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Tuesday, 11 February 2025
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Written by Amber Little
Fayetteville get ready for a weekend of poetry and music. El'J, one of the city's favorite poets, is finally releasing his highly anticipated book of poetry, El'J Dilla: Poems Inspired by the Music of J Dilla.
Festivities kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21 with the El'J Dilla Poetry Slam at The Sweet Palette. Listen as 14 North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia poets compete in 3 rounds for a cash prize and bragging rights. Spinning on the 1’s and 2’s is Wilmington’s own DJ Big B from Coast 97.3 and hosting is the brilliant poet, author, and lyricist, Ebony Payne. This event is free to the public.
Saturday marks the biggest part of the weekend-long celebration, with the official book release party at The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County with special guest, Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey, the mother of the late J Dilla and Detroit native.
At 7 p.m., guests will be treated to a night of live music, spoken word, and a discussion panel. Local radio personality and Queen of the stage, Dominque Womack will moderate. Comedian and veteran advocate, Dennis V will hit the stage for some laughs.
Emmy award winner Boris Rogers and the incomparable Stephanie Lask (Sheph Love) will bring their soulful sounds and voices to the stage, setting the tone for a night sure to please the visual and auditory palate. El'J will be performing excerpts from his book as well as signing copies. Performances by other award-winning poets, Nazir Jones (Harvard University) and Piedmont Poet Laureate, Dasan Ahanu will round out the evening. Tickets are free, but space is limited.
Register to attend this event at http://eljdillabookrelease.eventbrite.co. Closing out the festivities is the El'J Dilla Weekend Brunch at the Sip Room located at 106 Hay Street from noon to 3 p.m. Attendees will indulge in a luxury brunch buffet in the swanky ambiance of the lux wine bar.
Local DJ, Greg GMoniy Johnson will be spinning the records and keeping the vibe of the weekend with J Dilla classics. “Ma Dukes” Yancey will end the weekend celebration of not only El'J’s book release, but her son’s life and legacy as the guest speaker, sharing stories that only a mother can share. This event is the only one ticketed. Tickets are $42 per person and can be purchased online at http://eljdillabrunch.eventbrite.com.
El’Ja, as he is professionally known, has been writing and performing poetry seriously since his departure from the military. El’Ja has countless awards and accolades under his belt, including the 2nd Annual McDonalds Food for Thought Poetry Slam, Southern Fried (as a member of the Bull City Slam Team), individual slams, and The Campaign for Change Slam, just to name a few.
This year marks a monumental year for his Southeast Regional Poetry Slam, celebrating 13 years. The release of his book, El'J Dilla: Poems Inspired by the Music of J Dilla, has been years in the making and is a project that combines two of the poet's favorite things, poetry, and J Dilla music.
“El’J Dilla weekend is the combination of a few things. Number one is the release of my book, El'J Dilla: Poems Inspired by the Music of J Dilla. If you don’t know who J Dilla is, go by his real name James Yancey, originally from Detroit, Michigan.
"He’s your favorite producers’ favorite producer and worked with everybody from Janet Jackson, Tribe Called Quest, Common, and D’Angelo. He was like a ghost producer on the Voodoo album. A lot of people don’t know that. He passed away from Lupus, but his music and his production live on,” El’J said. “I had a chance of writing these poems three years ago and it was an idea that came from my wife wanting me to do a mix tape. I decided to write his mom a message on Facebook just saying ‘hey I want to honor your son by doing this book because his music changed me.’ She saw the message, she set up a Zoom and we talked from there. She wrote the forward for the book … There are two ways you can read this book. You get the poems, and you read the book. That's it. It’s a good book. Then in the back, it’s a tracklist, in order, based on the poems you have, a poem based on the track. Now the other way you can read this is that there is a playlist called El’J Dilla on Youtube that you can read the poems to the music.”
El’J has no plans to slow down anytime soon. He’s headed to Knoxville, Tennessee with the Detour Slam team to compete, hoping to bring the trophy to Fayetteville this year, along with several poetry slams and readings.
(Photo: El' J Dilla: Poems Inspired by the Music of J Dilla, is being celebrated duirng El' J Dilla Weekend, Feb. 21-23 in Fayetteville.)
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Tuesday, 04 February 2025
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Written by Adam Taylor
A Powerful Film Series for Black History Month
• Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing – Thursday, February 13, 7:30 PM
• Christopher Everett’s Wilmington on Fire – Wednesday, February 19, 7:30 PM
DO THE RIGHT THING (1989)
Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing remains one of the most groundbreaking and provocative films in cinematic history, tackling the complex themes of race, community, and social justice. Set on the hottest day of the year in Brooklyn’s vibrant Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, the film captures the simmering tensions of a diverse community as minor conflicts snowball into larger confrontations. The story explores the intricate dynamics of race relations, personal responsibility, and systemic inequality, culminating in a powerful and unforgettable conclusion that continues to resonate today.
Fayetteville local and published poet El’Ja Bowens highlights the enduring significance of this film, stating, “Do The Right Thing explores race, power, and community, offering a searing social commentary. It’s a thought-provoking film that can spark essential conversations about social justice and equity. Its relevance to current events makes it a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the world we live in.”
The film features an outstanding ensemble cast, including Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Giancarlo Esposito, John Turturro, and Spike Lee himself. Their performances bring the characters to life with nuance and depth, reflecting the hopes, frustrations, and humanity of the community they represent. This two-hour masterpiece challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths while asking, “What does it mean to truly do the right thing?”
WILMINGTON ON FIRE (2015)
North Carolina’s own Christopher Everett delivers a powerful documentary in Wilmington on Fire, a film that unearths a deeply buried and tragic chapter of American history: the 1898 Wilmington Massacre. This violent coup d’état, led by white supremacists, overthrew the legally elected multiracial government of Wilmington, North Carolina, and established an enduring legacy of racial violence and systemic oppression. Everett’s work not only reveals the brutal events of that day but also explores their far-reaching consequences for both North Carolina and the nation.
Longtime Cameo patron John explains why this documentary is crucial viewing: “You should see Wilmington on Fire if you haven’t because it tells a history about North Carolina that most people don’t know. It’s important to understand the events of 1898 and how they still impact us today. Learning this history helps us grasp the roots of systemic racism and the ongoing challenges we face as a society.”
Through compelling interviews with historians, descendants of victims, and community leaders, Wilmington on Fire delivers a sobering and deeply moving exploration of historical truth. It sheds light on a story intentionally suppressed for over a century, challenging audiences to confront the realities of America’s racial past. This documentary is a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging and learning from history to build a more equitable future.
Why These Films Matter
Together, Do The Right Thing and Wilmington on Fire provide two powerful and distinct perspectives on race, history, and social justice in America. While Do The Right Thing examines the intricate dynamics of a modern-day urban community, Wilmington on Fire uncovers a pivotal historical event with implications that echo through the present. Both films challenge viewers to reflect on issues of equity, systemic injustice, and the ways we can work towards a better future.
Celebrate Black History Month by experiencing these two films. Tickets are available now at the Cameo Art House Theater or on their website.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Casablanca
This Valentine’s Day, experience romance, intrigue, and nostalgia with a special screening of Casablanca at Fayetteville’s historic Cameo Art House Theatre. A timeless classic beloved by generations, Casablanca is the perfect way to celebrate love in the heart of a community deeply connected to its themes of duty, sacrifice, and passion.
Special Event Showtimes:
• Friday, February 14: 8:00 PM
• Saturday, February 15: 4:00 PM
Why Casablanca is the Ultimate Valentine’s Date Movie
Few films capture the complexities and beauty of love as perfectly as Casablanca. At its heart, it’s a story about love tested by time, war, and impossible choices. The iconic romance between Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) transcends the screen, reminding us that love often means sacrifice and that true connection can endure even in the face of heartbreak.
As you and your loved one watch Rick and Ilsa’s bittersweet journey unfold, you’ll find yourself swept away by the passion, longing, and nostalgia of one of the most romantic films in cinematic history.
Set in the exotic, tension-filled backdrop of wartime Casablanca, the movie creates a dreamy atmosphere perfect for a Valentine’s date. Add to that its unforgettable dialogue and the hauntingly beautiful “As Time Goes By,” and you’ve got a cinematic experience that’s as timeless as love itself.
A Special Connection to Fayetteville and Fort Liberty
The themes of love and duty in Casablanca resonate deeply with Fayetteville, home to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg). Released during World War II, the film became a symbol of resilience and sacrifice for countless military families. Its depiction of the struggles and choices faced by those living in uncertain times mirrors the experiences of service members and their loved ones.
By hosting this screening, the Cameo Art House Theatre brings a piece of that history to life, allowing our community to reflect on its own connections to the film’s enduring message.
A Magical Evening at the Cameo
The Cameo Art House Theatre offers the perfect romantic setting for this Valentine’s Day experience. Nestled in downtown Fayetteville, the theater’s vintage charm and intimate atmosphere make it the ideal spot to celebrate with your loved one. Indulge in wine, beer, and gourmet treats from the concession stand as you cozy up for an unforgettable evening. My personal suggestion is to have a nice dinner at Pierro's Italian Bistro or Antonella's Italian Ristorante, see a movie at the Cameo and then end the night with coffee and cake at Rude Awakening Coffee House; all on Hay Street!
Event Details
• Location: Cameo Art House Theatre, 225 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC
• Tickets: Available online or at the box office. Seats are limited, so secure yours now!
Film Information
• Directed By: Michael Curtiz
• Written By: Julius J. Epstein, Howard Koch, Murray Burnett
• Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid
• Rated PG | Runtime: 1 hr 42 min
Don’t Miss Out!
Whether you’re rekindling an old flame, creating new memories, or simply looking for the perfect romantic night out, Casablanca at the Cameo is an event you won’t want to miss. Celebrate love, honor its sacrifices, and step into the magic of one of the most iconic films of all time.
Reserve your tickets today, and let the magic of Casablanca make this Valentine’s Day one to remember. After all, “We’ll always have Paris.”
(Posters courtesy of the Cameo Art House Theatre)
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