Prototype Issue
Wake-Up Call: La Prima Dominique
By Dianne V. Lawrence
(page 2 of 3)Can you identify any interesting changes in the black community? The reparations movement is moving from the fringes to the mainstream of Black consciousness. I believe it will continue to emerge and gain strength. Even the opposition to it by some conservative Blacks will only serve to fuel the conversation/organizing around this issue.
What’s not being openly talked about? I have observed a generation gap in Black/Brown relations. Although there are notable exceptions to this, the older generation of African Americans appears to be more suspicious of Latino people and more convinced that they as a group are racist and constitute a threat to Black LA. The younger generation seems more willing to collaborate with Latinos, give them the benefit of the doubt, learn about their various cultures and educate them on ours.
I believe the same is true for LA Latinos (except, of course, when it comes to gang-mandated hate.) The older generation tends to believe the old stereotypes of Black people whereas the younger generation sees more first hand, dates each other, refers to hip-hop and is more open. I see this as an opportunity for both communities to better their conditions.
Some callers give you a hard time for what you do and represent. What’s that about? I am a woman. I am black. I am outspoken. I am an artist. I am not afraid. I guess those are all elements with built-in resistance in our society. What’s behind that is backward tradition. And then sometimes the resistance comes from self. It’s not fear but maybe a lack of confidence or old tape loops that need to be purged.
But you do have supporters. I find support everywhere. Women, black people, progressive people, people who like smart-asses or fun conversation. Artists, young people, rebels and outcasts of all stripes. People who advocate common sense— these are all places where I find support. I truly believe what’s behind the support is love: love of themselves of me and of what’s next! I often find support where I least expect it. I am learning to expect support and not get caught up in a defensive posture.
How would you describe the theme or the basic rules of the supportive world you know -the zeitgest? Change, flexibility, movement away from fear, toward a fully realized humanity and the freedom of honesty…the freedom of being accountable to a higher power.
What are you afraid of? My own stupidity.
How do you define the group you belong to? Humanity.
What inspires you? People inspire me. Simple stuff people do. When they stand up for each other and what they believe in. When they are creative and funny and make things work, however they gotta make things work. Great movies, poetry, art, music and great food inspire me. My husband and son, my family, my God…I guess I must be pretty inspired after all.
And your teachers were? My parents, mostly. Roberto Clemente aka Anabi Osun, my godfather.
And cultural influences? Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Audre Lorde, Eric B. & Rakim, Nelson Mandela, Bette Davis, Run DMC.
What has your production company produced? We have done a couple of documentaries, including one on the Gang Peace Movement called SOS-The State of the ’Hood. We’ve done fundraising pieces for Homeboy Industries, The Gwen Bolden Youth Foundation, the Amer-I can Foundation. We do a lot of work with comedian J. Anthony Brown, including a mockumentary short that was featured at this year’s Pan-African Film Festival (Tambourine Man,) and a comedy/reality feature (A Day in the Life of J. Anthony Brown). We are currently working on a documentary on domestic violence that will be used as an organizing tool for young people. And we have a couple of other pieces in the works—one on urban tennis, one on boxing, one historical piece on an enslaved community.
What areas are you mostly learning now? I am focused on spiritual progress, the art of filmmaking, radio and the science of money. I want to be more financially literate.
If you could fix anything in LA, what would it be? The Los Angeles Unified School District.
What else makes you uncomfortable? Karl Rove. Botox. Snackables. Being over or under dressed.
Got any local heroes? Connie Rice [an attorney and civic activist] She is fearless and super-smart. We need to get serious about her plan for peace on the streets.
DiPrima on DiPrima
Birthsign: Gemini
Home Decor: Africa/Cuba on sale
Recreations: Dining out, yoga, movies.
Fave places in LA County: The beach, sushi bars,my house.
Fave restaurants: Creole Chef, La Bodeguita de Pico, Simply Wholesome.
Music preferences: R&B, conscious hip-hop, Afro Cuban
Earns: Not enough. It varies wildly, as I am self-employed plus radio.
Discussion