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Mocha Musings, the blog
Thoughts from the bottom of the cup
Here Chief Creative Officer, Maria James-Thiaw, explores the themes of her choreopoems - hot topics like anti-racism, education reform, equality, and hair texture discrimination - while sipping a hot beverage. Each blog post is written in a mom-and-pop coffee shop somewhere in Pennsylvania.
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"Look What Love Done to Me." Intimate Apparel Shines Light on the Chasms That Divide Us
By Maria James-Thiaw Intimate Apparel, a production of Sankofa African American Theater Company and Theatre Harrisburg opened at the...
American Griot
Jun 27, 20242 min read
Macro and Microaggressions Made on The Mighty Combbreaker, my Bobby!
If you've attended any of our shows, you know The Mighty Combbreaker. He is the superhero who lends his voice to the show explaining why...
American Griot
Jun 12, 20244 min read
As C.R.O.W.N. Act Day Approaches, a Local Family Reminds Us Why we Fight Hair Texture Bias.
In November, 2023, The Smith family of Harrisburg, PA filed a lawsuit against St. Margaret Mary Catholic School on Herr Street. After...
Maria James-Thiaw
May 31, 20243 min read
One Night Only: Black Hair Makes Magic Again!
The Harrisburg (PA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated is hosting Links from several chapters to meet legislators on Capital Hill on...
American Griot
May 17, 20241 min read
HairStory Returns to the Stage - June 3rd, CROWN Act Day
I don't know about you, but I am excited. 10 months ago we debuted this powerful and unique choreopoem highlighting the issues we as...
American Griot
Mar 16, 20242 min read
Black Lit is Black History!
This year Reclaim Arts LLC will honor the ancestors with a series of literary events taught by yours truly - Maria James-Thiaw. These...
American Griot
Feb 4, 20242 min read
The Cast of HairStory Tries to Process the Loss of Shamia Terry
"I have some news I have to tell you." The text cut through my post-color-purple-screening lunch with the Harrisburg Chapter of the...
American Griot
Jan 22, 20243 min read
Celebrating the New Black Rennaissance in Pennsylvania
This weekend I joined cast and crew from HairStory: Reclaiming Our Crown at Sankofa's production of Black Nativity, a glorious,...
American Griot
Dec 4, 20232 min read
A Thank You Gift for You
In October I reached out and asked for you to please nominate HairStory: Reclaiming Our Crown for a regional Broadway World award. I am...
American Griot
Nov 5, 20231 min read
Harrisburg's New Renaissance: Central PA Regional Awards
Recently, I was informed that folks have been nominating HairStory: Reclaiming Our Crown for the Broadway World Central PA Regional...
American Griot
Oct 22, 20232 min read
A Funny Thing Happened While Updating My Bio
In the class I teach for Southern New Hampshire University, I teach students to write their author bio for the first time. Sometimes they...
American Griot
Aug 1, 20234 min read
Reclaim Artist Collective Turns over a New Leaf
Clarity in mission brings an official structural change has emerged from its chrysalis as: Reclaim Arts, LLC! The Logo The colors, muted...
American Griot
Jul 20, 20232 min read
The New Black Renaissance: Harrisburg Celebrates its First Black-Owned Theatre Space
by Maria James-Thiaw Today was an extraordinary day in the heart of our creative community! Artists, directors, editors, screenwriters,...
American Griot
Jun 12, 20232 min read
Let’s Keep In Touch!
Hey, Friends! If you like the work I produce and want to figure out when I’m performing, producing, or publishing something new, join my...
American Griot
Feb 10, 20231 min read
Show me some love, and Vote for Count Each Breath!
Hi Friends! I’m getting closer to clinching the “Cover of the Month” contest on AllAuthor! I’d need as much support from you guys. Please...
American Griot
Dec 1, 20221 min read
Review: The Poet X
Such a fabulous book. I had the pleasure of sharing it with a Dominican American student in my class and they said they found themselves...
American Griot
Apr 29, 20221 min read
Black Poetry Writing Month: Write a Poem for the Activist
This is a great prompt!
American Griot
Mar 22, 20221 min read
In the Before Times, I was a professor
I remember a scene from The Handmaid’s Tale. Offred cautiously approaches a “Martha” in the kitchen and in hushed tones asks, “What did...
American Griot
Apr 11, 20213 min read
No Justice To Be Found
I really like this poem by Sue Sable. Not only did she find a ton of rhymes for that “ound” sound, but it really speaks to what I’ve been...
American Griot
Feb 15, 20211 min read
The Devil’s Snow Globe
Ever get the feeling you are being watched — messed with — slid across a board like a pawn? In nightmares that feeling looks like teeth...
American Griot
Sep 13, 20203 min read
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