Iko.Beezy.

My Inspirations. @ikobeezy

[ikobeezy]

The subtle microaggressions and nuance of modern racism are infuriating. How can the nation progress until the masses have a complete mental revolution? Citizen- An American Lyric captures my experiences far too well. “A friend tells you he has seen a photo of you on the Internet and he wants to know why you look so angry. You and the photographer chose the photograph he refers to because you both decided it looked the most relaxed. Do you look angry? You wouldn’t have said so. Obviously this unsmiling image of you makes him uncomfortable, and he needs you to account for that. If you were smiling, what would that tell him about your composure in his imagination?” #Citizen #AnAmericanLyric #ClaudiaRankine #essay #poerty #shortstory #racism #blackauthors #blackliterature #goodblackreads #bookstagram #BeezyBookClub (at Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles)

[snapitoga]

Tribal Marks, Yorubaland 

Oyo, 2017 

[ikobeezy]

Thankful for the opportunity to celebrate with the African Youth League at The Ohio State University

[ikobeezy]

Chief Don't Run By: @dariusdepuis89

[ikobeezy]

My mind has been racing! I've been questioning myself and stressing over things I can't control. But I'm consistently being reminded to be patient and to be present in every moment. Wait here Beezy, the best is yet to come.

[ikobeezy]

This land can be unforgiving. But remember to take some joy with you everywhere you go.

[ikobeezy]

2.24.17 - Yabis Night

The second installment was another powerful experience were we had the opportunity to gather and listen to the Coming To America stories of our peers. In contrast to the hostile climate in the U.S. and around the world, it is always refreshing to build each other up and create the community we want to thrive in! I love yall.

-Iko

[ikobeezy]

Flyers from the second Yabis Night

[ikobeezy]

Son of Fela

[ikobeezy]

The Prince of Afrobeat 

Seun Anikulapo Kuti

[ikobeezy]

2.21.15

Annual rereading: The Autobiography of Malcolm X. 

Today marks 50 years since the great leader was assassinated. If you haven’t read this at least once, make that happen asap. 

“We declare our right on this earth…to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary.”

[ikobeezy]

2.21.16

51 years ago today. 

It’s that time of year again to pay homage to the legacy of Malcolm X and the impact he left on this earth. His messages have stood the test of time and are just as important now as they were back in his day. This is required reading.

- @ikobeezy

“Children have a lesson adults should learn, to not be ashamed of failing, but to get up and try again. Most of us adults are so afraid, so cautious, so ‘safe,’ and therefore so shrinking and rigid and afraid that it is why so many humans fail. Most middle-aged adults have resigned themselves to failure.”

“I believe in recognizing every human being as a human being–neither white, black, brown, or red; and when you are dealing with humanity as a family there’s no question of integration or intermarriage. It’s just one human being marrying another human being or one human being living around and with another human being.”

[ikobeezy]

2.21.17 

52 years ago today.

 I get something new from Malcolm every time I open this book. Somehow his words become even more relevant with time. Perhaps because society still hasn't progressed enough to understand his message. 

 - @ikobeezy 

"I've had enough of someone else's propaganda....I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I'm a human being first and foremost, and as such I'm for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole."

[realkwamespiffy-deactivated2020]

Photography by Kwame Freddy

Instagram.com/kwamefreddy

[ikobeezy]

Me.

[ikobeezy]

Coming To America

Yabis Night was a straight up spiritual experience! So thankful for the opportunity to be heard and listen to the stories of my peers. It takes a lot of courage to step up to the mic and I’m proud of everyone who took the leap. We talked about cultural appreciation vs. appropriation, love and relationships, and the mental health issues we face in our communities. By sharing our food, our experiences, and our songs, we were able to heal each other on Friday night and beyond. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for!

-Iko

[ikobeezy]

What does COMING TO AMERICA mean to you?

[ikobeezy]

Can East meet West and everything in between? Let's talk more about cultural appreciation and less about appropriation. This is our world, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Respectfully that is.

[ikobeezy]

Finally doing something in my own city of Columbus, Ohio. 

During the 1970’s in Lagos, Nigeria, the Afrobeat music of Fela Kuti ruled the streets and airwaves. Every Friday night at his African Shrine was “Yabis Night” when he would joke about himself, band members, the audience, elected officials, etc. as a way to talk about serious issues in society. (In Pidgin English the word “yabis” means to make fun of something or someone) 

 So, with that idea in mind can we address the issues that we currently face? Let’s learn about each other and talk about breaking down the invisble walls in our Black, African, and American communities, etc. “Coming to America” represents the comedy of the African immigrant story in my own life and the truth that WE ARE ALL IMMIGRANTS, regardless of when we were born/arrived in the US. In this increasingly hostile nation, we need peace and unity now more than ever. Let’s create some sustainable relationships. There shall be food. 

AND ALSO on Friday Dec 16th Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 will be live in Columbus! Let us jig until the early morning. https://www.facebook.com/events/959196740880054/

 To learn more about the life and influence of Fela Kuti check out the movie Finding Fela on Netflix - http://findingfela.com/

[ikobeezy]

Currently Reading : They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky.

I picked this up a couple weeks ago and it became even more relevant due to current events. In this increasingly hostile nation, how do we welcome the people who have fled from persecution, genocide, war, or just seeking an opportunity in a new land? What do you say to the people who use the words "refugee" and "immigrant" like insults? We must learn from the journeys of others, show compassion regardless of their religion, and reeducate our peers. Too much hate going around. Let's find peace. 

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