Harlem Highs-Personal Politics with Landon Dais

story and photos by Jocelyn M. Goode

Intimacy and openness on a Monday night may not be typical in the rich, gritty complexity of Harlem, but it was definitely the spirit of Landon Dais' fundraiser dinner at Trattoria Amici. Beautiful and intelligent supporters convened to break bread in allegiance to the green politician who strives to continue a legacy of community improvement from the ground up.

Landon Dais, a proud Morehouse and Columbia graduate, personally greeted his guests spending time throughout the evening to learn about them and share his visions as an up-and-coming advocate for Harlem's district 9. As professionals, emerging and established, consumed Italian cuisine, they also enjoyed the opportunity to exchange ideas with each other and revelled in the quaint gathering of like-minded contemporaries.

At the peak of the event, Landon shared his projections for Harlem and his intentions for running for City Council, which center around a commitment to improving youth development, strengthening families and supporting small businesses. It was clear that his experience as the President of the Uptown Democratic Club (70th Assembly District) and Program Consultant for the Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement spurred him to take on this next step in political leadership.

Erica Nailor, one of the event coordinators for Landon's campaign, spread her warm personality making sure guests properly completed their donation cards which are instrumental in receiving matching funds. The cool, calm and collected campaign treasurer Anthony Ross, was the pinnacle of support, attentive to all the details of the fundraiser yet readily available to breakdown numbers and statistics.

While there was a surplus of seats reserved for those supporters who were absent, the seats that were occupied contained the rock and roots of Landon's bourgeoning campaign. Only the 'bout it, 'bout it turn out on a Monday night but the tour de force was undeniable as the dinner proved to be a success that was felt beyond words. To learn more about Landon Dais and his campaign, visit www.harlem4landon.blogspot.com and watch him on BET's Harlem Heights.

From the Bay to the Big Apple

Story and photo by Jocelyn M. Goode

FAIM Internet Magazine has officially expanded, with a new headquarters in New York City. For those readers just coming on board, FAIM stands for Fashion Art Interactivity Movement. We are cultural publication that caters to educated, professionals of color, creative entrepreneurs and independent thinkers who crave for culture and ideas outside of the mainstream. FAIM marries Bay Area and New York trends and styles,  producing a beautiful bi-coastal love child.

We are back on a regular schedule so look out for new articles and events in the areas of fashion, art, community, and politics. Your feedback is valued so please feel free to submit your comments and make topic suggestions.

Feet Beats-Tyler Knowlin's Urban Tap Dance

Feet Beats-Tyler Knowlin's Urban Tap Dance

story and video by Jocelyn M. Goode

Most eighties babies remember Gregory Hines kickin' up funky street tunes in the 1989 movie,Tap. The film also featured veteran tap dancer, Sammy Davis, Jr. as well as the then fledgling performer, Savion Glover. The most memorable scene for me was when Hine's character created an impromptu performance to the sounds and vibrations he heard in the city streets.

 

The history of tap dancing is a rich story of cultural overlap and stylistic remixing. "Tap was created from combining elements of African drumming and dancing with the techniques of European clog and step dancing. The unique rhythms of jazz music distinguish American tap dance from all other kinds of dancing based on percussive footwork." (http://performingarts.net/Shafman/Rhapsody/history.html)

Fast-forward to 2009, you have street performers Tyler Knowlin, Moustapha Thim, and Edward Jackson putting on urban tap shows right on the sidewalks of downtown San Francisco. Crowds circled around the soak up the feet beat flows. Check out the video to see for yourself. Tyler Knowlin teaches every Sunday at City Dance Studios, 10 Colton St., San Francisco, from 5:30-6:30 and 6:30-7:30. Visit www.citydance.org for more info.

FAIM's Spring Talent Call

FAIM Internet Magazine is seeking professional, super-fly visual artists, designers, DJs, actors, models, dancers, photographers, filmmakers and writers to be profiled in our publication and featured in marketing events.

FAIM is one element of the J.Goode synergy that bridges culture, community and commerce to initiate societal progress. We do not believe that artists should starve! J.Goode Creative Marketing collaborates with businesses to create interactive, entertainment marketing events. The stars of these events are you: the talented people of the community who embrace more opportunities to perform and exhibit your work.

Come to our open talent call on Saturday, March 21, 2009 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. We will be hosting it at Air Lounge, 492 9th St, Downtown Oakland, CA, 94607. Please bring samples of your work and links to online videos/portfolios/websites. We have some exciting events on our horizon, so take advantage to join this bourgeoning team on the rise.

For more information, email jocelyn.m.goode@gmail.com.

Jimmie Reign Video Screening Party at Air Lounge

photos and story by Jocelyn M. Goode

Oakland, CA is bubbling with fresh talent, style and flavor. This was very apparent at the screening of Jimmie Reign's single "A Different Person" at the chic Air Lounge.
The Bay Area songstress performed before an eager crowd of neo-soul trendies kickin' it on a Tuesday night. FAIM Magazine was in the house to capture the moment and snapshot the different stylistic perspectives.
Oakland in-the-mixers like Tyranny Allen of Lucky's Barbershop, Baba Afolabi of Suru and Malika of the Hyphy Show were in the house to support Jimmie. Her new song, which is about feeling like somebody else after having too many drinks, had the audience groovin' and Ms. Reign relished in the moment.

FAIM Is...Flo Jo

Speed. Style. Sex appeal.

Florence Griffith Joyner had it all.


Her performances, and flashy spandex styles accentuated by nails gone wild (way before SWV's CoCo, for the record), captivated audiences worldwide as she set world records while running for Olympic gold in the 100M and 200M in 1988. The homegirl from Los Angeles' Jordan Downs projects made herself into an international track star in the mid-80s, and black folks everywhere were in awe of everything Flo Jo: her florescent outfits, long black hair, backed by her sexy athleticism.

Among the things she did away from the track was design the basketball uniforms for the NBA's Indiana Pacers in 1989. That alone is a fraction of the funkiness that Flo Jo delivered. She forever embodies sport and style and repped a flamboyanct philosophy throughout her daily expression.

And, that is truly, what makes her FAIM.

Style Soldier Spotting!

Style Soldiers is our way of giving props to people we come across who possess a unique aesthetic and fashion perspective. Check back frequently for updates.

These two represent the eccletic side of West Oakland flava at the McClymonds Alumni Basketball game in early 2009.
One sports an outfit that plays on the color red, which repeats from the overlapping patterns to her bracelet, belt and boots.
The other has a look I call "Daring-Dainty". The style is in the contrasting of feminine, pink accessories and embellishments against the implied ruggedness of gloves, jeans and sneakers. She is fly and she is ready to get down!

I spotted this couple in Piedmont, Oakland looking too fly and funky with their complementary Afros and stylized kicks.