Author Archives: tonipressleysanon
Review of James McBride’s Deacon King Kong
A few weeks ago I watched a brilliant panel discussion entitled “Black American Buddhists on Community and Activism.” The panel featured three African American Buddhist practitioners and teachers, two with whom I was familiar: Kamilah Majied and DaRa Williams. When … Continue reading
Posted in African-American, culture, literature, review, Writer
Tagged Deacon King Kong, James McBride, review
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Review of Ayobami Adebayo’s Stay With Me
Ayobami Adebayo’s Stay With Me (2017) has gotten lots of positive press. It was a New York Times Notable Book, The New York Times’ Critics’ Top Books of the Year, was named a Best Book of the Year by the San Francisco Chronicle, National Public … Continue reading
BIPOC Sanghas at Spirit Rock
In what feels like a lifetime ago, as a gesture of self-love, I took myself on a week-long silent retreat for self-identified women at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in the mountains of California. The experience was truly transformative. What a … Continue reading
Changes
I’ve been thinking a lot about Tupac lately. Like a lot. More specifically, I’ve been thinking about one of my favorite songs by him: “Changes.” Tupac made lots of amazing music: “Dear Mama,” “Keep Ya Head Up,” “Brenda’s Got a … Continue reading
Celebrating Black Creative Genius: Lonnie Holley
Amongst everything that’s been happening lately–though, of not unconnected from what’s been happening for centuries: continued pressure for racial equality in this country, finally, a national recognition of Juneteenth, the commemoration of one of the worst cases of white aggression … Continue reading
The Revolution Continues: Alligator Woods Now
In naming this blog Alligator Woods way back in 2009 I sought to uplift and share the revolutionary spirit that was alive in the enslaved men and women who declared liberty or death that fateful night in August 1791 in … Continue reading
Posted in Africa, African-American, Afro-Caribbean, culture, Haiti, history, literature
Tagged african diaspora, African-American, Haitian Revolution
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A Gentle Reminder to be Gentle with Yourself
I received this in my inbox a few weeks ago, but thought it would be a good message to share now. Prince Ea is a gifted filmmaker, speaker, creator! Learn more about this amazing person and his work here! For … Continue reading
Posted in Africa, African-American, Afro-Caribbean, culture, environment, film, health, nature
Tagged Karma Tube, Perfection, Prince Ea
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Toni Morrison Conference: March 19-21, Montpellier, France
Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon: Two Generations Later Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3, Site St Charles Salle des colloques 1 Montpellier, France, March 19-21, 2020 https://tonimorrison.sciencesconf.org Thursday 19th March 9:00 Registration 9:30-9:40 Opening statements I.Textual/stylistic Analysis: Morrison’s Word-Work Chair: Monica … Continue reading
African Diasporic Cultural Meanderings Part One: The Smithsonian
Quiet as it’s kept, Washington, D.C.–this nation’s capital–is located in the southern part of the United States. This fact, seemingly innocuous in 2019, has all kinds of implications, not the least of which is the fact that there is a … Continue reading
Alligator Woods 