Features

The Ru Report #132

The Low Down On Down Low
There appears to be a new "good book" available for mass consumption, that should be required reading.

And ironically, it's the "King, James" version.

If you're not one of the millions of people who recently watched a much buzzed about episode of The Almighty O ("Oprah") or read this week's edition of JET magazine, or even saw that major spread in The Chicago Sun-Times, last week, let me introduce you to J. L. King; author of the controversial new book, ON THE DOWN LOW: A Journey Into The Lives of "Straight" Black Men Who Sleep With Men (Broadway Books).

Culled from numerous interviews, statistics, and the author's firsthand knowledge of DL (Down Low) behavior, this explosive tome blows the lid off of Black Men and bisexuality.

And the hard-covered book has caused hysteria amongst Black women, who the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) claims is the fastest growing group for new HIV/AIDS cases. According to the latest studies, seventy-five percent of black women who have contracted the disease have gotten it from heterosexual sex.

The book will make you gag.

Written "with" one of my all-time favorite authors, media powerhouse-on-the-rise Karen Hunter (New York Daily News, WWRL-AM and best-selling books by Queen Latifah, LL Cool J and Wendy Williams), ON THE DOWN LOW is the fiercest wake-up call for a demographic that has consistently condemned and avoided the bitter truth about duplicitous sexual behaviors and alternative sexual orientations.

And although we have had certain "mainstream" elite and left wing New York media outlets tackle the subject over the past few years with trend-spotting splashy spreads, Mr. King's literary offering doesn't treat this devastating dilemma as a passing fancy. In a topical, digestive fashion, he exposes and reveals the warning signs and protective measures every African American woman (and men) needs to know.

But let's not digress with our beliefs, opinions and objections. Let's get down to business.

J.L. King will take his show on the road with a national tour including Chicago (May 14, May 20), Indianapolis (May 18), and Washington, DC (May 29). According to a publicist at Broadway Books, other cities being routed include Los Angeles, New York, Detroit, Wilmington, Orlando, Atlanta, Memphis, Baltimore, Kansas City.

The self-proclaimed HIV/STD prevention activist, educator, and author, is on a whirlwind these days with his hot button topic of a closeted culture of sex between black men who lead "straight" lives.

ON THE DOWN LOW was originally due to arrive in bookstores on May 11, but is already selling out at major book chains across the country. The book is in its third printing already, and according to a Random House spokesperson, will appear on the New York Times best-seller list on May 2.

Before the feeding frenzy goes into overdrive, The RU Report caught up to Mr. King, a Chicago-based, father of three who has quite an interesting story to tell.

Truthfully and wholeheartedly, what was the impetus of writing this book?

The impetus for writing this book has a couple of sources. On one level, it was my response to the rising HIV infection rates plaguing our community and my frustration with the lack of impact "traditional" awareness and prevention messages were having. I wanted to share from my research and experiences so that others would be more compelled to look at their sexual behaviors differently, ask harder questions and approach sexual relationships differently.

On another level, this project is representative of my ongoing personal transformation. As I have become a stronger man, and by that I mean I'm a man who engages in self-reflection and embraces truth, I have become more willing to step outside of myself and use my life in a way that contributes to others. This book is one of many offerings, many contributions, I hope to make.

You and Oprah held court on her show recently. It has had a ripple effect. Everyone is still buzzing about your appearance. How has your life changed since then?

Being on 'Oprah' has raised the platform for my work, considerably. When Oprah speaks, the world listens. Since my appearance on her show, requests for interviews and speaking engagements have sky rocketed. People want to hear what I have to say, ask more questions, seek to understand "DL" behavior. Anticipation about the book has gone through the roof as well.

On a more personal note, the appearance on Oprah signified the end of my anonymity. I'm recognizable now and am learning to manage all of the blessings and curses associated with having a public persona.

Who have been your harshest critics?

My harshest critics have been those who are afraid and those who rush to judgment about the message I'm delivering before they understand it. There are those who miss the mark completely and attempt to focus on the personal transgressions of J.L. King, thereby converting my message into something that its not. On a similar note, there are those who don't believe we should talk about this behavior at all, because it's painful or because they still doubt the veracity of my research and experiences.

Best-selling author E. Lynn Harris was on board to write the Foreword to this controversial work. I noticed he didn't make the final cut. What happened?

Mr. Harris has been very busy working on a new book and working on other projects that he is involved with. That is what I was told by my editor, which is also his editor at Doubleday. I personally have not talked to him about why he didn't write the Foreword.

Since news of the book started seeping out last summer, everyone seems to be jumping on the Down Low bandwagon. What are your thoughts?

My thought is that we need as many committed soldiers as we can get to fight this pandemic. So, if my work has inspired others to do similar work and they're impacting lives in a positive way, then I say 'Bless Them.'

Tell me, what was the hardest part writing this book?

Being honest with yourself, in the privacy of your thoughts and reconciling who you've been with and who you know you are called to be, is difficult in and of itself. That was challenging for me but I made it through that phase. Deciding to share my experiences publicly was even more challenging but I was able to work through my personal challenges with that as well. Most difficult for me was contemplating the impact that this book would have on those close to me, especially my children and other family members. But God even worked that out for me. My children and family have demonstrated extraordinary courage and support for the book and the work that I do. I'm extremely grateful for that.

The publishing of this book has sent shock-waves throughout the Black community, particularly amongst Black women. Was that your intention?

I have a deep and abiding love for Black women. My intention has never been "shock and awe". My intention was simply to deliver truth. The shock waves have come, and they were anticipated, because the Black community, as a whole, has been reluctant to discuss some of the harder issues related to sexual behaviors. Anytime the foundation of what we know to be true is shaken, there's fall-out. That's what we're experiencing with the publication of my book. But the bigger blessings will come later when we collectively transform the angry and confused energy we feel around this topic into meaningful and transforming work. Black women and Black men will ultimately benefit from this work.

You were pretty harsh with your assessment of the Black church in the book. I, and many others, can agree with you on some points. What has the outcome been, especially from your family members who are acting churchgoers and clergy?

I disagree that my assessment of the Black church was harsh, I wrote about my experiences and observations.. I have tremendous reverence and respect for the black church and what that institution has meant for our community. Like any other relationship, my relationship with the Black church as been marked by both the joys and pains associated with being part of a faith community.

In the book I speak about the powerful examples being set in Black churches around the country that are addressing the needs of their congregations and communities in very real ways. I also speak to the ways in which the Black church, in many instances, has turned its back on those most in need of its support. Both experiences are true from my perspective and I deal with both in the book.

Talk about being Down Low. Sum it up for the folks out there who can not grasp the idea of a man looking, acting and even being like an infamous hip-hop thug icon sleeping with other men, and never ever fathoming the thought that he is really a homosexual.

In order to understand the psyche of a "DL" man, you have to first step outside of the world of rational thought. These brothers are so deep in denial that they explain away the truth with every sexual encounter they have with another man. From their perspective, having sex with a man is nothing more than physical release. Their identity is not associated with that act. Instead, they derive their sense of self from the heterosexual world that they engage in otherwise. They don't participate in "gay culture" or associate in any other way with the homosexual world. So, they separate their physical worlds from their mental worlds. It's a very deep and very dangerous form of denial.

Where are you now in your life? Have you come to terms with what you've done? How did you overcome it? If you're no longer Down Low, what are you? Low Down?

I am at peace with myself and my decision to bring light to this subject. My motto is: To create a movement of awareness and prevention. And I feel I have done that with my life story, my book and stepping out with un wavering courage and faith. I pray that other brothers who are still living on the DL will use me as an example and start changing their behavior.

You're going on tour and I know that's going to be a whole lot. What happens after the tour? What's next for you? What's the grand plan for JL King?

The "grand plan" for J.L. King has many facets. I'm committed to using my voice as an advocate for those who remain hurting and unheard. I'm very excited about the work that I'll be able to accomplish through my foundation, which is named in the memory of my beloved mother, Lillie Mae King. Through that particular vehicle, I'll be able to offer support to those who care for and work with children impacted by HIV/AIDS. This is work that's very close to my heart. I'm also working on the "Conversations Tour" which will be an international tour that addresses issues of race, relationships and restoration. This will be a powerful opportunity to connect with communities of color around the world and create dialogue and build the skills necessary to facilitate healing and restoration. And of course there will be more books.

Putting The Duke's Up
For the love of money.

Duke Ellington's famed piano is up for grabs.

New York's Michael Rosenfeld Gallery will set out to sell the Kramer white baby grand piano that the famed composer created dozens of jazz classics on as a highlight of its forthcoming exhibition titled, "MOOD INDIGO: The Legacy of Duke Ellington (A Look at Jazz & Improvisation in American Art)." The exhibit will run May 21 through July 30.

After four decades as the focal point of Mr. Ellington's compositions, two decades with Ellington's only sibling, Ruth Ellington, and two decades with nephew Stephen D. James, the instrument will be on view to the public for the first time. The piano has a $1,000,000 value and will be available for the general public to view and purchase throughout the exhibition.

"I grew up in this illustrious family around this wonderful piano," Mr. James offered in a statement. "The piano's graceful lines are a constant reminder of my cherished times with my esteemed Uncle Edward and his glorious musical legacy. While I absolutely love the piano, I would be pleased to have it purchased by an art institution to share it with the world or by a collector or fan who cherishes Duke Ellington's contributions as much as I do."

"When Stephen came to us with the thought of selling this beautiful family heirloom, we were thrilled and intrigued at participating in the transition of this part of American musical history," offered gallery director Halley K. Harrisburg.

Is nothing sacred anymore?

Well, I guess not if Michael Jackson can buy The Elephant Man's bones.

There was no announcement of the proceeds going to a charity or arts foundation.

In addition to the piano, artwork inspired by jazz and improvisation by some of America's leading artists--such as Romare Bearden, Hans Hofmann, Lee Krasner, Norman Lewis and Archibald J. Motley-- will be on display and for purchase. Photographs by the legendary Gordon Parks will also be included.

A fully illustrated color catalogue will accompany the exhibition.

Michael Rosenfeld Gallery (212) 247-0082.

Etc:
Try this one out for size: the first 24-hour, all Caribbean television network in the US. It's called Caribbean Super Station (CSS) and starting on July 1, the proposed media outlet will bean news, sport, and entertainment as well as educational programs across the states, according to the Irie Jam Media Group of New York, which recently announced a partnership with the Urban Television Network Corporation (UATV). Seeking to capitalize on the growing Caribbean immigrant population in US that by some accounts has exceeded 6 million, CSS has already started daily broadcast of 6-hour blocks of programming on satellite and is in ongoing discussions with Time Warner and affiliate cable stations across the U.S. to get on their programming grid. UATV is a publicly traded Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas based television network composed of affiliate broadcast television stations across the country that air programming supplied by the network via satellite transmission.

According to a statement, the network competes with BET, which is owned by Viacom Inc., for the urban market niche. The network has approximately 70 affiliates with a household coverage of approximately 22 million households. Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam Media, says of the venture: "We saw the need to operate our own Caribbean network. Other ethnic groups have done it so it was an obvious next step to proceed with this initiative." Onward and upward, mon.

And we knew it wouldn't be too long before Miss Deborah Cox blessed us with some new dance music. This time she's mixed things up with "Easy As Life" the theme song from her star-turn in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, "AIDA." Featuring additional lyrics by Tim Rice, the track was produced by Tony Moran and Warren Rigg and is not quite available for retail sale, but can be downloaded for free online at disneyonbroadway.com.

"Easy As Life" is the powerhouse ballad of lost love that Miss Cox brings the house down with in the second act of every performance. Executive produced by her beloved hubby/manager Lascelles Stephens, the song works perfectly in her growing repertoire. "When Deborah began performances in 'AIDA,' this song instantly became a signature moment for her in the show," Mr. Stephens comments. "We quickly realized that having her go into the studio to record this remix was a wonderful way for Deborah to introduce her fans to her new endeavor on Broadway."

Tony Award winning Mr. Rice was excited by the idea of Cox recording a dance remix of the song he wrote, and contributed additional lyrics to the dance mix. "I have always felt that it is a shame that Broadway and the popular music charts have often drifted away from each other. I am therefore delighted to hear a Top 40 take on one of the songs from 'AIDA,' especially in the peerless command of Deborah Cox (and because I wrote the words)."

Janet Jackson who? FCC what? The show will go on for the Lingerie Bowl 2005, after all. Horizon Productions recently announced that former NFL stars William "The Fridge" Perry and Lawrence Taylor have signed on to coach against each other in the Lingerie Football League's (LFL) second annual"Super Bowl XXXIX" halftime alternative "Lingerie Bowl 2005".

The Lingerie Football League--that's realty the name--will feature four teams of model/actress' which include defending champion Los Angeles Temptation, Dallas Desire, Chicago Bliss and New York Euphoria. The four teams will face-off in the inaugural "Garter & Lace Championship Sunday" which is a single elimination playoff on January 30, 2005 to determine who advances to play in the second annual "Lingerie Bowl." Even in the midst of corporate shake-ups and Un-American Censorship, Horizon will begin discussions with potential corporate sponsors of the Lingerie Football League and Lingerie Bowl 2005 in June, according to a statement.

Notable/Quotable
"I think you achieve your greatest level of humanity when you challenge yourself to do something difficult for somebody else."
--Forthright Civil Rights Activist Al Sharpton.

It's my life. Don't you forget. It's my life. It never ends!

Next Week
The Ru Report kicks off a its Give My Regards…month-long series celebrating the theatrical arts. Stay tuned.

Message Karu F Daniels or email him directly at therureport@aol.com

©2003 The Ru Report™. All Rights Reserved~~P.O. Box #25 Bushkill PA 18324

Karu F. Daniels

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