Nutcracker Inc. on Indiegogo

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Led Black

Ok folks, so I have teamed up with my friend Jon Ullman of the movie GWB to produce what will be the definitive documentary on the elusive and enigmatic elixir known as the Nutcracker. What I have dubbed “modern day moonshine” – Washington Heights style!

We will delve into the history of the infamous libation and chart its growth from an obscure but potent potion into a virtual cottage industry. Along the way we will look at the cast of characters who created the phenomenon and help to fan the flames of its rise and it’s popularity not just in Washington Heights but also in all of NYC and beyond.

This documentary will be an exhaustive and in-depth take on not only the history of the Nutcracker but also looks at Uptown barbershop culture as well as the epic and monumental tenacity, hustle and determination of Dominicans in particular and Latinos and immigrants in general.

Please help us make this movie and become a part of Nutcracker Inc. Thank you.

Led

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My Heart: Happy Birthday Imani!

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Led Black

BY Led Black (@Led_Black)

On the first day of spring 16 years ago, my life was changed forever. On that fateful day, my first daughter, Imani was born. After an arduously long labor, she burst on the scene and imprinted herself on my heart. She has had me wrapped around her finger ever since and she knows it.

Imani is SO much like me that it is quite simply ridiculous. In Dominicanese, we would say that Imani and I are pin pun.

pin-pun (pronounced peen-poon): The same, equally. It is usually used to describe physical similarities between people, especially family members. Example: ¡Ese niña es pin-pun a su papá! That child looks exactly like her father!

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Happy Born Day Muhammad Ali

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Led Black

“The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.” Muhammad Ali

— Led Black (@Led_Black) January 17, 2012

I invite you to join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter, or e-mail me at ledblackNYC@gmail.com

We Are Winning: The Art of the OWS Movement

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Led Black

“Occupy HOPE” by Shepard Fairey.

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From Monte Cristi To The Major Leagues: Nelson Cruz’ Journey To Baseball Greatness

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Led Black

BY Led Black (@Led_Black)

Even though I only watch baseball during the playoffs and being a New Yorker I am more of a Yankee fan, this recent article on Texas Ranger Nelson Cruz on the local Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas news channel WFAA really struck a chord. Reporter Rebecca Cruz and crew took a trip to the DR to Nelson’s hometown of Monte Cristi to speak with the family and learn more about his journey to the majors. In the accompanying video, Nelson parents, grandmother and siblings as well as Nelson himself, give you quite a touching look into his rise to baseball greatness. I couldn’t help but choke up when his father tells the reporter how proud he was of his son and is practically in tears. I totally empathize with Nelson when he states, “Everything I am is because of them. They teach me the right way to be, how to treat people, how to be a better person. Everything I am now is because of them.” Amen, hermano – stay excellent.

Click here for the article replete with a poignant video.

By the way, the Wall Street Journal has dubbed Nelson Cruz the new Mr. October for his record smashing six-homer performance for Texas in the American League Championship Series. “Only four other players—Ken Griffey Jr., Juan Gonzalez, Chase Utley, and Reggie Jackson—have hit even five home runs in a postseason series.”

Click here for that article.

I invite you to join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter, or e-mail me at ledblackNYC@gmail.com

#OccupyTogether

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Led Black

Heard thru my peoples at The Roy Ayers Project.

As the OCCUPY movement expands to all 7 continents, there have been millions of people who have been inspired, educated, and united through the process. The solidarity in the 99% is the theme for these posters, which are available for download on occupytogether.org where they encourage you to print them out and post them throughout your neighborhood. Here are just some of the posters from occupytogether.org, as they add new submissions each day. Appreciate the beautiful graphic design work as you are inspired by the worldwide movement.