Being the First: Black History Month & Classical Music
It’s okay to be the first to do something. First in your family, first in your cultural community, first even in your country! It may not be easy, it may come with far more resistance, but the reward will inevitably bless you and many others along the way. Black History Month is not just […]
5 Songs to Keep You Hopefully Conscious Throughout the Political Turmoil
Sometimes you just need a break from the negativity. Sometimes you want to keep conscious, but through a lens of hope, not despair. Today’s heavy political climate has infiltrated just about every department of our lives. A seemingly “hopeless” rhetoric has been spreading like wildfire. If it’s not on your newsfeed, it’s on your […]
Many Americans are Celebrating Christmas Twice … Here’s Why
For those who dread the approach of New Years as it marks the end of the warm and fuzzy holiday festivities, you may now have another opportunity to extend the Christmas cheer! With an estimated three million Orthodox Christians living in North America*, churches locally and around the world celebrate the birth of Christ on […]
What does it mean to “celebrate diversity” in the new Trump era?
It is upon us. We are now about to embark on a new era as Americans. A new era led by Trump. Many are afraid that his divisive campaign strategy could trickle down into his policies. On the other hand, many are anxious for change, any kind of change. However, what is being challenged […]
Meet Koreatown’s Millennial Mobilizer: Mike Pak
In Los Angeles, if you take one unexpected turn on your route, you will likely find yourself in a whole new community. From Little Ethiopia to Tehrangeles, LA certainly does not lack in diversity. But one particular region that has been thriving since the 1920’s has had a keen ability to evolve with the times, […]
*LA~Work&Culture Series: Aziz Tazi on Arabs in Hollywood
“Yes, I am Arab. And yes, I am Muslim” Aziz Tazi, a Moroccan filmmaker living in Hollywood proudly proclaimed to me. In the wake of the Orlando shooting, global refugee crisis, and the ever increasing racial tension heightening here in the United States, Tazi’s daring declaration is received as admirably bold by some, yet suspiciously […]
*LA~Work&Culture Series: Daniela and the Vibrance of Venezuela
Los Angeles. The most influential city in the world. Many would argue otherwise, claiming political or tech hubs like DC or Silicon Valley would take the crown. However, the truth is, LA’s biggest export, the culture of entertainment and the entertainment of culture, has literally shaped world views, trends, and patterns across the planet. Western influence is no […]
KKK or Spanish Holiday? Hatred vs Humility
As the mass media continues to distribute narrow ideologies around the world, consumers of such messages are left with a very limited understanding of particular images and words. However, when one chooses to look or think outside of that bubble, many of these preconceived connotations begin to change. Dramatic processions engulf the city of Sevilla […]
The Ones that Still Speak the Language of Jesus
“But Jesus was Middle Eastern!” This is the call of protesters striving to acknowledge the Western world’s connection to the global refugee crisis – and the Arab world overall. After all, here in the United States, our friends in the South know this Jesus persona all too well. And both liberals and conservatives have likely […]
When Love Disrupts the Cycle
Hate breeds hate, it is often said. Well, what happens when love is integrated into the equation? Women and children have been some of the most targeted victims of ISIS’ injustices. From public beheadings to sexual enslavement, the question is, how much stress and distress can the body and mind truly endure? For Zaid, a […]