Monday Speaker Series
Dorothy Longo (May 1, 2023) Facilitator- Clyde Herring
Dr. Toya Mary Okonkwo Co-Facilitator for Team Monday (2023)
Dr. Toya Mary Okonkwo Co-Facilitator for Team Monday (2023)
Book review by Dorothy Longo
When Mike Longo—the New York jazz pianist who was a longtime protégé, collaborator, and friend of Dizzy Gillespie—passed away in 2020 from COVID-19, he left behind a manuscript of his journey to musical and spiritual fruition. His widow, Dorothy Longo, completed the memoir asThe Rhythm of Unity: A Jazz Musician’s Lifelong Journey Beyond Black and White, to be published May 9 by Redwood Publishing. To Mike’s chronicle of his personal quest, Dorothy added the story of their 39-year romance and life together.
Longo’s search for fulfillment as a jazz artist began when he was a very small child, growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, picking out tunes on his grandparents’ piano. His spiritual search began at roughly the same time, when he discovered the cruel absurdity of racism. Jazz was the vehicle that brought the two missions together, giving Longo a means of both developing his artistry and finding a world in which Black and White people could coexist in equality and mutual respect.
Inspired by hearing Dizzy Gillespie (at right with a young Mike Longo) on the radio as a teenager, Longo dove deep into bebop. After graduating from Western Kentucky University, he played his way to New York City, where he got a job as house pianist at Manhattan’s famed Metropole Café. There, he met Gillespie when the trumpeter and bebop titan came to play opposite Longo. The pianist spent some time studying with Oscar Peterson in Toronto before returning to New York and becoming Gillespie’s pianist and musical director for seven years (1966–1973). Their friendship and collaboration continued until Gillespie’s death in 1993.
Establishing his solo career in earnest after leaving Gillespie’s band, Longo recorded nearly two dozen albums under his own name
His relationship with Gillespie is also a major aspect of that journey. The Rhythm of Unity charts Longo’s path from being the bebop legend’s adoring fan, to employee, to comrade-in-arms battling the forces of racial prejudice, to, at last, close friend and confidant. In addition to discovering new musical frontiers, the pianist and trumpeter were also together in their exploration and acceptance of the Baháʼí faith—another journey that Longo documents as part of his story.
Ultimately, music, friendship, righteousness, and faith come together to shape Longo’s experience of the world as an artist and as a human. After decades of being told that he “sounded Black,” or that he shouldn’t or couldn’t fraternize with people he loved, the pianist comes to the firm realization that “unity in diversity” is the way forward for a harmonious society. While maintaining respect for the validity of diverse cultures and backgrounds, he sees that he “wasn’t Black or White and that any innate distinction between Blacks, Whites, Asians, Native Americans, and other races was based on false premises.”
A musician herself, Dorothy Longo serves as both an observer of and active participant in her late husband’s story. In addition to filling out his account with their shared one (titled “Reflections of a Jazz Wife”), Dorothy peppers Mike’s account with context and commentary about her husband’s experiences and philosophies as well as his character. Her contribution to The Rhythm of Unity elevates Mike Longo from just his own written-word perspective to a three-dimensional human being with compassion and empathy who puts his thoughts about humanity and brotherhood into practice.
Dr. Toya Mary Okonkwo Co-Facilitator for Team Monday (2023)
Dr. Toya Mary Okonkwo Co-Facilitator for Team Monday (2023)
Dr. Toya Mary Okonkwo Co-Facilitator for Team Monday (2023)
Join Dr. Toya Mary Okonkwo on Monday, January 30, 2022 for a special presentation on 'Black Girls as Quasers'
Dr. Toya Mary Okonkwo is a well-wisher of humanity who strives to utilize the creative impulses of imagination as resistance to enact an ethos of arts as education and arts as central to advancing vibrant
individual and collective changes that contribute to an ever-advancing
civilization. Having recently earned her Ph.D. of English Literature (the first Black woman to graduate in the history of that program),
Dr. Toya Mary Okonkwo has been involved in higher education teaching at Purdue, TCU, Paul Quinn College, and UNT. In her dissertation, “OUR
REAL LIFE PECOLAS AND OGUU CHASES THE SUN - FROM COLLAPSING STARS TO
QUASARS: A COSMIC PLAY IN THREE ACTS & TWO INTERLUDES ON THE
IMPORTANCE OF IGBO STORYTELLING IN EXPANDING BLACK GIRLHOOD
IMAGINATIONS AS RESISTANCE TO SOCIAL ERASURE IN STOP SIX, TX.”, she
blends the creative power of performance and visual storytelling to explore the subjects of #blackgirlmagic as it relates to astrophysics and the neurobiology of escaping the confines of trauma. In her most
ardent dreams this project, along with her Master’s thesis and other writings, will be realized, as intended, for audiences to experience and thereby take up the reins of their own journeys towards becoming
well-wishers of humanity and lovers of the beauty of our essential oneness. Dr. Toya Mary Okonkwo is also an active volunteer with various Baha’i community service projects and with Opal’s Farm. Her
web presence includes: https://www.toyamaryokonkwo.com/
Barbara Talley Facilitator for Team Monday in 2022-2023
Dr. Toya Mary Okonkwo Co-Facilitator for Team Monday (2023)
Radiance Talley on Interracial Marriage (December 19, 2022)
On December 26, 2022 and January 1, 2022, we will discuss Kwanzaa.
We have a special program for people of African descent from December 26, 2022 through January 1, 2023. Please share the link with anyone you know of who is of African descent. This is a safe space for healing. Registrations are manually approved to make sure only the intended audience registers. This Kwanzaa program is created especially to nurture and encourage POTE to love ourselves, take care of ourselves, and to rebuild the broken bonds between us!
Click here to view latest program
Radiance Talley on Interracial Marriage (December 19, 2022)
Radiance Talley on Interracial Marriage (December 19, 2022)
Radiance Talley on Interracial Marriage (December 19, 2022)
Radiance will share the back story on the 'Life with Lisa Ling" CNN finale. Two couples will be joining us featured in the episode.
https://bahaiteachings.org/interracial-marriage-love-first-sight-story/
Dr. Ed Bauman (Monday, 12/12, 2022)
Radiance Talley on Interracial Marriage (December 19, 2022)
Sharon Baldoni (Mondays, 11/ 21, 2022 and 12/5/2022)
Sharon Baldoni (Mondays, 11/ 21, 2022 and 12/5/2022)
Radiance Talley on Interracial Marriage (December 19, 2022)
Sharon Baldoni (Mondays, 11/ 21, 2022 and 12/5/2022)
A designer and student of quantum physics, metaphysics and licensed BioGeometry Practitioner, and Feng Shui.
Monday Conversation Speakers
The Made it Home Group 11/14/2022
Christine Bauman 10/31, and 11/7/2022
Christine Bauman 10/31, and 11/7/2022
The Made it Home Group that grew out of this Foundation Hall University space is a supportive community that provides comfort and support to those who have lost children. They will share their insights.
Christine Bauman 10/31, and 11/7/2022
Christine Bauman 10/31, and 11/7/2022
Christine Bauman 10/31, and 11/7/2022
The Benefits of Minerals and Affordable Nutrition. The Affordable Nutrition program
was developed to empower the
homeless, seniors and families on
fixed incomes, food deserts, and
anyone who wants to be healthy
but who lack resources.
EWG
https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php
https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php
The Benefits of Minerals and Affordable Nutrition. The Affordable Nutrition program
was developed to empower the
homeless, seniors and families on
fixed incomes, food deserts, and
anyone who wants to be healthy
but who lack resources.
EWG
https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php
https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php
https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/why-you-must-soak-your-beans/
https://thehabyt.com/blog/cutthecrap
https://www.nytimes.com/article/plastics-to-avoid.html
Charmaine Aleong 10/25/2022
Christine Bauman 10/31, and 11/7/2022
Charmaine Aleong 10/25/2022
Charmaine will share the latest research and discoveries in the field of nutrition in disease treatment and prevention.
Kim Douglas 10/17/2022
Gene Marie Kennedy (Special Facilitation on (9/19 & 9/26, 2022)
Charmaine Aleong 10/25/2022
Healing from Trauma: Individual, Collective & Ancestral- We have to embrace our stories before we can heal from them. Kim will share how she was able to heal from trauma and from her the pain of ancestors who were enslavers.
Special Tribute to Kevin Locke 10/3,10/2022
Gene Marie Kennedy (Special Facilitation on (9/19 & 9/26, 2022)
Gene Marie Kennedy (Special Facilitation on (9/19 & 9/26, 2022)
Chief Phil Lane, Nanabah, Kim Douglas, Laina Greene and others will join us to share his reflections of his beloved spiritual brother. Please share yours too! Moderated by Barbara Talley
Gene Marie Kennedy (Special Facilitation on (9/19 & 9/26, 2022)
Gene Marie Kennedy (Special Facilitation on (9/19 & 9/26, 2022)
Gene Marie Kennedy (Special Facilitation on (9/19 & 9/26, 2022)
Tablet of the Physicians
Augusto Lopez-Claros "Extremes of Wealth and Poverty" (September 12, 2022)
Augusto Lopez-Claros "Extremes of Wealth and Poverty" (September 12, 2022)
Augusto Lopez-Claros "Extremes of Wealth and Poverty" (September 12, 2022)
Moderator: Barbara Talley
James Williams (8/22/2022, 9/5/2022)
Augusto Lopez-Claros "Extremes of Wealth and Poverty" (September 12, 2022)
Augusto Lopez-Claros "Extremes of Wealth and Poverty" (September 12, 2022)
Monday Welcoming Team
Barbara Talley (Guest Moderator, Sometimes Presenter)
Augusto Lopez-Claros "Extremes of Wealth and Poverty" (September 12, 2022)
Barbara Talley (Guest Moderator, Sometimes Presenter)
8/29- Reflections on the Justice for Women Conference held 8/26-28, 2022)
A Conversation with Chuck Egerton (8/15/2022)
Geri Peak, Guest Presenter for July 11 & 18, 2022
Barbara Talley (Guest Moderator, Sometimes Presenter)
Moderator: Barbara Talley
Dell Campbell, Guest Presenter (July 25, 2022)
Geri Peak, Guest Presenter for July 11 & 18, 2022
Geri Peak, Guest Presenter for July 11 & 18, 2022
Learn about Dell's service to the Faith through Community Gardens and WLGI
Geri Peak, Guest Presenter for July 11 & 18, 2022
Geri Peak, Guest Presenter for July 11 & 18, 2022
Geri Peak, Guest Presenter for July 11 & 18, 2022
Spiritual Qualities and Restorative Justice
Solidarity Economy or Collaboration over Conflict and/or Radical Inclusion -- not Othering Anyone.
FEATURED SPEAKERS ON FHU
Counselor Nwandi Lawson (10/14/2020) 'Preparation for the Years to Come'
Counselor Nwandi Lawson (10/14/2020) 'Preparation for the Years to Come'
Counselor Nwandi Lawson (10/14/2020) 'Preparation for the Years to Come'
A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Nwandi received a degree in broadcast journalism from Howard University and an MBA from Emory University. She is an entrepreneur who also has experience hosting, writing and producing for commercial and public broadcasters, including Cable News Network (CNN),
Turner Broadcasting System (TBS), Public Broadcasting Atlanta (WPBA), Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB), WABE radio and WCLK radio. Upon graduating magna cum laude from Howard University, University, Nwandi spent a year teaching eighth- grade
literature, U.S. History and language arts in East Palo Alto, California before accepting a position at CNN in Atlanta.
Ken Bowers (9/21/2020)
Counselor Nwandi Lawson (10/14/2020) 'Preparation for the Years to Come'
Counselor Nwandi Lawson (10/14/2020) 'Preparation for the Years to Come'
Ken Bowers will again join us on Monday September 24, 2020 to answer any questions and to listen to what this space is inspiring you to do.
Kenneth E. Bowers is the current Secretary-General of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States. He is the author of a number of published articles and studies.
Mr. Bowers was raised in Augusta, Georgia and attended the University of Georgia. Prior to being elected to the National Assembly, Mr. Bowers served as an appointed member of the National Teaching Committee, acting as its secretary for 10 years. Up until 1991 Mr. Bowers owned and operated a business in Atlanta, Georgia. He currently resides in Chicago.
Lex Musta (September 12-13, 2020)
Counselor Nwandi Lawson (10/14/2020) 'Preparation for the Years to Come'
Lex Musta (September 12-13, 2020)
Lex Musta is an independent researcher whose work focuses on the role of social meanings in shaping race relations. He completed his MBA studies in Paris at Schiller International University. His latest publication, an essay on Bahai Approaches to Social Change co-authored with Dr. Roshan Danesh, was published in "Dimensions of Baha'i Law".
He podcasts on Racial Amity at “The Other Tradition” and gives racial amity tours at dctimetraveltours.com.
Tod Ewing (9/2/2020)
Dr. Rabi Mustah (6/27/2020)
Lex Musta (September 12-13, 2020)
Tod Ewing joined us on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 to share his personal insights on Race, Class, and Culture and what DC has been doing to make Race Unity the Watchword of the community.
Dr. Rabi Mustah (6/27/2020)
Dr. Rabi Mustah (6/27/2020)
Dr. Rabi Mustah (6/27/2020)
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Rabi Mustah spoke to us on what it means to be shown favor as a pupil of the eye, an encore presentation she offered at POTE 2020 over the Juneteenth weekend.
Dr. Arta Montajeb
Dr. Rabi Mustah (6/27/2020)
Dr. Rabi Mustah (6/27/2020)
Arta is the only SOTE presenter that spoke at both POTE conferences. He shares his lessons on the appreciation immigrants should have for the African Americans that built this country.
Dr. Derik Smith (April-May 2020)
Dr. Derik Smith (April-May 2020)
Dr. Derik Smith (April-May 2020)
We are so appreciative of the generosity of Dr. Derik Smith who spent several months coming to FHU and up to three days a week to help us to understand his seminal work, 'Modernity and Centering the Pupil of the Eye.'
Supplanting the Prison Industrial Complex
BLACK FRIDAY SPEAKERS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 @8PM EST
ERIC DOZIER
Musical Journey through America's Race Relations