Hot Mike Dyson book signing in New York
Last night I attended a signing for Dr. Michael Eric Dyson’s new book, “Know What I Mean? Reflections On Hip Hop.â€
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.
