The Tables Are Starting to Turn- The World Has Spoken

I recently discovered Tracy Chapman and I adore her because she uses her talent to shed light, in a subtle, powerful way, on those who are too often overwhelmed to react against the weight of their obligations and disappointments.  Two years ago, I went to New York with my mom and Miss Trudy and Tante Mona to see a play called The Things of Dry Hours.  ( Here’s a link to my review: http://trumpetworld.blogspot.com/2009/06/things-of-dry-hours-at-new-york-theatre.html  )

The title of the play is taken from a great Gwendolyn Brooks poem called  kitchenette building.  Ms. Brooks,like Tracy,  is subtle and powerful in her presentation of why people sometimes fail to dream or  keep a dream alive. 

Happy Holidays. Power to the Imagination.  Power to the 99%.  Here is Tracy Chapman singing Talking About a Revolution.

Kitchenette Building
by Gwendolyn Brooks

We are things of dry hours and the involuntary plan, 
Grayed in, and gray. "Dream" makes a giddy sound, not strong 
Like "rent," "feeding a wife," "satisfying a man." 

But could a dream send up through onion fumes   
Its white and violet, fight with fried potatoes   
And yesterday's garbage ripening in the hall,   
Flutter, or sing an aria down these rooms 

Even if we were willing to let it in, 
Had time to warm it, keep it very clean,   
Anticipate a message, let it begin? 

We wonder. But not well! not for a minute!   
Since Number Five is out of the bathroom now,   
We think of lukewarm water, hope to get in it.
 

from "Selected Poems" © 1963 by Gwendolyn Brooks.
Reprinted with the permission of the Estate of Gwendolyn Brooks

It's Our Time; It's Our World

One of my goals is to visit and study in China.  Last year I was selected as an alternate to study Mandarin in China through the National Security Language Initiative for Youth.  This program sends teenagers around the world to study critical languages such as Mandarin, Arabic, Hindi, Farsi, Russian and Korean to name a few.  It’s an intense process to get selected, but if you do, all expenses are paid and you get to open your mind and heart to another culture.  I am undeterred. I will get to China.  Here’s more information about the National Security Language Initiative for Youth: http://exchanges.state.gov/youth/programs/nsli.html

Another great organization that sends teens abroad is Americans Promoting Study Abroad. The following video tells it all:

To learn more about this summer program, visit   http://www.apsaglobal.org/

The Ron Brown Scholar Program

 I am so happy to be home.  There is no place like home.   This coming week I plan to focus on upcoming scholarship and summer programs.  Here we go. A big shout out to Ms. Murray for sharing the following:

The Ron Brown Scholar Program
This program seeks to identify African-American high school seniors who will make significant contributions to society.

Applicants must excel academically, exhibit exceptional leadership potential, participate in community service activities and demonstrate financial need. The applicant must be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card. Current college students are not eligible to apply.

Recipients may use the renewable scholarships to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice within the United States.

Ron Brown Scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline. More than 200 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars since the inception of the Program.

Award Amount : $10,000
Deadline: Usually in January
Website/Contact Info: www.ronbrown.org/Apply/EligibilityRequirements.aspx