Antoine Hunter's blessing to Share!

Antoine hunter share his thought and word to the people!
Showing posts with label Bay Area. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bay Area. Show all posts

Saturday, March 13, 2021

BAY AREA DEAF ARTS

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Flowing breath of a Black Man in tears!


Hey everyone,
I decided to bring you with me or share the experience with you all. I'm excited and getting ready for a show working with Joanna Haigood of Zaccho dance theatre. 

Zaccho Dance Theatre (ZDT) creates and presents performance work that investigates dance as it relates to place. Artistic Director Joanna Haigood's creative work focuses on making dances that use natural, architectural and cultural environments as points of departure for movement exploration and narrative. Haigood's innovative work involves in-depth research into the history and the character of sites, often involving local communities in the creative process, and typically integrates aerial flight and suspension as ways of expanding performers' spatial and dynamic range. In addition, Zaccho provides performances in San Francisco, nationally and internationally as well as an arts education program for the local community.  

Artistic Director Joanna Haigood relocated to San Francisco from New York in 1979 and co-founded Zaccho Dance Theatre in 1980. Zaccho is one of a handful of dance companies in this country focused on site-specific dance. Joanna Haigood's work has been commissioned by leading arts presenters both nationally and internationally. Among them are the National Black Arts Festival, Festival d'Avignon and Festival d'Arles in France, the Exploratorium, Capp Street Project, Dancing in the Streets, the Walker Art Center, Jacob's Pillow, the San Francisco Art Commission, Kaatsbaan International Dance Center, and the McColl Center for Visual Art. Her choreography has also been commissioned by Alonzo King's Lines Contemporary Ballet, Robert Moses' Kin and Axis Dance Company and is in the repertory of the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago.


Pretty cool huh!??? I love working with her. 

I've done a few work such as "Sail Way!", "negro baseball league", "Dying while black and brown". 

I will be focusing on two shows events with Zaccho dance theater. One will be for Black Choreographer Festival (Feb) and  Zaccho Dance theatre (April). 

The dance will be focusing on "Dying while black and brown". 

Joanna Haigood created a new work inspired by the Equal Justice Society's campaign to restore 14th Amendment protections for victims of discrimination including those on death row. (African American Men on Death row!)

I guess you can see why I want to bring you on this journey with me. Not only this dance had challenge me physically but also mentally and spiritually. Joanna had me in a place where I had to continually questions myself "who am I" in advance level!  

Day 1...(2.10.2014)

I performed this before at UCSF with the same crew/cast. Matthew Wickett, Rashad Pridgen, Travis Rowland. These brothers are one of Bay Area finest dances artist! We're back! I love these, we push each to next level of dance!

Unlike before we had time to develop ...  Who are we, movement, language. Research real life prison, prison guard, gas chair, fight, smell, sounds and everything that come with or down to Death Row. Physical dance, climb, muscle train, team trust , self trust, cues, jumps, rolls and much more to develope for the dance. 

Sometime to be professional it mean get the job done in short amount of time and make it work.

Warmed up, went over ours parts, went over lines. Let go from the top! On top of 8 feet house shaped pole props. Pole house grams! No rope for net for safety. Honestly thanks God they have 2 inches mat! 


We sit be who we are..(Start)..Guys started yelling. I wonder what they are saying but response as they are angry lost prisoner! " hey hey hey, come here, kiss it up! Come come come here! Sucker, hey Hey bob!! Whhaaaaaaaaaa!" Banging on the poles made house frame! It's shake, we jumps ! We rolls. We yelled. We fight. 

20 mins had passed!

I climbing up! They pulled me! Oh no! It's time! What going on, come on I know what's going on!

I'm Charles Rector #721. 

There I saw it, in the room BEHILD the glasses walls. I saw my real life baby sisters and I saw those family watching me. I said my lines , my final statement ..

ANTOINE , WHEN YOU DO THIS SOLO I WANT THE BREATH TO BECOME THE SHAPE, THE MOVEMENT, ALLOW IT ENVOLVE IT. FLOWING. - Joanna Haigood! 

Wait did she say flowing or rowing?? Both is not the same thing but yet fit for the same thing! What do you expect.. I'm Deaf, I have hard time knowing what said but I'm a good guesser. Assuming she said flowing.. Flowing is what I'll do!  Flow like water! It a good thing my birth sign is a water sign. Don't that sound like Mr. Bruce Lee in a way. Ms Haigood remind me of Me Bruce lee's quote. 
"You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can drip and it can crash. Become like water my friend."
( Standing Down Stage Center-Solo)
I saw my child , I saw my little girl, I saw the day she was born, how the mother was in tears.. The tears that I could never forget! "Flow with the baby" I told her and she smile with full trust and ok! As I pray flow with our gifts, to flow with love , flow with our miracle, flow with God! 

I stood there on stage allowing the breaths of memories to flow in me. Letting it, the breath take shape to my body without forcing anything.. Such feeling began to pull me deeper into my spirit, the breath goes louder, longer, faster, as it fight to continue to breathe. I began to shake! I'm getting tired! Unstoppable shake, I look up I saw that I didn't not want to stop breathing for my little girl !

I felt all black men standing in the room watching me as their own life is watch through me. Some were tall, strong , old young, gay & str8, skinny , bald, and one said to me " I was only 22, I and my girlfriend made love for the very 1st time and it was in the basement..her uncle and father caught us. Force her to say she was raped. That's I rape a white girl! I was 36 when I die. The only thing kept me going was that I heard I had little girl. Never saw her. Share my story too! Brother!" 

He touched my shoulder! I was breathing then went black I felt such pain in my stomach! I said to that spirit tearfully "..brother, I'm trying, for all of you...thank you.." He let go of me. 

Then I saw Ms Joanna Haigood, in my face rubbing my shoulder asking if I was ok.. " Yeah, what happen is my thought" .. I would say something but I was still crying not only that I was on my knee on the mat! (How did I get there?) dang ! I know what happen.. Wow, the show must go on. My part was done. I was dead. The other 3 dancers continue their story. 
(Dance over)
Me: I'm crying like a bi$&h..
Travis: no, you're crying like a human being!

(Rehearsal over.)

Long day of teaching and lead meeting plus more. Finally in bed. I pray. "...thank you for protecting me and my family from seen and unseen things.. Thank you for the wonderful blessing flowing in my life... Please continue those blessing as I continue to praise you. Bless those spirits that came to me today for their tears flow with my....".(private conversation with God)..."Good night and amen." 

Wow...
May the Spirit of Dance flowing into you!
Wink!
Antoine hunter 
Feb 27, 2014
(Psalm 46:1) 
Thank you for reading


Friday, November 8, 2013

Important message from Mr President Antoine Hunter

Dear EVERYONE,
This is President of Bay Area BDA Antoine Hunter speaking -
I want to inform you we (Bay Area Black Deaf Advocate Chapter), are having a HUGE TOWNHALL  meeting Nov 9th 2013 in San leandro, Ca at the Deaf Community Center - which is near the San Leandro bart. The address is 1550 San Leandro blvd..There will be a townhall meeting- Down below our Vice president explain why we are having this meeting but 1st I want to inform you that everyone is invited!!! 

Deaf People of color and Deaf White , Hearing people of color and Hearing white, who know sign or no signs, Parent and not parent.. EVERYONE is welcome. We ask all those to come peaceful and bring your people and share the news. 

 Everyone.. This is all positive movement. This is the time to come together, meet and speak. To show each and everyone faces in the community. To find out who truly stand by our people of color, young and old. Who truly seek growth in our Deaf People of color community... many of my friends who are themselves  not the people of color are planning to come and support - they are also Hearing and Deaf. 

The community doesn't need to always come together for just beer, party, funeral, sorrow, riot.. for this is not BET's Award where some fear a fight will break out due to rappers and MVT related... Do not allow TV to label, and lies to you or blind you about people of color.. let go the stereotype and let that chain - break free.. and if you're from the past come support to build a better future for you and others.. Scary, because many people of color in one room?? .. No, but simplifying, us coming to to improve the school system and community.  Most people are scare or afraid of what they don't know.. Come learn and share your knowledge - most war happen because people never take the time to understand each other needs and respect them.

I remember when there were a time where people were scare of the Gay Community in one room.

If you truly wish for such blessing of unlimited abundance in community then we need your support. We need everyone wisdom, thought, energy, motivation, strength and weakness - I say weakness because it keep us humble and always learning, plus growing. 

This meeting is not about complaining- That won't do any good. Everyone will get a chance to be heard. This meeting is about how to we fix the system. Correction. I want to be sure that ALL people of color have our attention. This is not a People of color VS White issue. No, we are educating what all people need, however we want to push to encourage getting all people of color need are met. Youth people of color in the school system of Fremont CSD is becoming more unhappy and their spirit and support is nearly no where to be strongly found. A lot of parents that I've met who are well educated people of color are telling me after the 1st or 2 years of CSD trying - they take their children out and put them in a hearing school or move to other state. That's not fair for anyone,  so that had to change. This will be the start. If more students of color come then the school would be getting more support to grow instead of closing CSD. I don't want to sound dramatic but it sound like our people of color is dying slowing. Support spotted there and little there is the same with living with little water and air there. We want to fix it, and find a method that work so that everyone can breath and live with proud spirit. 

There is a town hall taking place by three organizations; National Black Deaf Advocate, Bay Area Black Deaf Advocate Chapter, and Deaf Counseling, Advocacy & Referral Agency. 
I asked myself
If they don't show up doesn't that mean they are not our allies?"
HMM MAYBE THERE IS NO QUESTION....
"We will know who are not our allies if they do not show up." 
(You don't alway need to be present -show full support as getting the words out and supporting- that's how you are being present but even more when you are there. If one sit there and no nothing then sigh - that the kind who are not really with us. Stand with us together united for the bettering our community) 
If have any questions please feel free to contact us anytime!
for Phone appointment please reach Ms Marcelle our Secretory and she will direct you to right person to speak with. All appointment must be made by her - email Secbabda@gmail.com 

Words from our Vice President Samuel Holden 
I have put together a report to fill you in what we discuss at the recently board meeting. This is summary what we discuss and plan of action. I did video and post it on face book. I strongly encourage you all to check face book from time to time with latest information regards to Town Hall meeting.  Here video that was post on face book. 
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=215023358670143&set=o.143507112414847&type=2&theater ( can copy and paste it and watch the video) 



-Town Hall Meeting NOV 9th ( 6pm to 9pm)
-
Addressing concerns mainly with CSD and other Deaf school across America. I have came up with plan called '5 Point Plan'  We hoping we can set an example and hoping other will copy. In our town Hall meeting we will be doing  5 point plan agenda,   first we will explain reason why we having this Town Hall meeting, second we will have panel made up with ( former students who went to CSD, and who current students, former Black Deaf teacher who left CSD, we will invite Black employee from CSD,  current Black Deaf Professional who are qualified to be teachers who have applied at CSD and never got interviewed.)  . Third we will be coming up list of demands that we believe will benefit our Black Deaf Students at CSD and put a time table on each demand.  Fourth we will spell out the consequence if these demands are not met. Fifth NBDA's officers will be recording all conversation and demands. They will send the demand letter to CSD and will keep an eye on this closely to ensure action is being made on either side.
-C.E.A.S.D 
I have contacted Dr. Ronald Stern who current & Ed Basso who was past president of C.E.A.S.D. ( Conference of education administrator of Schools & Program for the Deaf)  Purpose I have invited them( 1 of them) to be part of the panel for town hall.  I have asked them to provide some information with our Black Youth for past ten years and that my chapter need this information for Town Hall to ensure we giving out the correct information.  Information we have will show other wise and base on our investigation for past year and half. 
-Legal and Advocate
-We have retain legal counsel to protect our chapter in regards what can be said and what not to be said in town hall. We have develop talking point for our board members to response the same way for now until we have town hall meeting.

-We have also reached out to a NAACP in Sacramento to work with us and they will be sponsoring the town Hall meeting on the 19th. As of tomorrow I have to drop off some papers and it will be done deal. We already found location and secured the spot for this event.


What future plans going forward until Town Hall meeting happens:
-Tonight once video is approve by the board, my VLOG will be posted on our face book and we will be sending it out to many organization.  This video summary why we having Town Hall meeting and what our plan of action etc. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=215023358670143&set=o.143507112414847&type=2&theater 
-Going forward each day board member will host VLOG sharing their experience going to CSDF with no black deaf teacher or black teacher as role model.  We hope other will post their experience as well too.  Here first VLOG, and there will be more coming tomorrow from other board members.
-We will work with, I Deaf News,  California Association of the Deaf, NorCal, Deaf and Hard of hearing Service, and few hearing mainstream school to get words out so community can come and watch the Town Hall meeting
-We will like to invite NBDA board to come to this event or perhaps send at the least Vice President or President to record this town Hall meeting and to help hold every one accountable.  We hoping this can be worked out where we can show Unity to the community. 
If have any questions please feel free to contact us anytime!
for Phone appointment please reach Ms Marcelle our Secretory and she will direct you to right person to speak with. All appointment must be made by her - email Secbabda@gmail.com 
Please share...
--
Thank you 
Mr. Antoine Hunter (PzBABDA@gmail.com
President
Bay Area Black Deaf Advocates
Office Video Phone # (510)-575-9711 - please share 

Please Join our facebook
Facebook/BAY AREA! BDA (Black Deaf Advocates) 
Inline image 1

Monday, April 15, 2013

STOP RAPE- Stop Abuse!!!

Dear All,
Many people don't know but I am surivor and I am of course against RAPE AND ABUSES. 
Many people do not know that I am fully involved in movement to stop RAPE and ABUSE!
Often I think about our children, hoping their would never had to ever experince that.
I know for myself as Parent, I worry about my children future.
I thought I take the time to create BLOG here on educating What Rape is and how to Fight it.
I join force for many time with DeafHope- 
Wonderful Organzaine that support Deaf who been rape and alway training people to understand the rape culture- 
Someone ASK me what is RAPE Culture please watch the video below.
 
Sadly it is true it happen everyday all over the world. It can happen to anyone, any race, age, and so on. I found many people in my Deaf community didnt know how to protect themselve or speak up even myself - I was lost. It wasnt until years later I've learn my right and understood wow I am surivor.

I have a question for you

Are you a Sexist?

I know there is alot of information but we need to still continue to educate. Our gay community is being attack everyday just like Deaf people being attack everyday- Does it make you wonder what the number against Deaf Gay community. I am strong believe no one should be rape. Gay, str-8, Deaf or Disable. I asked the community to join the fight let no one suffer that pain alone. 
How do you repsond when you someone someone being abuse?

What does COMMUNITY ACCOUNTABILITY look like?

Please watch this video - 
Warning hard image here.

You know when I was growing up - I saw a lot of sistas and friend get rape. 
I couldnt tell my parent or anyone because no one would believe us. 
Sadly it was true. When went to ask for support we was ask to shut or we get in trouble-

Victim Blaming

Trues story!! 
Please watch the video - 

Domestic Violence is none of our business?

Yeah, right! it is our business!! Someone get beyound hurt - Check in 
Get involve - stand and you will save a live-
You know dont think so - Well watch this video 
WARNing this IMAGE is rough - 
there Violence shown
That's right it can happen anywhere public and at home!!!
It can be someone you love so much!!!! 

I remember my ex Partner was alway werid out 
When I asked to kiss
Hug , or even make love. 
I was Abuse and I wanna make sure my love one doesnt feel that kind of pain EVER!!!
SADLY THAT PERSON WANTED ME TO TAKE CONTROL WILD BUT I FELT
 I was treated unsexy-
 I FELT MY WAY OF BEING GENTLE WAS UGLY
however I learned I was being very sexy- 
I strong believe 

Consent is Sexy!!

Watch and Learn. 

IF SHE/HE SAY NO IT MEAN NO-
IF YOU DONT UNDERSTAND WHAT NO IS
READ!!!
!!!!!!!GET IT- GET THE POINT!!!!!!
iF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE LOOK UP
DEAF HOPE-


Mission
Our mission at DeafHope is to end domestic and sexual violence against Deaf women and children through empowerment, education and services.

This mission will be achieved on three levels - by providing services to Deaf women and children who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence; by educating our community and service providers about domestic and sexual violence; and by providing statewide training and technical assistance to establish more Deaf-run services for Deaf survivors.
Company Overview
We believe:

1. Deaf women and children deserve to live in homes that are free from violence.
2. The Deaf community and our allies CAN do something to end violence against Deaf women and children.
Description
At DeafHope we rely on the empowerment model. We believe that Deaf women and children are not responsible for violence, and they have a right to live in a healthy environment. We believe that Deaf survivors have the ability and right to make their own choices toward living independently and safely. As advocates, we provide support and information, working with her strengths, and only the survivor can make the best choices for her and her family.




 i HOPE YOU LEARN A LOT FROM THIS VIDEO AND BLOG- DEAFHOPE DIDNT ASK ME TO DO THIS BUT I HAD TO BECAUSE I FELT IT IS MY JOB TO ALSO EDUCATE- NOT MANY VIDEO HAD CAPTION AND SIGN SO I USE DEAFHOPE. SUCH WONDERFUL TEAM IN BAY AREA. I HOPE YOU ALL SHARE AND I HOPE THIS CHANGE HOW OU SEE THINGS. 
PLEASE EDUCATE, 
STOP THE ABUSES, THE RAPE
THE PAIN!
PLEASE GET INVOLVE 
AND 
LET SUPPORT AND PROTECT OUR LOVE ONE 
AND 
THOSE WE DONT KNOW FOR NOONE HAD A RIGHT TO ABUSE OR RAPE ANYONE- 
LET PROTECT OUR CHILDREN. 




WE HAVE A SHOW COMING UP PLEASE COME SUPPROT!!
lOOK UP WWW.DEAFHOPE.ORG



IT MIGHT NOT LOOK LIKE IT BUT I AM ALWAY INVOLVE
IT MIGHT NOT LOOK LIKE I WAS THERE BUT I AM ALWAY THERE
IF YOU BEEN HURT AND NEED SUPPORT FEEL FREE TO REACH 
DEAF HOPE AND YOU CAN ALSO CALL ME 
AND I WOULD BE HAPPY TO LEAD TO TO 
DEAFHOPE
TO GIVE YOU ALL THE SUPPORT YOU NEED
i ALWAY ENJOY WORKING WITH DEAFHOPE AND
EMPOWERING OUR PEOPLE
PEACE LOVE AND DANCING BLESS
ANTOINE HUNTER









Wednesday, August 15, 2012

ASL MOM Teaching ASL to Birth Worker At TCBC!!!

I thought I take the time to write about something that I greatly feel is really beautiful going to happen in Southern California! Yes L.A!! You see I value family and I am a family man- I am man who want to have a family and hold my family tight together healthy and alive and protected... Yes i plan to have a family!

If you planning to have a family or a child,  you gotta thinking about what kind of birth you want. Well I tell you I been at few birth in my life and I would tell you Home Birth are the best!!! I didn't learn homebirth until 2011. My 1st home birth with my beautiful nombre/novia/amiga. It was so beautiful I would write a book about it but that another story. While my love and I commuicate with heart and spirit which was a blessing and yes of course she knew a little sign as a hearing woman who recently been in relationship with a Deaf person but we communicate from the heart and that help give a smooth birth.

You have to think who do you want to be at your birth- Family often people would say that but you need someone who know as much as a doctor - I would tell you get a Midwife!  What is that??

Well i went on midwife web site from TCBC.. and it said ..
" midwife is a trained professional with special expertise in supporting women to maintain a healthy pregnancy birth, offering expert individualized care, education, counseling and support to a woman and her newborn throughout the childbearing cycle. A midwife works with each woman and her family to identify their unique physical, social and emotional needs. When the care required is outside the midwife’s scope of practice or expertise, the woman is referred to other health care providers for additional consultation or care. "

I would tell you get a Midwife as I said before because most midwife don't treat us like rough Doctor- it like have a close friend or family there for you and take care of you whenever you call them.. Now as a Deaf Person !! Are there many Midwife that sign or are there Deaf Midwife??? I don't know many and in fact I wished for a midwives that sign however I am forever graceful for the beautiful wise midwife that was there during me and my love one times. Yet would other Deaf family want to have someone who sign or must pay for ASL Interpreter  and Midwife oh wow that going to be a lot of money - look like most Deaf either are blessing to know someone who Sign communicate for free - with midwife to help them through a smooth birth!  Reality That dont happen often no matter how beautiful birth is everyone want to get paid and of course family want to pay them for their beautiful time. Just too much money for people who are not really "rich of money" so... For the reason why i writing this blog...

IN L.A there going to be something really beautiful happening - August 24, 2012 @ 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm 

Racha

Ms. Racha Lawler who is a beautiful soul and a wonderful friend of mine.. Her passionate inspired me to continue what we do.. Serve our community -  While we both are lover of dance and arts, we both help community very different ways... Her ways is as Midwife ohh - Wait until you see her in action- she amazing spiritual person! Her 3 children are beautiful and so smart as a Star! I love her spirit alway there for any mother at birth! You can look on her web site for more information however you might ask me what or why am I talking about Ms Racha Lawler - Well she own a Birth Center called The Community Birth Center in L.A and had many beautiful midwives!! She decided to have a wonderful workshop called what??




ASL for Birth Workers

August 24, 2012 @ 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm 
Where:The Community Birth Center
2422 W Florence Ave
Los Angeles,CA 90043
USA


Map data ©2012 Google - Terms of Use

Map
Satellite
View Full-Size Map
Cost:$50
Categories:
Birth Workers
The Community Birth Center


American Sign Language for Birth Workers -
taught by a certified ASL instructor and mama/client of  TCBC!’
TCBC ladies get a 50% discount.



Hey there all my L.A People if you doing Birth for living and want to learn ASL - then go here http://lacommunitybirth.com/ai1ec_event/asl-for-birth-workers/?instance_id=136 lol!!

 

How exciting is that?? That is great for Deaf Family who would be considering home birth- yes they are having a Certified ASL instructor teach birth worker and yes that involve midwife!.... Wait wait  I know you all my Deaf friend said "ASL Certified hearing woman" teach  why not a Deaf mom teach!! I say unto you all... This is a start!!! Trust me my great beautiful Friend would love to find many ways for Birth Worker to learn ASL! PLus She is Client of TCBC meaning she had a beautiful baby with them... Also, I am Deaf and I am a good friend of Ms. Racha Lawler a hearing passionate loving woman,  let me tell you her intention is to make sure everyone in the community is not left out to get the best of the best in their own home birth! Gay, str-8, race, disable are not kicked out to have a beautiful home birth and I sure she want to learn more ASL herself... I stand tall and clap hand and then hand wave applauding for starting something that can support Deaf family.. Trust me i seen people turn away just beautiful family was Deaf or Gay... So let all my Deaf friends give Support to The Community Birth Center and APPLAUDE FOR DOING SUCH BEAUTIFUL THINGS.  

My only hope that I hope they show my video from Youtube called "How you communicate with a deaf person" Because as Ms Lawler know, ASL is not about just sign word it about communication - I only hope she will share what she learned about Deaf Culture because Sign without understand Deaf culture will lead to misunderstanding - as I said before it was beautiful when she learning ASL- she became so more aware about her body language- without sign without awareness lead to many wrong word which is why I am so happy the birth worker are going there - A place I trust ASL and birth to grow smooth in our Deaf and Hearing community!! 

Everyone Know ASL is very important to me for the reason why I have many ASL group in the Bay Area.  Here in L.A you got something wonderful so get it Birth Worker and Thank you MS Racha Lawler..

If you like to learn more about them The Community Birth Center please go to their web site- 

KNow this!! No one ask me to talk about them- No one knew anything about me writing about this- this is me going with my heart saying how much i love what the TCBC is giving to the community- this is what i feel need to know to our community!  The community need to know they have something wonderful right there. 

Here their web site 
http://lacommunitybirth.com/


All photo belong:
The Community Birth Center Web page! I do not own the photo! lol!!!

Antoine BABA Hunter
Psalm 46:1