Mark my words … and hear what is said

Director and Producer Brad Pruitt steps away from the heartache of socially charged issues of guns and labor and introduces you to a world of raw and uninhibited passion through the work of some of the nation’s most talented poets with his latest film “Mark My Words.”

This film tells the story of multiple artists as they are followed throughout a 24-hour period, capturing some of their rawest moments on stage and in life. Meet Autum Blaze, Muhibb Dyer, Ms. Jazzi, K-Love, Dasha Kelly, Kwabena Nixon, Shelly, and Dan Vaughn … listen to their word as they speak on love, hate and faith through the power of poetry.

This journey through the world of the “spoken word” will introduce most of us to a new way of looking at the world around us. In a city that’s known for beer, brats, Bucks and Brewers, this film offers an image update that some would say is long overdue.

This is Milwaukee …­ out of the box, out of the comfort zone, and most importantly out in the open. Feel the power of emotion as each artist takes you through a cascade of words that will drown you in emotion.

The women of Mark My Words: Dasha Kelly, a mother of two, lights up the screen as she speaks of all that is the pleasure of being a woman; Ms. Jazzy, and her beautiful smile, will not be brought down by the daily grind of life; Autumn Blaze’s intensity and passion transcend the stage; while Shelly’s portrayal of women renders an empowering emotion through the struggles of women of color throughout the world. K-Love speaks to the love and partnership between a man and a woman and the power we have when we work together as one.

The men of Mark My Words: Muhibb Dyer dares African American males to step up and prove the stereotypes wrong, the time to change is “Right Now”; Kwabena Nixon opens a scrapbook of funeral services as nonchalantly as child would with Pokémon cards. He speaks of the “angry black male” and all he has lost – yet he does it with an optimism and hopefulness for a better tomorrow; and Dan Vaughn places his own perspective on the genre as he opens up about marriage, parenthood and the chance to make a difference.

Mark My Words is more than just a telling of stories; it reaches beyond the stereotypes of Milwaukee’s blue collar background and socially acceptable art as it opens your eyes to an eclectic world of words. Listen and watch as the words of these poets hit home with a group of high school students who take it to heart as they prepare their own poems some heartbreaking others with an ample dose of hope.

Pruitt does it again with Mark My Words as the cameras capture everything in this 24-hour period. The tender smile of a father’s love as he holds his baby girl; the anguished emotion of a teenage girl as she speaks on sexual abuse, hope and despair, the glow of pride from the audience as poets grab hold of true emotion, true connection.

Watch as Pruitt captures the essence of these artists in their everyday life. From a chilly, rainy early morning to the rush of emotion after a night of powerful poetry – see the lives, feel the force, listen to the word. Mark my words … you can’t hear enough. Watch for more information as to the film’s premiere in the pages of the Community Journal.

MUL will celebrate silver

anniversary of the Black & White Ball at the Bradley Center

The Milwaukee Urban League’s annual Black & White Ball will be held Saturday, June 19, at the Bradley Center, featuring national recording artists, The Spinners. This is an especially exciting year as the organization celebrates the 25th anniversary of this special event.