Live every day as if it were the last,
Because before you know it, time goes past,
And life’s just not that long.
Tell all you love that you love ‘em so,
Because even if you do, you might not know,
And one day we’ll all be gone.
Taste the wind, don’t let it blow on by,
Sing songs of love, let the music get you high
And when it’s said and done, you know the sun’ll shine on.
Learn all you can from the folks you meet,
Though they might be strange and sleep on the street,
But in some ways we all are wise.
Give all your thoughts a fighting chance,
Ask your fears and doubts, “Would you like to dance?”
And open up your eyes.
See the world, and let the world see you.
Take the time to love the things you do,
And you’ll hear it when you’re spirit starts to rise.
*****
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Seth Hoffman
Community Publishing has published a Multimedia Book (available in digital and print editions) written and Illustrated by Seth Hoffman titled, Janie and the Hummingbird. Seth is a musician, artist and educator based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Follow his adventures here every Tuesday. Seth returned from a 6 month assignment on a Fulbright Scholarship in Wellington, New Zealand. Read all about his adventures in pursuit of learning/teaching about the integration of the arts into the classroom HERE.
If the song “Black and White” (made famous by the 1970’s band, Three Dog Night) was written today, I would hope they would add to it’s title, “and the Pencil is Brown,” to symbolize the many brown faces that have changed the demographics of the country. The song was actually written by David Arkin and Earl Robinson in 1954 in response to the Supreme Court’s landmark anti-segregation decision, Brown v. Board of Education.
Lack of Representation of People of Color in Children’s Literature
Illustration by Christopher Meyers
According to according to a study by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin, only 253 of 3,200 children’s books surveyed were about people of color (described as African-American, American Indian, Latino, Asian & Pacific Island Americans). Additionally only 213 authors of color were found in the random sample. Additionally, with over 52 million Latinos in the U.S., (a number which is continually growing) the New York Times did not include a single book which included either a Latino protagonist or written by a Latino author, on it’s New York Times notable children’s book of 2013.
Importance of representation of people of color in Children’s Books
The lack of people of color in children’s books is terribly unfortunate and alarming. Books provide a way for children to envision themselves within the world around them. The demographics of the U.S. is rapidly changing to include more people of color. The importance of modeling in education is well documented. It is imperative that children of color see the images and read the words of the people around them that look like them. Therefore, if our books do not represent the many faces of the people that constitute our country, then we are under-serving and disenfranchising a significant portion of our population.
As a parent of a 7 year old, (3/4 Latina and 1/4 Native American) I have noticed the dearth of characters in children’s books that look like us. After reading the New York Times pieces, “Where are the People of Color in Children’s Books,” by Walter Dean Myers and the “Apartheid of Children’s Literature” by Christopher Meyers, I became fully aware of this unacceptable reality.
Book Choices for Parents
Viviana Hurtado and Monica Olivera of Latinas for Latino Lit, have created their own notables list of recommended children’s books that includes Latino authors, illustrators and protagonists. They both speak on the importance of this issue on National Public Radio: listen here.
Photo by Becky Archuleta
This past Friday I played the Multimedia Book version of my book, Princess Marisol & the Moon Thieves, with it’s multicultural theme, and music, at Chaparral Elementary in Albuquerque, NM. Albuquerque Public Schools has a population of students which is 55% Hispanic/Latino. The characters in the book are real people, Marisol Paramo, Matias Pizarro, Juan Ramirez, Jackie Zamora: I insisted they be illustrated to their true likeness. As I scanned the classroom viewing all the interested little brown, black and white faces, I was proud of the fact that they were experiencing a multicultural story characters that resembled them, on the screen!
***** Alex’s bilingual multimedia book, Princess Marisol & the Moon Thieves print version is available! Click on link for more info and to purchase!
Read more of Alex’s articles by clicking here.
***** This article was originally published on April 14, 2014
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I first met Stephanie Galloway, Artist, Musician, Poet and Educator as a volunteer in the Children’s Zone of the Rail Yards Market during the days when Community Publishing was programming the kids activities there. It struck me how giving Stephanie was (is) and how eager she was to give and or/impart to children the gift of art. Over the past year I discovered many more things about Stephanie including the fact that she is the Albuquerque Administrator of the global movement called Free Art Friday (FAF)!
It Is What It Is
Stephanie Galloway
According to Stephanie the “English artist by the name “My Dog Sighs,” coined the phrase Free Art Friday, (2006) which has spread around the world. People got inspired by what he was doing and started chapters internationally.”
Furthermore Stephanie states, “Albuquerque has an amazing artist’s scene with a lot to offer, and I wanted to share their talents with the world.”
Breaking the Rules on the Ground
In a nutshell, Artwork is placed on the streets of Albuquerque for any member of the public to enjoy and take home! Post only pictures of free art please. According to Stephanie, “the mission of FAF Albuquerque is not only to promote the artists of Albuquerque but to be able to share and put out some of the best pieces from our friends around the globe.” Feel free to post pictures of your art on the FAF Facebook Page. There are no rules, thats the joy! In order to keep a record of exclusively free art you need to make sure the work is easily removable and does little or no damage to it’s environment.” Get out there on Friday’s and find some art! In a nutshell Free Art Friday’s is:
Drop Art . Leave Art . Strangers Find It . Everyone Smiles
*****
Stephanie Galloway has been featured as Community Publishing‘s Guest Poet, find her work by clicking here.
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Winter is in full force around the world. In some places obviously more than others.This entry will provide you with some helpful tips on how to survive an avalanche.
Calm in the Eye of the Storm
The first thing to do in the event that you find yourself in the path of an avalanche is to stay calm. You must remain focused, for you only have seconds to react. If you see the avalanche coming towards you, shout loudly to alert others of the danger and to relay your position. If time permits, try to discard any items that may weigh you down. Turn your body away from the avalanche so your backside is facing the force. Always try to keep your backside against the oncoming avalanche. You want to cover you nose and mouth as much as possible to prevent snow from entering. Try to stay close to the top by making swimming motions. Try to work your way to the side of the avalanche where the snow has less momentum. Grab onto a tree, bush or large rock and hold on if possible.
Air in Your Hands
When the avalanche begins to slow, you will likely find yourself covered in snow. You want to thrust your hand or any other part of your body above the surface. When it has completely stopped, cup your hands over your face. Allow several inches of air space between your hands and face. This air supply should last approximately 30 minutes. Unless you can detect light or sky in the snow above you, DO NOT try to dig your way out! Quickly attempt to force your hand through the snow. If you fail to reach outside air right away stay calm and breathe into your hands. Digging will waste precious air and energy. Oxygen preservation will be key in this situation. Any companions or passerby’s not buried will likely locate you right away.
All winter sports entusiasts should be trained in avalanche safety. Appropriate rescue equipment such as a probe, small shovel, beacon and an avalanche cord should be handy at all times.
Search and Rescue: Surviving
When searching for someone caught in an avalanche , immediately search down hill from the location they were last seen. Always remember: Safety in numbers and preparation can make the difference between a tragedy and surviving. Love and light!
*****
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In this edition of Life in the Fader, DJ Flo Fader travels back to the days when he was simply known as Roscoe Floyd. Savannah, GA is a wonderfully beautiful city on the beach, chock full of talented artists and entertainers.
By Shawn Everhart
DJ Flo Fader Reminisces
“Savannah Ga. is my birthplace and start of my Grand Fantastic voyage. It’s history goes way back and was one of the 13 colonies first settled in the United States. My southern family taught me all about hard work, education, and love. This is where I developed my musical tastes and influences. I lived in Savannah until about 10 and absorbed as much as I could.
When I went to Savannah this past Thanksgiving I found myself embracing my city a bit more than I did as a kid. It’s rich in culture and the people from there are warm and inviting. If you ever get a chance to visit, I can guarantee you’ll love it!”
*****
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Community Publishing brings local artists of all mediums together in creative collaborations for distribution as multimedia eBooks while promoting literacy in our communities.
One of the best parts about being here in Wellington, NZ is all of the music. On a nice day or night, it’s unlikely that you’ll walk a few blocks without encountering some sort of live music. By the ocean walkway there is even a public piano for anyone to just come by and play. It’s not in perfect tune, but it sure says something about the city that they would have a piano out at all times for anybody to come by and play.
As I was out one evening walking down Cuba Street, I came across what I thought was a music festival or block party. It turned out to be a great local group just doing some busking (playing music on the street). They sure attracted a crowd, and they created the space for a good time had by all. Some folks just walked by, but many stopped to enjoy the music while others even got their boogie shaking on the “dance floor.”
On Beat on Cuba Street
Being a musician myself, I applied for and received a street musician permit so I too can play music on the street or by the ocean.
I hope to have some videos of myself performing around this great city. I do enjoy being a spectator, but I definitely want to participate as well.
*****
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Seth Hoffman
Community Publishing will be publishing a Multimedia Book written and Illustrated by Seth Hoffman titled, Janie and the Hummingbird. Seth is a musician, artist and educator based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Follow his adventures here every Tuesday.
Hello friends, it’s me Seth Hoffman (teacher/musician/songwriter) here. I’ve started this blog so folks can follow some of my adventures and discoveries while I am on my Fulbright program here in Wellington, New Zealand. I post much on Facebook, but I wanted to have an option so my well-respected non-Facebook users can also come along for the journey.
Here’s where I am right at the moment. I’m at a little work station at the lovely Wellington Public Library located at 65 Victoria Street in downtown central Wellington.
Bringing Passion into the Classroom
You’re probable wondering, “What in the heck are you doing in Wellington, New Zealand?” Well, the title of my Fulbright Project is called “Bringing Joy and Passion Back Into the Classroom.” You may likely be aware (or maybe you aren’t aware) that budgets for music and the arts in schools are being cut left and right. The focus is almost entirely on raising Standarized Test scores in reading, writing, and math.
I’m very much in favor for of students improving their reading, writing, and math skills. These are no doubt very important life and career skills. However, I believe there are other ways to go about reaching these goals. Throughout my 11 year teaching career, I have observed students thriving and becoming highly engaged through music and drama. This engagement transfers to self esteem and participation, and in the end helps the very skills these high stakes tests are assessing.
Though my focus is music, I want to advocate and encourage teachers to bring their specific passion and interests into the classroom. A highly engaged teacher will likely have highly engaged students. Whether it’s music, drama, dance, cooking, scuba diving, or gardening, there are ways to integrate any of these topics into the curriculum.
Growing Budgets for the Arts
I will be working with and observing various teachers who specialize in integrating music and other art forms in their teaching. My hope is that budgets will grow for the arts in schools everywhere, and teachers will be encouraged and supported to bring their areas of passion into the classroom.
I look forward to sharing my discoveries with you.
*****
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Seth Hoffman
Community Publishing will be publishing a Multimedia Book written and Illustrated by Seth Hoffman titled, Janie and the Hummingbird. Seth is a musician, artist and educator based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Follow his adventures here every Tuesday.
The Grand Fantastic Life of DJ Flo Fader is a fictionalized biography of the life of Roscoe Floyd, DJ Flo Fader in multimedia eBook form. Author Alex Paramo skillfully weaves fact and fiction to produce a narrative that will have you engaged and entertained (English and Spanish version). Alex Lopez interprets the narrative using his many photographic talents. Poignant pictures push the narrative forward through emphasizing the beauty of important points and places. DJ Flo Fader personally adds his musical interpretation through his music. Many additional guest musicians/and MC’s both locally: Albuquerque Inaugural Poet Laureate Hakim Bellamy, Vocalist Xian Bass and internationally know: Masta Ace, J-Live are featured in this multi-sensory extravaganza! Our Cast:
Alex Lopez is a NYC based Photographer. He is an award-winning photographer whose notable works include his Subway Musicians, Summer in the City and Coney Islandseries respectively.
“Man, I can remember like it was yesterday when I moved to the South Bronx back in early 2000. It was crazy how I wound up living in the birthplace of hip-hop. I had just landed a great job working for Seven Heads Ent. as a college radio music promoter in D.U.M.B.O. It was perfect. I had no reservations and high motivation. This was a grand fantastic start for me. The Grand Fantastic Life of Flo Fader is almost complete. Stay tuned and shout out to Boynton Ave!”
*****
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Community Publishing brings local artists of all mediums together in creative collaborations for distribution as multimedia eBooks while promoting literacy in our communities.
Throwing cul-de-sacs filled with suburbia over my shoulder
Icicles grow in my oven this time of year
Covered in a blue glaze
A pilot light lands on our lips
While we toss chapsticks
In the wind
*****
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Stephanie Galloway
Stephanie Galloway is from Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has been writing poetry since she was a child and still loves to explore the magic in words and their power to touch others deeply. She taught art to children as the Children Zone Leader of the Rail Yards Market and is the founder of Free Art Friday Albuquerque.
***** Community Publishing: From the Community For the Community! Support local arts today by subscribing using the button on the top right hand side of this page. Continue reading →
Curated by Mary Ann Gilbreth, Ed.D., Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy, at the University of New Mexico. This collections includes the work of her students from several of her Reading Methods Classes, promoting cultural diversity in the classroom.
Learn all you can from the folks you meet,
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Being a 
