The Emx Media Blog: Sunday

Monday, September 12, 2016

Issues: On a Sunday meant for "patriotism" NFL players show solidarity with Kapernick's anthem protest

- from askmen.com

A number of players across the NFL, inspired by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, followed his decision to protest racial inequality in the United States with public gestures during the national anthems ahead of their respective game Sunday afternoon. The gesture had special significance given that Sunday was the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

Long Story

Colin Kaepernick appears to have become an unlikely civil rights leader. On a very busy Sunday, the first of the NFL’s regular season, players from at least half a dozen teams either knelt, linked arms or raised a fist during the singing of the national anthem as a way of supporting Kaepernick’s decision not to stand during the song.

On August 26, after sitting during the national anthem prior to an exhibition game, Kaepernick said he would not “show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”

In Kansas City, the Chiefs' cornerback raised his fist during the anthem, while many of his teammates locked their arms in a show of unity; in Seattle, the Seahawks did the same, with players and coaches locking arms during the anthem.

Four players on the visiting Miami Dolphins—Arian Foster, Michael Thomas, Jelani Jenkins and Kenny Stills—took a knee. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said he supports the message his players are sending.

Other players, like New England Patriots’ Martellus Bennett and Devin McCourty and Jurrell Casey, Wesley Woodyard and Jason McCourty of the Tennessee Titans, waited until after the anthem was over to raise their fists.

Reactions to the gesture were varied, with several celebrities weighing in on the demonstrations. Most notable was probably model Kate Upton'sinstagram screed, if for no other reason than its length.

However, nowhere captured the tension perfectly between protesters’ supporters and critics better than in the shade thrown by ESPN’s Randy Moss towards his fellow Sunday NFL Countdown host Trent Dilfer, who accused Kaepernick of putting himself before the team.

That pretty well sums it up.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Now that football is involved, will Americans be able to have a deep and substantive conversation about race relations?

Disrupt Your Feed

Like it or not, for a large number of people Sunday afternoon is probably not the best time they want to think about difficult, thorny issues like discrimination and racial prejudice.

Drop This Fact

Kaepernick’s 49ers are hosting the LA Rams Monday night. In a move made last week 49ers coach Chip Kelly said Kaepernick will serve as backup to Blaine Gabbert.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Art: this Sunday, the NG "does Kingston"

The National Gallery of Jamaica’s Last Sundays programme for July 31, 2016, will feature the soft launch of the Kingston – Part 1: The City and Art exhibition and a musical performance by Jason Worton.

Kingston – Part 1: The City and Art is the first instalment of a two-part exhibition series that explores the role of Kingston in the development of Jamaican art and, conversely, the actual and potential role of art in the development of the city of Kingston. Inspired by Kingston’s recent UNESCO designation as a Creative City of Music, the exhibition makes the case that Kingston has been the crucible for many other aspects of Jamaican culture, such as the visual arts. Featuring works of art from the late 17^th century to the present as well as documentary photographs, the exhibition looks at how Jamaica’s turbulent but culturally fertile capital city has generated circumstances and opportunities that have propelled the development of Jamaican art, from the natural resources to the economic activities and institutions. The exhibition also explores how artists have been inspired in their work by the events, personalities and tales that have defined life in the city, starting with the 1692 Port Royal earthquake. Kingston – Part 1: The City and Art is curated by National Gallery Assistant Curator Monique Barnett-Davidson and continues until October 30, 2016.

Sidney McLaren - Scene on Harbour Street (1972), Collection: NGJ

Jason Lee Worton, Jamaican songwriter and musician, spent the last few years touring with Reggae Revival Act Protoje and the Indiggnation, while making a name for himself as an eclectic member of the Reggae scene. Working as a journeyman multi-instrumentalist, he has backed many current and past reggae stars, earning the nickname the “Jamaican Jimi Hendrix.” As the leader of his own band, Worton has appeared at prestigious events such as the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, and been a mainstay at small local venues such as Jamnesia and the Red Bones Blues Cafe. He also plays frequently for yoga studios and events in the growing Jamaican yoga community. He has now returned to focusing on his solo project, many of his songs centring around his “DubRock Reggae” sound. He also delves into acoustic material and eastern inspired meditational music. Worton continues to explore musical styles and instruments, and is an avid surfer, yogi, and farmer/apiarist.

Jason Lee Worton

The National Gallery of Jamaica’s doors will be open from 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday, July 31, 2016 and the programme will start at 1:30 pm, with a curatorial introduction to the exhibition and the musical performance of Jason Worton. As is customary, admission will be free and there will also be free tours of the Kingston exhibition, but contributions to the National Gallery’s donations box are always appreciated. The National Gallery gift and coffee shops will be open for business and proceeds from these ventures help to fund programmes such as Last Sundays and exhibitions such as Kingston.

The Emx Media Blog