Author Archives: Bomani Armah

#shookoneschallenge

I’mma properly record these soon, but If i don’t just spit them out I’ll sit on them forever… #shookoneschallenge the war on drugs ain’t just reagan and nixon the blood in my eye causes rose colored vision so i approach the game like george jackson in san quentin remind myself that patience has it’s limitsContinue reading “#shookoneschallenge”

The Watermelon Man Album

It’s my pleasure to introduce you to the Watermelon Man Album.  A collection of songs I about and for my people working hard to change the world around them.  The first track “Libation” is my new official theme song. “Energy does not die, it transforms” is a mantra that reminds me of how temporary ourContinue reading “The Watermelon Man Album”

Growing Up Green: Hip-Hop Poetry and Composting

repost from Young Audiences of Maryland Teaching Our Youngest Learners Environmental Citizenship Through the Arts Part 2: Local Ecosystems This Spring, Young Audiences wrapped up the initial phase of its pilot programming for Prince George’s County Public School District’s new arts integration initiative, Growing Up Green. We introduced the program in an earlier blog post,Continue reading “Growing Up Green: Hip-Hop Poetry and Composting”

Bambataa, KRS-ONE & the Hip-hop Creation Story

One of the greatest accomplishments in my life has been facilitating safe havens for young people by using the elements of hip-hop culture.  Hip-hop “culture” is not a complete culture by itself, it is an offshoot of black culture and includes expressions of art especially graffiti, breakdancing, dj’ing, mc’ing, beatboxing, fashion etc.  This force hasContinue reading “Bambataa, KRS-ONE & the Hip-hop Creation Story”

Watermelon Day, August 6th 2016

Watermelon day is a celebration of summer and summers favorite fruit. Established by the national watermelon association (NWA), it is now celebrated nationwide. In Washington DC Bomani Armah began celebrating watermelon day with festivals featuring music and art in Northwest DC starting in 2011. Today not only does watermelon day feature summer’s favorite fruit itContinue reading “Watermelon Day, August 6th 2016”

4 Ways I Stay Sane as the State Executes My People in the Street

My job, at this point, is to maintain my sanity in a country that I pay my taxes to, and pledge allegiance to, even though it still does not see me as human. Somehow, I have remained eternally optimistic about my life, my future, and the future of our children in this country, despite seeing it snuffed out on video at the whim of an emotionally unstable employee of the state. How have I done this? Is it naiveté? Is it faith? Is it insanity? Maybe it is a combination of the three. I’ve only recently tried to figure out what it is that keeps me going mentally and emotionally. Here is a short list of the few things I know comforts me in this situation.

Chi-raq is 2015’s “Doing Too Much” not its “Do the Right Thing”.

Seven years ago around this time, we had just elected a black president. I remember the buzz in the air that lasted long after election night. Everyone was trying to figure out the new world we were in, and just happy to have lived to see it.  That year I ended up over my bestContinue reading “Chi-raq is 2015’s “Doing Too Much” not its “Do the Right Thing”.”

“SAY IT LOUD!” at Sankofa Video & Books Cafe

My favorite place is Sankofa Video and Books Café. We are having a special event on Friday October 2nd from 8pm to 11pm called “Say It Loud!”. Here’s what you do: Go buy the special 2 for $15 tickets at http://sankofasayitloud.eventbrite.com (special price until September 21st). Come early, check out the drinks and the foodContinue reading ““SAY IT LOUD!” at Sankofa Video & Books Cafe”

Bomani Talking Fatherhood and Homeschooling on Views and Vibes

Whenever Tariq Omarii calls, I’m there.  Thanks again brother, for inviting me to talk about fatherhood and homeschooling on Views and Vibes.  To be clear (I realize I might give a different impression on social media) I am not a “single father”.  Olu & Dela’s mom is just as invested and active even though theContinue reading “Bomani Talking Fatherhood and Homeschooling on Views and Vibes”

4 Hip-Hop Resources 4 Your Kids

Whether KRS-1 was screaming “You Must Learn!”, Inspektah Deck admonishing us to “…speak the truth to the young black youth”, Slick Rick teaching lessons in “Hey Young World” or Nas encouraging the youth with “I Can”, hip-hop has always tried (to varying degrees of success) to incorporate the kids.  I get asked all the timeContinue reading “4 Hip-Hop Resources 4 Your Kids”

Bomani Visits 3rd, 4th & 5th Grades by Emily Hill

I had the pleasure of getting across the Bay bridge and working with students in Dorchester County this past Spring.  Ms. Emily Hill did me the honor of publishing a story about it in the local newsletter.  I can’t wait to go back next year! Dorchester County Public Schools Every Child A Success! Henry V.Continue reading “Bomani Visits 3rd, 4th & 5th Grades by Emily Hill”

Bomani on the Global African for The Real News Network

I had the extreme pleasure of appearing on the Global African with Bill Fletcher Jr.  Here is the video and the transcript of my interview.  Click the link here to find out more about The Global African and the Real News Network! BILL FLETCHER, HOST, THE GLOBAL AFRICAN: Today on The Global African, we’ll talkContinue reading “Bomani on the Global African for The Real News Network”

David Amongst Us (for Ruby Dee)

I had the distinct honor of reading this commissioned piece for the DC Commission of the Arts screening of “Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee”.  I hope you are inspired by it: Before King David wore his crown before he ever used a slingshot to knock Goliath down the reason King Saul kept this young manContinue reading “David Amongst Us (for Ruby Dee)”

Buycott “Prelude to Procrastination”

Black Root is the proto-typical local artist.  Some would take that as a diss, as a statement on Black Roots commercial and artistic ceiling.  As a “local” artist my self, I can tell you that it can be the highest compliment.  He has rooted himself deeply into the inner fabric of a community.  His everyContinue reading “Buycott “Prelude to Procrastination””

Communicating through Hip Hop

Originally posted on Young Audiences/Arts for Learning Blog:
By Bomani, Young Audiences teaching artist and Hip Hop poet Before my recent residency with fourth-graders at Scholars K-8 in Baltimore County began, the teachers I worked with–Mrs. Brumbalow, Ms. Barnes, and Ms. Hicks–had prepared the students for my arrival. When I walked through the door on…

What are we Marching For?

What are we marching for? When I ask this question I am not being satirical. I’m not being an asshole trying to demean the efforts of thousands walking down the street with a backhanded question. I really want to know. I have the utmost respect for people who put their time, energy and body onContinue reading “What are we Marching For?”

This Light of Mine

So, yesterday I had the cutest kindergarten girl at an assembly in a private school ask me during the Q&A portion “Did you grow up poor?” and I had a 7th grader at a suburban public school tell me she thought Queen Latifah’s “U.N.I.T.Y.” video was intimidating because the “gang of people” in the streets. Continue reading “This Light of Mine”

“Say It Loud” This Friday!

We are a week away from my interactive performance and songwriting session called “Say It Loud” at Bloombars and I am excited about all the great art we will make as a community!  For those of you 1819 L Street NW with me, my name is Bomani Armah and I am an artist and edu-tainer based in the DC MetropolitanContinue reading ““Say It Loud” This Friday!”