This is a classic J-Live record from the emcee, producer, and DJ who could keep it light, lyrical, and loving. But would at times challenge his audience to think deeper as he did on this record talking about the aftermath of 9-11, President Bush who along w/ corporate media weree instigating a war call, police brutality, and more. What are your thoughts?
Dig this? Listen to some more protest songs here!
Here’s a quote that I heard in an interview w/ educator and historian Erica Buddington. She was quoting one of her teachers but I found these words through her so I put her name and attributed it to her teacher Mr. Bowman. Handwriting by me.
What this means to me, sometimes you have to pop out, step out, or step out of what is conventional thinking. Do you research, homework, due diligence, etc. But if you know what everyone else is saying or doing goes against your moral compass, push back with integrity and openness to learn.
Dig this? Check out this quote from Toni Morrison
Ey, this is a book bundle you can purchase from my shop. At any given time I may have some or all of the books I’ve worked on as an illustrator or author. Right now, I’ve got 6. Wanna send this bundle to a friend?
Dig this? Check out this interview I did with Pendarvis Harshaw of “Rightnowish”.
I don’t want the most lethal fighting force in the world– I want to universal health care. That is: tooth ache, eyes checked, check ups whenever needed, emergency services, mental health care, disease treatment, etc.
US politicians can send billions to a genocidal regime, but my fam gotta do a gofund me if they get sick?
Dig this? Check out my letters for a Free Palestine
Hey, these are three characters from the 90s film Mi Vida Loca directed by Allison Anders. The three characters depicted here are Whisper, Mousie, and Sad Girl. I thought about drawing Ernesto too, but really wanted to honor the themes of female empowerment and friendship from the film. Whats your favorite line from the film?
On the film: The year was 1993 and writer/director Allison Anders film had just released. I was staying with my Dad in Hayward Ca (Bay Area) and we went to the movies to see it. Being that there were so few portrayals of young Latin@ people, families, or communities I was super juiced to see the film! It reminded me of Chicanos in Berkeley at the time. I remember loving it and arguing with my Dad who is from LA and did not love it. He argued that it was a stereotypical gang life portrayal of Chicanos in Echo Park. But, I felt it was a loving portrait that showed pain, love, sorrow, relationships, and triumph. 30 years later I belive the film still stands up and the messages about sisterhood, female empowerment, the dangers of tribal warfare (gangs), machismo, and even class still ring true. Have you seen it? Check out the individual characters below for more info.
About me: My name is Robert Liu-Trujillo. I’m a mixed kid-Black, Korean, Mexican, and Apache. And I’m an author/artist from the Bay Area. My most recent book is “Fresh Juice/ Jugo Fresco”. Nice to meet you.
Character 172 – Whisper
Character 173 – Mousie
Character 174 – Sad Girl
Dig this? Check out my throwback drawings of three characters from the 80s film “Stand and Deliver”
This is “Sad Girl” played by actor Angel Aviles. From the relationship with her sister, Ernesto, her friendship and rivalry with Mousie, and her place as a Loca; Sad girl carries the film. I love when she’s shy, tough, and a friend, and mama she portrays as Sad Girl. One of my favorite scenes is when she invites Mousie to go to McDonalds, when she tells the guys in River valley their drinks taste like shit, or when she is calm even when Mousie is getting on her nerves. Angel Aviles is an accomplished actor who has been in several films and tv shows. She’s a mom, and an author who has made it her mission to help young women as a life coach!
On the film: The year was 1993 and writer/director Allison Anders film had just released. I was staying with my Dad in Hayward Ca (Bay Area) and we went to the movies to see it. Being that there were so few portrayals of young Latin@ people, families, or communities I was super juiced to see the film! It reminded me of Chicanos in Berkeley at the time. I remember loving it and arguing with my Dad who is from LA and did not love it. He argued that it was a stereotypical gang life portrayal of Chicanos in Echo Park. But, I felt it was a loving portrait that showed pain, love, sorrow, relationships, and triumph. 30 years later I belive the film still stands up and the messages about sisterhood, female empowerment, the dangers of tribal warfare (gangs), machismo, and even class still ring true. Have you seen it? Comment below w/ your favorite line?
About me: My name is Robert Liu-Trujillo. I’m a mixed kid-Black, Korean, Mexican, and Apache. And I’m an author/artist from the Bay Area. My most recent book is “Fresh Juice/ Jugo Fresco”. Nice to meet you.
Dig this? Check out my throwback drawings of three characters from the 80s film “Stand and Deliver”
This is Mousie played by the incredible and accomplished actor Seidy Lopez. You might have seen her in Selena, Training Day, or the newest Netflix Selena series. What I appreciate so much about Mousie in the film was her fierceness, the one liners like “please”, and how skilled she is at her craft as an actor. She played phases of Mousie’s life so well she became that character. I hope she directs a film some day! This is the second in a series of characters from the 1993 film “Mi Vida Loca”. Check out Whisper here.
On the film: The year was 1993 and writer/director Allison Anders film had just released. I was staying with my Dad in Hayward Ca (Bay Area) and we went to the movies to see it. Being that there were so few portrayals of young Latin@ people, families, or communities I was super juiced to see the film! It reminded me of Chicanos in Berkeley at the time. I remember loving it and arguing with my Dad who is from LA and did not love it. He argued that it was a stereotypical gang life portrayal of Chicanos in Echo Park. But, I felt it was a loving portrait that showed pain, love, sorrow, relationships, and triumph. 30 years later I belive the film still stands up and the messages about sisterhood, female empowerment, the dangers of tribal warfare (gangs), machismo, and even class still ring true. Have you seen it? Comment below w/ your favorite line?
About me: My name is Robert Liu-Trujillo. I’m a mixed kid-Black, Korean, Mexican, and Apache. And I’m an author/artist from the Bay Area. My most recent book is “Fresh Juice/ Jugo Fresco”. Nice to meet you.
Dig this? Check out my throwback drawings of three characters from the 80s film “Stand and Deliver”. Peace.
This is Whisper from Mi Vida Loca. I loved her voice and just how natural she portrayed this character as an actor. I was just a teenager and I loved Whisper’s character as a strong mujer, business women, and friend. In the film she is portrayed by actor Nélida López.
On the film: The year was 1993 and writer/director Allison Anders film had just released. I was staying with my Dad in Hayward Ca (Bay Area) and we went to the movies to see it. Being that there were so few portrayals of young Latin@ people, families, or communities I was super juiced to see the film! It reminded me of Chicanos in Berkeley at the time. I remember loving it and arguing with my Dad who is from LA and did not love it. He argued that it was a stereotypical gang life portrayal of Chicanos in Echo Park. But, I felt it was a loving portrait that showed pain, love, sorrow, relationships, and triumph. 30 years later I belive the film still stands up and the messages about sisterhood, female empowerment, the dangers of tribal warfare (gangs), machismo, and even class still ring true. Have you seen it? Comment below w/ your favorite line?
About me: My name is Robert Liu-Trujillo. I’m a mixed kid-Black, Korean, Mexican, and Apache. And I’m an author/artist from the Bay Area. My most recent book is “Fresh Juice/ Jugo Fresco”. Nice to meet you.
Dig this? Check out my throwback drawings of three characters from the 80s film “Stand and Deliver”. Peace.
Link to interview with Be a and Harvey of EastWind Books. Last Spring I got the chance to speak and table at an event in Berkeley California supporting a new model curriculum about Ethnic Studies; one of my favorite things to talk about. And while I was there I got a chance to speak to Bea and Harvey. They were both so kind and actually carried one of my books! I regret not going to EastWind more when the physical location was open, but as you’ll hear in this episode they are still publishing and selling books. Their advocacy and work is so freaking important so please check out their work here.
Really enjoyed this episode of “Asian American History 101” which I found through an awesome interview w/ my good friend and fellow kid lit creator Nidhi Chanani. This seems like a really cool podcast to follow and listen to for historic and current perspectives on AAPI in the US! Love the fact that is a father daughter duo too:)
Dig this? Check out this Inspiration Board I made featuring books, art, film, and more.
If you like me believe that the US govt must stop sending bombs and arms to Israel, sign this petition. Personally I have felt like screw both parties for a long time but I don’t have a long time to get into the two party system, or how both party candidates are bvacked by similar wealthy interests. The masses of people if they are not getting behind the Green Party or the Party for Socialism and Liberation are getting behind Kamala.
If you agree that we need to stop the genocide in Palestine Sign the Petition
The time push her on issues is BEFORE she gets elected. Yes fuck trump, but do not be fooled. Lets support efforts to make her commit to an arms embargo. No weapons or bombs for genocide. Follow and support the “UnCommitted Movement” which started to protest Biden’s Gaza policy.
Here’s the event in Oakland, my home town. The world is witnessing a genocide in Palestine, and we cannot unsee it. Understand that that genocide only takes place with the financial backing and support of the US government. Before Oct 7th there was an apartheid state in Palestine/Israel and the way activists stopped the apartheid in South Africa was by putting pressure on politicians. Please act in solidarity for Gaza, for the world, and for our country.
Dig this? Check out this statement in solidarity with Palestine by Black Women Radicals