this is… The Neighborhood
the Story within the Story
THE PHOTOGRAPH
“Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too.
They live inside us, and sometimes they win.”
– Stephen King
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Makaih Beats
with Sleep
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THE PHOTOGRAPH
by Kendall F. Person
The trembling began in his trigger finger, before snaking its way through his long sleeveless arm, finally exploding inside his torso. He continued to hold her with brute strength, but his mind had begun to float, lost somewhere in space. And for the first time in his entire pitiful life, he thought of the nothingness he had created and that he would leave behind. He was thirty-seven years old and had never registered to vote; never obtained his driver’s license and never found true love. Spending his entire existence jumping over backyard fences and initiating street fights, Donald suddenly realized, he may as well catch the ghosts. He had taken his last hit over seven hours ago, and the virtual high had come to a screeching halt, igniting his senses and blowing up reality into a 3D billboard.
Sensing a tragedy of sorts, and feeling helpless to do anything to save his mother, little Roman allowed his knapsack to drop to the ground, but held onto his 35mm with trembling, sweaty palms. Tears rolled silently down his face, but he fell within himself, blocking out the chaos, to be alone with his subjects.
Although those who were there, would swear that time had stood still, in reality it had not. The sun continued its setting pattern, as the fiery red rays gave way to darkened skies; and a bright spotlights shone from the helicopter that hovered directly above. The Sergeant continued his soothing pleas. Betty continued her prayers and crazy Donald Jackson finally lost his mind.
Pushing Betty to the ground, he raised the gun in victory then threw up the peace sign. Sergeant Mike Picholo held his team at bay, allowing Donald Jackson to dust the stench of his life off his battered chest. Betty crawled away, deciding it better not to look back and her second son – Roman – clicked the red button on his camera and captured the crossroads of life.
Some would say that Donald had displayed the lack of fear. Others thought him mad, but few would shed tears. But what happened to Donald on that fretful day, would become a part of Roman’s life, even after he grew up and moved far far away.
But on that day, it was not the safety of his mom that he cheered, but the look on Donald’s face, when the first bullet ripped off his ear. While the onlookers ran for cover, when the shoot-out happened at last, little boy Roman caught the entire ordeal in photographs; from the first frame to the Godforsaken bloody last.
to be continued…. (unfinished)
original image dark black and man by Efe Kurnaz original image Ignorance and Want–ghosts by Labyrinth Creations
The 2017 Season -ending Show
THEATRE
Dec 30
CAKE? I DOUBT THEY THROW BREAD.
“Let them eat cake.” – Marie Antoinette
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XXXTENTACION
w/ A Ghetto Christmas Carol produced by Ronny J
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CAKE? I DOUBT THEY THROW BREAD
by Kendall F. Person
It was during the French Revolution – as the story goes – upon discovery that the starving peasants were out of bread, Queen Marie Antoinette made the profound announcement “let them eat cake,” Both debated, however, rather she said it and if so, what was meant by it. Was she so removed from her people and the struggles of the kingdom she ruled, that her words were cavalier as she noted all the cake in the room? Or did she look around at all she had, and the mounds of cake leftover from the decadent affair for the ruling class, and ordered it to be delivered to her subjects so they would have food to eat?
In the end, it doesn’t matter. Let them eat cake has come to symbolize the emotionless greed of the oligarchs in charged. And after the sweeping tax cuts heralded by Trump and rammed through by the GOP, I doubt very seriously if those greedy, cowardly ‘leaders’ on the hilly swamp would even throw their subjects bread.
this is…. The Neighborhood
DING DONG
AN UPDATE TO AN AUG 12, 2016 STORY
‘THE ULTIMATE RIDE OR DIE CHICKS’
“Let the news be spread,
the wicked old witch at last is dead.”
– Glinda the Good Witch of the South, Wizard of Oz
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Ding Dong The Witch is Dead
from the Wizard of Oz
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WARNING: UNHINGED EDITORIAL
DING DONG
by Kendall F. Person
Apparently, Ride or Die either does not carry the weight that it once did or the term is a bill of goods, sold to transparent gold diggers or women who fall in love – hardcore – with the aura of man. In the thick of the #metoo revolution, one that contributed to an all-inclusive, political moment of comfort not division; and in Alabama of all places. Perhaps it can be described as poetic justice or closing ranks, that Trump’s Trio of defensive, manipulating, self-serving, backstabbing ride or die chicks, in less than a year, have crashed. 
During the vicious 2016 Presidential campaign, Katrina Pierson, Scottie Nell Hughes and Omarosa Manigault Newman appeared invincible. Each did their ride or die guy’s bidding, no matter how low or the cost to the soul. Combative to the bone, they fought tooth and nail against anyone who dared question, let alone rail against their boss.
Katrina Pierson, spokesperson during the campaign and the number one chick, until she forgot her place. After the elections, while she made it to the White House, she did not make it inside. Sean Spicer would get the job she assumed was already hers – in her favor, she had been working in the capacity for nearly a year. But her status was perceived by only her, so even doubling down while sitting upon a high horse, proved meaningless and empty, since they came to take it back. The new administration soon tired of her voice and she was banished to a side post. Only when all hands on deck are needed, do we see the former ride or die queen.
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Scottie Nell Hughes is an ultra conservative, and her I-can-defend-any-crazy-theory punditry style, made her a favorite on the talk show circuit. She was cold-blooded in her concocted responses of anything controversial or to anyone that dared to question the motives of Trump. But this past summer, the wheels came off, and something happened that pushed relations to the darkside of man, as Hughes has recently filed a lawsuit against Fox Business News accusing Charlie Payne of rape.
In a male dominated industry, that is strife with sexual misconduct and with an explosion of sisterhood, determined to expose it, the allegations alone end her political consultant career, rather they are true or made up. We do not make light of any subject that involves violence of any kind against anyone, especially against women. But rape is a very serious offense, and while guilty men have gotten away with it, innocent men have paid the price, as well The importance of protecting, seeking and speaking the truth cannot be undersold, for God forbid we find ourselves in moments of need; and we send out an S.O.S, but the cries of wolf drown out our screams.
In 2004, the knockout first season of Donald Trump’s The Apprentice ushered in a new mean girl, by the name of Omarosa. I was a big fan of Apprentice during that 1st run, but never was I a fan of hers. Thankfully, she was fired early on, but the producers brought her and several other contestants back, to assist the final two in the Championship Round. With absolutely no way to win, and with the only benefit being goodwill and a supporting role on a winning team – neither of which held her interest. And so, ding dong the ride or die girl was gone and the self-described villainess was born. Without an iota of shame nor an ounce of remorse; on live television with millions watching, she would sabotage her team, by lying to Kwame Jackson, who in turn, had everything to gain. But he could not overcome the lie she spun, and season one closed with the nicest, smartest and overall best player being fired by Trump… for not firing Omarosa for lying.
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When news hit, that Omarosa was drug out of the White House kicking and screaming, there was a collective thought from those who know who she is, “Yep, that’s exactly how I thought it would happen.” Although she vehemently denies the dramatic exit and on Good Morning America she offered a regal explanation, but it does not matter. Omarosa has never played the role of the villain — for she is.
There are few people so high on themselves, as Omarosa Manigault-Neman. Every person that knows her is a former friend, and each televised interview – not sinks – but plummets into the muck, within the first few minutes. She is combative, dishonest and 14 years later, still cannot be trusted. But when she said “My people” not only was it a new low, but no one knew who she referred too, if anyone at all. But the real Omarosa came out the next day, when she declared war between Black Women in a response to Robin Roberts, Bye, Felicia. And the dark cloud is spread with unfortunate timing, as it is only one day removed from the success of Alabama, in which Black Women were shown as unified and together.
Pierson and Hughes deliver a cautionary tale, to either stand on your own two feet or ride and die behind an honorable man. As far as Omarosa, look passed whatever it is she peddles. For no matter how genuine the smile doth appears, never forget her only allegiance and unbending loyalty is to her dear friend, Donald J Trump.
Ding Dong. Omarosa returns from the dead,
2017 THE NEIGHBORHOOD AWARD ‘OUR HIGHEST HONOR’ GIVEN FOR EVERYTHING
“There are times when ‘thank you’ is not quite enough.”
– Kendall F. Person, The Neighborhood Creator
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It’s A Beautiful Day
by Lola Gets
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On behalf of The Neighborhood, inclusive of the artists, the voting committees, the chairs and the audience, it gives me great pleasure to introduce the….
2017 The Neighborhood Award
Recipients of ‘OUR HIGHEST HONOR’
FOR EVERYTHING
Rebecca Lemke, Lahoma OK * Jamal Marvelle, Indianapolis IN Kelly Lewis, Los Angeles CA
They are such different people, from very different parts of a randomly confused United States. Each represents different demographics, that until last night when sweet home Alabama became the adult in the room, halting a cliff divide by a leary nation, perhaps not these three, but others like them may have taken it all the way. The trio walked in at separate times, all wanting to give something of themselves and needing to receive something in return, but for reasons only they would understand. How they come to appear on the same underground stage, is not because of or even in spite of differences, but as passionate believers, in that the search for common ground begins in the imagination and can be found in the collaborative arts.
Rebecca Lemke
Once a forced recluse, Rebecca Lemke held a fierce determination to grow, to learn and to tell her story, while building her career. We watched her blossom, becoming one of the most dynamic personalities of more than 250 talented artists, that left something behind from time spent here. Features in Huff Post, The Federalists, a best selling book of inspiration on Amazon, and recently in southern California for production on a national podcast, she is flying on rare air, but remains humble yet determined to soar. A seemingly shy longshot in A Star is Born – our most popular and successful show – round by round, she delivered a performance that rivaled network talent. When the smoke finally cleared, at just 19 years old, Lemke had quietly mowed down a veteran field.
And while most of her peers rarely check in, Rebecca has never forgotten home. In her maiden voyage in a corporate medium, thepublicblogger received the first shout out for support. And so, for such tenderness and curiosity, for coordinating, recruiting and telling her story during Mental Health Week; for continual appearances when no longer elevating her career, for believing in herself and sharing those victories from outside with us…
it is For Everything, that The Neighborhood Award ‘OUR HIGHEST HONOR’ is bestowed on Rebecca Lemke, the 7th Artist
from Lahoma Oklahoma
“I am so grateful for the Neighborhood and all I have gained from the community here. Not only have I been honored by the awards received in my time within it, but it has set me up for a bright future. Because of the people that believed in me, Kendall especially, I have achieved far more than I ever dreamed I could. I look forward to learning and growing alongside all of the other artists within the Neighborhood and sharing all the victories and joy to come in the future. It is an honor to be counted among those who got their start here.”
Jamal Marvelle
Jamal Marvelle may not be seen as a trailblazer in the gay community, but in his debut – by way of the acclaimed Family – he offered normalcy to young gay men, still unsure about living openly in a freer, yet still hostile outer society. “My husband is white, I’m black, and that makes us an interracial couple – that happens to be gay.” When Marvelle made this as-a-matter-affect declaration, he was neither seeking to promote his lifestyle nor trying to justify his life. No chips did he carry on his shoulders, and no shame hidden behind an anonymous name. No secret agenda revealed at the end, in a personal essay he simply told us his name.
In nearly 3 years, he has neither backed down nor felt offended with his accidental role as our ‘go-to-Black-gay-man’ (a 3rd place finish in The Search for Common Ground); but rather, he has approached each project as a teachable moment. That approach has made him the most enduring male, and of the most important artist The Neighborhood has ever known.
For reaching out and reaching back, for never feeling different – better or worse; for your welcoming approach and for accepting the respect received, by giving respect right back…. it is For Everything, that The Neighborhood Award ‘OUR HIGHEST HONOR’ is bestowed on Jamal Marvelle, the 8th Artist.
from Indianapolis Indiana
Dear Friends of the Neighborhood,
Let me start by saying I’m sorry. This has been a trying year for me professionally – and I say that with everything outside of my regular 9-to-5 gig in mind. I haven’t been able to contribute to The Neighborhood like I’ve wanted to this past year, but I’m so thankful for those of you who remembered the work I did share with the group and all its talented members and spectators. You all are the reason I keep at my craft. Even when I’m in the deepest level of exhaustion, my fingers find their way to my laptop’s keyboard and off I go.
I wouldn’t be lying if I said I was a little caught off guard by this honor. I started Gays in the Life as a way to condition my writing chops for a larger writing project almost three and half years ago. How many of you have heard me share that fact by now? All jokes aside, it’s because of supporters like Kendall and members of The Neighborhood that has afforded my platform the chance to become a life source of its own… and for that, I thank you.
I lived a somewhat sheltered life being born and raised in Alaska. My parents are from Camden, New Jersey and Chicago, Illinois and know what it is to exist in this world as people of color. They protected my siblings and I by not forcing the harshness of the world down our throats, but by taking the opportunity to explain why an injustice had occurred – as they happened – against someone who looked like we did. I appreciate them both for this as it gave me a chance to form my opinions of the world based on my experience as young, black (and at the time, closeted) man.
Having received the votes and privilege of all your attention this cold, December evening – Yes, it’s freezing in Indianapolis currently – I want to make you all a promise. I promise to continue educating people, from all walks of life, through my experiences in a real and honest way. My intention with my platform is not to preach, but to share. Share my husband and I’s existence as an interracial couple in the Midwest. Share my experience as a gay man of color navigating life in the corporate world. And not to mention, the many wellness tidbits – like home decor, yoga and meditation – that keep me centered enough to continue sharing with all of you.
Thank you all for being the life source of my work and the heartbeat of The Neighborhood. You all mean more than you know.
Kelly Lewis
On March 1st 2015, Opening Day of Season IV was an original blogging experience, a first of its kind event. Twenty-three artists from 16 cities in seven countries filled 8 stages, inclusive of a music festival – debuting two world premiers; a short film festival with an entry from an understudy of HBO; a photographer’s viewing party and even an original short story that combined the talents of Person, Dvornik and composer Renan Javier in the original presentation of The Exorcist. And while the entire day was billed as the ultimate artists collaboration, in the spirit of competition and for the first time, the box office was made public (stats/comments/shares).
Atop the charts, was not Trader the slick short film from director Matt Salvo. It was not the world premier Spend it On You by Swift Slay featuring a popular Nino Brown. And in a depth-defying upset, nor was it the highly publicized conclusion to a 3-part serial thriller written by Kendall F. Person, himself. The No. 1 show was a duet in the form of a poem. Along with Oscar Plascencia, Kelly Lewis sizzled, creating a defining moment – not for her, that would come later in a song she wrote called Chasing the Dream – but for the collaborative itself. Kelly Lewis’ inner femme fatale took over, leading to a shocking finale, while the roof caught fire and burned on the Poetry Stage.
Lewis has collaborated on more shows than any other artists, by far. Her triple digit donation, helped keep a particular show going. Her talent is raw and rare, her personality once aggressive and defensive, now replaced with a statesmen like calm. Her love has reached custodial, evident as the current co-Chair. But more than anything or anyone at any time on any level…
it is For Everything that
The Neighborhood Award ‘OUR HIGHEST HONOR’ is bestowed upon Kelly Lewis, the 9th Artist.
And marking thepublicblogger December 30th 5 Year Anniversary, Kelly Lewis has been named the Most Valuable Artist (MVP) to ever grace The Neighborhood stage.
from Los Angeles California
The year was 2014; I was completely green and new to blogging when Mr. Kendall F. Person invited me to The Neighborhood for a “show”. Little did I know, how it’d go or what it meant to be in a show at that time. I was that age-old cliché; a poet and didn’t even know it. Up until this point I was merely playing with words, which I later learned was called free verse. To write a piece of official poetry and take the stage seemed completely absurd. Yet, my curiosity outweighed my timidity. I wrote 3 narrative pieces as my debut for “The Meaning of Life” series, and it (cue drama card) literally changed my life and the way I write. In all seriousness, it is truly an honor to be a member of this community. I am thankful to everyone who comes here with intent, purpose, support and open minds that share their many talents to entertain, inspire and educate. I appreciate the collaborations and challenges I’ve been able to partake in both on and off the stage. Most of all, I appreciate our Producer & Host, Kendall F. Person, for providing this wonderfully connected forum, and for believing in me, challenging me and putting up with me. I respectfully accept this Highest Honor award and look forward to everything that is yet to come. Thank you!
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from All Around the World
this is…. The Neighborhood
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THE UNFORTUNATE TRUTH BEHIND SPECTACULAR LIES
a note from the editor:
Reels Two & Three of today’s special Triple Play
Reel One: The President Show a review
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Song Selection by 80s Metal Man’s Blog
from 2010, Vaughn
w/ Paradise Ain’t Home
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“A half truth is even more dangerous than a lie.
A lie you can detect at some stage,
but a half-truth is sure to mislead you for long.”
– Anurag Shourie
Earth by klen70
THE UNFORTUNATE TRUTH
BEHIND THE SPECTACULAR LIES
by Kendall F. Person
Chaos by Carnegriff
Below the surface, is not the same atmosphere as above; the depths are far less murky, our differences of less importance. There is still civility when we meet in small groups, and the forces that have swept Comus into power, do not venture below the surface where bad men can be destroyed, by purveyors of art.
Whichever are beliefs, no matter how unbending we have become, and regardless to the mental pressure used in ramming our opinions, down someone else’s throat, there still exist peace and tranquility. Above the surface – but far below the clouds – a most dangerous game plays on, even though we know it is based on spectacular lies.
American Tribalism has reached a feverish pitch, and those we have trusted to guard our castle, have either been revealed as cowards or seduced by those that tell them lies. Yet there still exist an exit ramp, a way out of a world class self-destruction, a way to stop Comus from becoming so powerful, that decades or generations or centuries may pass before humanity is returned from the greedy class. But before we can rise together, we must first walk alone. In front of a mirror, not simply gazing into our reflection, but staring down our soul. And with an unflinching conviction, we must stand our ground in seeking out truth.
American Society has come to resemble that of junior high school clicks, more so than a fading moniker Leader of the Free World. The tribalism is not just politics, but color and status and levies the audacity for the law of man, to bypass the law of the land; and attempt an upset of the laws of physics’ and even translate the law of God. Ethics has become a liability and the bigger the lie the louder the cheers and the crippling breakdown of every department has gained way for an elite anarchist to redefine our beloved nation.
World by Jeni Holland
Rather we believe, that we are in the throes of a 21st Century Chaos Revolution, is directly related to our future. The unfortunate truth about the spectacular lies, is that sooner or later the citizenship becomes confused, then turns on itself. And when divide and conquer becomes the golden rule, the resistance weakens, comes undone and then it is threw.
But while we sincerely believe and have hope or faith, that our union is solid and the resistance will toll the line, always remember, nonetheless that One World is alive…. shhhhh
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