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Hot Mike Dyson book signing in New York

July 18, 2007 by Roland  
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Last night I attended a signing for Dr. Michael Eric Dyson’s new book, “Know What I Mean? Reflections On Hip Hop.”

Folks, the place was packed; it was hot; and it was jumpin’!

It took place at the Border’s in 1 Time Warner Center. Luckily, that is the home of CNN so all I had to do was walk downstairs to attend. A few of us from CNN, including super programmer Josanne Lopez, attended the event. Joining us was her homegirl, soap star Renee Goldsberry (the girl has been working out! She was ripped! AND fine!)

While talking to Dr. Dyson’s wife, the Rev. Marcia Dyson, I see an Afro above the stacks.

“Dr. Cornel West!”

He strolled through with Tavis Smiley. They were in town on something else and decided to drop by. While we waited to hear Dyson, Chrisette Michelle sang a “set” from her new debut CD, I Am.

When she finished, we waited to hear Dyson. But instead, he called up West, Smiley, and culture critic and professor Mark Anthony Neal to say a few words. And he called me as well! Ain’t no way I need to be in that company…but when they pass the mic, don’t turn it down!

When I spoke, I spanned the audience and saw this smiling, beautiful sister. It was Susan Taylor, the editorial director of Essence Magazine! I couldn’t help but give her a shout out. She stepped to the mic and really encouraged the standing-room-only audience to stay focused on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast as we approach the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Folks, it was an amazing night. One of those that you will always remember. The absolute knowledge that was dropped was stunning. There were a couple of folks who were videotaping and I will try to get my hands on it. Seriously, the dialogue was stunning and the energy was incredible.

Dyson did an incredible job of really providing a keen insight of hip-hop music, and not just dismiss it as nonsense. Even my eyes were opened on various topics. He wasn’t an apologist for the music, but provided a balanced view.

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Thumblated Related Post
  • Mr.Dyson. How did you come up with the idea to create hip hop theology? What inspires you to build this? Would there be a seminary or teachings about this theology?
  • I couldn't understand some parts of this article Hot Mike Dyson book signing in New York, but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.
  • Barbara Parsons
    I agree with you that people should be outraged over what happened to Megan Williams. I am a 55 year old white woman who is a mother of three grown children. I can't imagine people like that being allowed to live in the general population. My heart breaks for her and her parents. Thanks for letting me speak my opionion.
  • Josh Franklin
    Hip-hop is much misunderstood. When they talk of "ho's", it isn't meant in the same degenerate way Imus used it. It is meant with affection. Hip-hop rules!
  • Julius
    My reflections on hip-hop is that it has spawned black America's first "wedge issue": The N-word. I agree that the word is improper in many contexts but to protest it when you have heavy problems such as massive cuts in Cancer/AIDS research, school arts programs(which could help produce better artists), children health insurance along with a high high school dropout rate. The N-word is the least of our problems as a people and a country. It seems the N-word is just another issue many blacks are using just to get on TV(Sharpton, Juan Williams, etc). When is the last time a high profile black persdon even mentioned homelessness on TV? If we stopped using the N-word tomorrow, the infant mortality rate in Harlem would still be worse than Guatemala. With crumbling infrastucture, wars on terror and drugs which are both failing, DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE ON THE N-WORD.
  • Hello Mr. Martin,

    My name is Wilbur Pack, Jr. I attended the book signing because my friend, Marcia Fingal, schooled me on how dynamic a speaker Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is. And the evening did not disappoint. I agree with you. It truly was a night that I will always remember. And being in the esteemed company of such movers and shakers, yourself included, was life changing. I am a black fashion designer with my own line of women's tops and I have been submerged in that world for the last several years. Although I like to pride myself on black awareness, I was introduced to another universe that evening. I now understand that I need to be proactive in balancing my professional life while raising my social consciousness. One of my first steps is reading your blog and Dr. Dyson's book. Josanne informed me that you are doing a series of specials throughout the summer on CNN and I will try to tune in for that as well. Continued success and just keep on living your life like you do. It certainly is inspiring!
    Peace.
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