 Haiku in my Neighborhood by Dee Dee McNeil photographs Roland Charles Meet poet/author Dee Dee McNeil as she discusses and signs Haiku in my Neighborhood photographs by Roland Charles. The essence of this project is to evoke cultural awareness using photographic visual images to support haiku poetry. Haiku is a celebrated, centuries-old Japanese verse form of three unrhymed lines; in this case, using five syllables in the first line, seven in the second line, and five in the third line. Few, if an, currently marketed haiku books are written from an African American perspective. This makes this book truly unique for the marketplace. Haiku in my Neighborhood depicts urban communities worldwide. These life images are meant to enhance art appreciation and excite the imagination of the reader. Dee Dee McNeil's expressive haiku poems and the provocative photographic images of the lat, internationally acclaimed photographer, Roland Charles, take the reader on a fascinating journey through various neighborhoods. This project has been a labor of love between two longtime friends; writer Dee Dee McNeil and Roland Charles's widow, Deborah Charles. As two African American women, they have the sensitivity and desire to present positive images of people of color worldwide, while sharing life's stark realities. It is the hope that this work will promote harmony between people, justice and peace. about Ms. McNeil Dee Dee is a singer, songwriter, poet, journalist, producer, playwright and educator. As a contract songwriter for Motown Records in her native Detroit, Michigan, many legendary artists recorded her music including: Diana Ross & The Supremes, Gladys Knight & The Pips, David Ruffin, Edwin Star, The Four Tops, Nancy Wilson, Rita Marley, Kiki Dee, Jonah Jones, Side Effect, the rapper 'Styles.' McNeil was a contributing member of the historic rap group, The Watts Prophets, now recognized as one of the major forerunners of contemporary hip hop music. She was one of the first women to rap in the late '60s and early 70's, speaking up as an articulate champion for women's rights. One of her raps about respect for women was used as the televised theme song during New Zealand's Miss Universe Contest in 1983. The plays she has written are based on historic figures and their musical contributions. In 2001, she won the BET (Black Entertainment Television Network) Jazz Discovery Competition and appeared in concert on BET's internationally syndicated television program. As a writer and syndicated columnist, her articles and CD reviews have appeared in Cadence Magazine, All About Jazz, Pathfinders Travel Magazine and the Michigan Chronicle Newspaper. Dee Dee chairs the Artist Development program, and is a seasoned vocal instructor and arranger for CCM's vocal ensembles. where to view photographs: M HANKS GALLERY - Neighborhood: Main Street
- 3008 Main St.
- Santa Monica, CA
- 310-392-8820
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