#WHY NOT AC An Open Letter To My Fellow Artists Of Color

WHY CAN'T THE ARTISTS OF COLOR

WORK TOGETHER IN AC AND SJ?

(And Other Related Questions)

So last week I'm in Staten Island , NY and I am riding with a friend, when I tell them I have known the  new Mayor Of Atlantic City, Frank Gilliam for years.

She then proceeds to make a statement and asks a question that embarrasses me to my core.

(I am paraphrasing)
I have known you and some of your friends for a while. You are amazing and you have some great artists, writers, ect in AC and that you've hung out with. (She begins to mention some by name.)

You have all done a lot solo. 

DO YOU REALIZE HOW POWERFUL YOU GUYS WOULD HAVE BEEN IF YOU HAD BEEN BUILDING TOGETHER SINCE THE 90's?

(I kind of do, but I never really thought about it till then. And when she said it I was floored. And I wish the ground could open up and swallow me.)

WHY RAYMOND?
(She wasn't done.)

I am not taking anything away from what you have done Raymond, your resume speaks for itself.

However, if you and your people would have built a newspaper, a internet radio station, opened a art center together, with all of your collective resources?

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT YOU COULD HAVE ACCOMPLISHED IN THE LAST 25, 20, 15 or ever 10 years? If you guys could have started in 2008? It would have been late but you all would have 10 years of building in the game.

                                  ____________________

I HAVE TO SADLY ADMIT.

A. I SOMETIMES DON'T WORK AS WELL AS I SHOULD WITH OTHERS.

B. THE WAY MANY OF MY MALE FRIENDS EGOS IS SET UP , WILL NOT LET THEM WORK WITH ME LONG TERM. WHAT HAPPENS USUALLY IS 3 MONTHS OR LESS IN...THEY WANT TO GO OFF AND PUT THEIR NAME ON SOMETHING TO SAY "I DID THAT."

Here's the part that really makes me sad personally but does make me happy.

THERE WILL BE SOME ONE YOUNGER THAT COMES ALONG.

WITH MORE VISION THEN ME, AND A SMARTER GROUP THAN MY FRIENDS AND I.

AND THEY WILL WORK TOGETHER AND SET THIS AREA ON FIRE.

THEY WILL START SMALL, COME OUT OF NO WHERE AND BUILD THE THEATER, THE RADIO STATION, THE POWERHOUSE RESOURCE...THAT WE FRANKLY SHOULD HAVE BUILT OURSELVES AND OUR COMMUNITY BY NOW.

ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE TIME WE HAVE PUT IN AS PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS.

I just hope that by then I will still be relevant enough to play a part.
That is MY ONE, saving grace. I can show up for a gig...and do what I am asked to do with out having to demand more or become a problem.

If I am asked to paint a picture, DJ a set, introduce someone, or just attend and support? I am always prepared to do more...but I do not get in the way or become a problem for those that are in charge.

Let me also say. It may be late in MY DAY. The Day However....AIN'T OVER.
I am working with several people in my current circle and we are building.

So as we get into the spring and summer of 2018...please support the events and programs, TV shows , podcasts, and radio programs we'll be bringing. Our goal is to bring and build visions and voices the whole community can be proud of.

Likewise. Don't hesitate to call on me to help support your vision in the most positive way I can.

LET US MOVE ON!

Question: How Can We The Artists Of Color? Come Together and Support Each Other?

Question: If I Reached Out To You? Would You Consider Being a Part Of Something Bigger than Us?

I would not ask you to abandon what you are doing. Just to sacrifice some time and resources for something we can all share as coming from us , by us and for us.

Question: If I am way wrong and thinking wrong? Please explain.