The short film, Migrations, for which I wrote and performed the poetry was just awarded the 2008 Poetry Foundation Award. More poetry, books, film here.
The hip-hop group, NYFP (New York's Finest Pinoys), pose on Madison Avenue after a performance in 2007. Listen to a radio report on WNYC.
The train depot in Junta, Colorado in between thunderstorms. See more photographs from travels and reporting here.
Muslim Hip hop Onstage in Harlem, WNYC, Air: October 27, 2007 - Since its beginning, hip hop has been influenced by American Muslims -- including members of the groups Public Enemy, and Tribe Called Quest. Now, artists and fans are using hip hop to assert their identity as Muslims in America. And they're finding a balance between their art and their faith. Tonight, a concert of Muslim Hip hop called Rhythms of the Sacred Legacy brings together performers from around the country in an evening of dance, music and spoken word. Dorian Merina has the story....
MC Missundastood taking the stage in Harlem. Photo by Rebekah Kebede
"Still Fighting: ," Hyphen Magazine, 11/5/2007- NEW YORK -- An american flag and a soaring eagle stretch across the brim of Pedro Navida's black baseball cap, which he lifts above his head. On his bare forehead, framed by short-cropped hair, is a faint zig-zag scar.
Navida sits on a sofa in his small second floor apartment in Elmhurst, Queens. The room is momentarily silent after his wife, Leonor, shuts off the Filipino Channel on the big-screen television. In the quiet, Leonor leans over and begins to shout across the sofa, repeating questions for him to hear. She says that sometimes he has troulbe hearing and often forgets things. But suddenly, Pedro explains the scar on his forehead without hesitation.
"Bayonet," says the World War II veteran, keeping his cap braced above his head.
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