Deep Breath. So. How are you? Yeah. Trump. Racism. I’ve been tweeting about that and other stuff. Aren’t we living in interesting times? Okay, so back on track. I’ve been a little cray over the last few months but it’s been for good reason. I’ve been knee-deep in researching my book-in-progress, East of Broadway, conducting interviews and following the goings-on in my beloved Inwood. I feel like it’s about to pour out of me but still, it’s, as most things are, a work in progress.
And, I’ve been trying really hard to talk folks into re-starting this podcast I co-founded a minute ago but it’s just mostly been a pain in the ass. I had a feeling back when I voted “no” to a hiatus, then when…let me leave that there.
I have some good news. Bobby Sanabria, a Grammy-nominee 7 times over, a wicked percussionist extraordinaire, and brilliant bandleader, is now composing a score for SOME GIRLS and, in July, my producer and I think we found the perfect post-production house where we will finish the film, fingers-crossed, by the end of the year. Henry and I just started working on another film, also set in the Boogie Down, which is just fresh to death. I’ve dropped a little knowledge about our subject, Lorine Padilla, on Instagram. You might want to check it out.
And there are a few other things I’m busy cooking up but I’ll get into that a little later. Oh, I almost forgot to let ya’ll know that I also defended my title and won, for a second year in a row, my division at the National Women’s Golden Glove boxing tournament that went down at the beginning of July.
All’s to say, I’m sorry about not stopping by more frequently. I know that’s no excuse to forgo updating my website—am doing it slowly but surely, steady—but hopefully you’ve been staying up with me on social media. If not, you probably should.
Also, I want to send a virtual high-five to my daughter, djali, who just debuted her new Mass Appeal interview series, reign(a), last week. I should also give the rest of my fam some propers while “we are gathered here today to get through this…”—rest in paradise, Prince.  Lovetaps to my husband on his new endeavor, as written in Variety last week. And I can’t leave my son out of the loop—he’s starting pre-K this fall! Kudos, Marceau. We are proud of you.
Lastly, if you’re in New York City this Sunday, August 14th, make sure to check me out at the Dominican Day Parade, where I will be marching as one of this year’s honorees. Cray, right?
One more thing before I forget. Lately, I’ve been receiving emails and messages on social media from high school and college students around the country who have been assigned my book, Bird of Paradise , as required reading. Let me know how that’s working out for you. Drop me a line, why don’t ya.
Peace, Earthlings!