ Eubie Blacke Center, Place, 12:30pm, for additional dates or bookings go to www.5thL.com
For more info: To Contact Madame Byrd you may e-mail her at catalina.byrd@gmail.com or visit her bio at http://giordano.weebly.com
Comments
Very strong. I am very proud of you coka. Always your dear friend. Evan.
Cat love this so much you are a very strong and beautiful woman keep them words coming much love to you always
Cat,
being an artist I couldn't agree with you more. I think this article is powerful and definitely sheds light and the power and importance of the artist whether it's through written or spoken word. Thanks for representing us so well.
Peace and Luv4self.
Look yal going to stop pumping her head head up with these lies of encouragement and greatness...lol! Nah she is my prize jewel, that is why she is the PREMIER wtriter for this page and this Examiner's better half! Sorry to all u haters who cant have a writer like mine! Represent baby Byrd!(-:
So I see this will improve as we move on. Considering how good the first post was that's no small feat.
Your thoughts on where we are now mirror my own. I consider myself an artist, perhaps the variety that feel we're too deep to participate, but I agree that that part of our society/beginnings has been lost. Venturing to reawaken it my ideas slip away from yours but as the first your opinion was related quite intelligently. This has certainly become something to look forward to.
Thanks Catalina,
Your post reminds me of the important work of Olu Butterfly Woods who is the Executive Director of Poetry for the People Baltimore (P4PB)and many other artist that use their artistic platform to highlight social political issues. Many people dismiss such organizations as feel good and fun resources. To the contrary these organizations and individuals have not only empowered political thought and action but have driven economic opportunities for venues such as coffee houses and galleries. Catalina, thanks for reminding us that some of our country's most important change agents use art as their most powerful strategy.
I thought the intro wasn't interst-arousing but was practical and possessed poignant details. I loved how the whole thing was in harmony with itself, from beginning to end. You opened talking about the connection between the arts and politics and closed on that note. You supporting/main points were in perfect place and held up your theme like mighty pillars. What can I say: You're a great writer and an intelligent one, too.
Even though I didn't think the intro was interest-arousing, I must say, it didn't necessarily need to be because you are interesting and draw readers. Nevertheless, I don't want to give the impression that it wasn't a good intro because it was very good in fact.
This is the first time that i've read an article that gives writers and artists the credit they deserve. I enjoyed reading this Mrs. Byrd and I will continue to check out your positive words of wisdom and give my support.
Well Madame you have done it again! A wonderfully articulated, highly captiving article which provides your reader with historical facts to support your thesis. I especially appreciated how you introduced this article, moved into it with a history of the arts and how they have tied into politics, and finally how the arts could assist today's politicians. You are an exquisitely, eloquent writer. I find myself enraptured by your words. I look forward enjoying what you have to offer in the future. Much love and respect to you!
Catalina, reading this article was a pleasure. Thank you for sharing. I love what you said abuot writers/poets/artists. We are the dreamers, the visionaries. In a society so hell-bent on what is and what was, you kindof need someone there to help you see what this world could be. Someone to see potential in the flaws, and help usher the present into the future. Once again, great article.
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