I read Gordon Parks’s biography 15 years ago. I was teaching in the South Bronx at the time, and was holed up in the disheveled, musty book room trying to find a book to teach my Sophomores. Sitting on the shelf, next to several tattered editions of the 1971 paperback The Negro in the City was a lone copy … More A Choice of Weapons
Consider that moment you came to a crossroads. You were faced with a decision and determined to think with a clear head, reflect on ways to grow, and make changes that could help you experience new aspects of life. But then life got in the way and all the little stumbling blocks started to steal the thunderous momentum. … More Get Lit with Kit #10
Collaboration is essential for artists. Not only does it help create a strong network of creative minds, but working with a team can also help spark inspiration, and challenge an artist to improve. I was fortunate to be included on this mix of female rappers (I start off the set). If you want to hear … More Working with Others
Check123.com is a great website that boasts videos from EVERY subject and all under 5 minutes. It’s perfect for when you are standing in line and have the compulsion to check your cell phone. If you’re looking for some hip hop to listen to check out JWalks. I’ve been bobbing my head to this track from his … More Get Lit with Kit #9
Some people are so amazing it defies comprehension. More and more, I have the impression that the generations of the Great Wars were comprised of particularly resilient and incredible individuals. Once such man is Joe Rantz, an American rower who helped the USA win 1936 Olympic Gold. As I read his story, I was impressed by … More Whatever it takes…
This was an interesting article about language and how our mother tongue is a strong connector to our personal history, even if we haven’t spoken that language for years. As I read the linguistics article, I thought about the unique blend of food that I grew up with (Iraqi kibbeh and Japanese sushi = winning … More Get Lit with Kit #8
I love words. As a teacher, as a lover of literature, as a story teller, I love the ways that words and expressions convey meaning and experience. My goal is to use words to effect positive outcomes, and sometimes the best way to do this is through silly, fun loving rhymes. I appreciate the fact … More Making Music
The Adult Film Industry is still a taboo subject despite the burgeoning sex trade. But by disparaging and isolating adult film actresses, we are opening the floodgates. These actresses are making a choice. They are willingly using their bodies to earn a living, and there are several organizations to help ensure that the actresses can … More A Plea for Porn (and other Women’s Rights)
This past week, a friend marveled at how I “get so much done” between work, training, music, and other pursuits. I think my productivity results from a lack of “multitasking” abilities. I am keenly aware that when I try to engage more than one activity, it all falls apart (I learned this lesson 20 years … More Get Lit with Kit #6
Pearl S. Buck deserved her 1938 Nobel Prize. The daughter of missionaries, Buck was raised in China and projected her nuanced understanding of the culture into her beautifully crafted literary works. The Good Earth, arguably her most famous piece, chronicles the life of Wang Lung, a peasant farmer who rises from humble beginnings to establish … More Bound By Duty: A closer look at The Good Earth
Find the balance. 