If you don't already know, I have an affinity for all-things intersectional, especially when it comes to theoretical approaches to identity politics.
JAO, a self-described "artist-athlete" just reconfirmed my belief that culture is best explored at the point of intersection. I'm completely drawn to JAO's approach to art. She combines both her passions - painting and cardiovascular activity - to create an entire genre of sport, or art, however you want look at it.
Sure some might argue that what she's doing isn't necessarily a sport per se. Folks might consider what she does as a form of physical activity that keeps the heart rate going - but not necessarily a competitive activity that usually ends with one side winning and another side 'losing'. But again, the definition of sport is subjective and is usually quite vague (just ask all of us who work here at PlayCity! - I kid.)
It's not so much a question about whether or not JAO's running around and splashing paint on a white canvas is a real sport, but more so about her approach, about her passion, about her creativity and innovation. For my master's thesis, I argued that we can fuse poetics with new media documentary technique to tell a story of social justice, or what I refer to as a 'docupoem'. Like JAO, I believe part of our creative genius - and hell, our societal longevity - depends upon our ability to fuse ideas and talents together.
Check out the video below to witness for yourself the genius of JAO. Click HERE to watch her on Current TV.
CARE - a non profit organization whose mission is to mission is "to serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world. Drawing strength from our global diversity, resources and experience, we promote innovative solutions and are advocates for global responsibility" - has partnered up with Nike to help promote women's sports in Rwanda.
The idea is to encourage sport in play in a country largely impacted by poverty. Women of Rwanda can become empowered and build necessary communication skils through sport. Other partners in this effort include Women Win, and CARE ambassador Sheila Johnson, the President of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)- and the FIRST ever African-American female to own a professional sports team.
I found a video on YouTube made by Rwanda women, some of whom are disabled, and who coach other Rwandan women in various sports. Though this video is not directly related to the program sponsored by CARE and Nike, you'll find it just as inspiring to watch these women building strong coalitions through sport and play.
Mmkay, I'm just becoming so privy to things nowadays.
Did you know folks skateboard in Uganda? No, I mean like really skateboard, with an organization and everything.
I, myself, have never really ventured on a piece of rolling narrow wood for sport. I've seen it and I've heard about it too. I've even jammed out to Lupe Fiasco's "Kick, Push" on lots of occasions.
One of my Myspace buddies, film-maker Jeremiah Alexis, even produced a short entitled "The State of Black Skate," which highlights African-American youth involved in this subculture.
A colleague of mine, James Spooner, director of the cult classic Afro-Punk, also delves into the issue of African-Americans and skateboarding/punk culture.
So let's just say much of my working knowiedge about skateboarding comes from second-hand experience.
So today, when I came across the Uganda Skateboard Union via Kevin Carroll’s blog, I was happy to see that skateboarding has been playing a positive role in the lives of Uganda youth.
In a video, seen HERE, that features the "talents of Uganda's original skateboarders" also shows how the sport influences the lives of disadvantaged youth. An entire community came together to build a skate park.
So now that I know more about skateboarding and its positive influence on disadvantaged communities, maybe, just maybe, I'll have to hop on a board for real and check it out for myself.
