By Shelondra Peavy
According to Wikipedia, the Harlem Renaissance was an intellectual, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York, spanning the 1920s. During this era, it was also known as the “New Negro Movement”, named after The New Negro, a 1925 anthology edited by Alain Locke. As a professor at Howard University during that era, Mr. Locke intently observed the “movement”, expressing in his anthology how the Artists of the Harlem Renaissance sought to change old stereotypes and replaced them with new visions of “black identity” that resisted simplification (and misrepresentation). With this in mind, I can completely understand why the modest pioneers of Houston’s fiery new creative arts exhibition are appropriately named “The New Renaissance Crew”. Alain Locke also wrote about how writers, such as Langston Hughes, sought to give voice to the lower, working class; just as Houston’s “New Renaissance Crew” deliberately appeals to the same group as well.
Allow me to say that much like Professor Alain Locke had conducted his own observations; I recently observed the same wave of energy when I drifted into a tropically charming little place located at 411 Westheimer for a much-needed “Lone” Happy Hour Getaway. Allowing the melodic wailing of live saxophones to draw me in, I immediately recognized that what I was witnessing felt endearingly different from your “typical spoken word and/or musical showcase”; absolutely organic and heart-felt, having no hints of superficiality.
That said; as an intuitive lover of true African-American Art and the expressions thereof, I knew immediately that this humble group of monotony-breaking moonlighters was on to something exceptionally special. In their personal lives, they tend earnestly to various professions and social circumstances day-by-day. Yet, they unite on every 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Friday of the month and explore their unique areas of artistic gifts (poetry, singing, “non-vulgar” and socially inclined rap, etc.). And they graciously extend an open invitation to EVERY other interested Houstonian to join them in a wonderful night of artistic self-expression.
Even one of the Music Industry’s nationally sought-after talents, Lil Flip, has been scanning the premises for “first pickings” of the fruit that this Artistic Tree bears.
Having just decided to kick his newest project “Flipped Literature” into full gear, he kindly agreed to do his part in catapulting the group to new heights; offering each of them (and EVERY other interested Houstonian) the opportunity to become a part of a poetic compilation book titled “Lyrical Genius, Volume I”: Thus, giving all participants a personal jolt in the area of artistic expression, inclusion, dream-manifestation, and entrepreneurship. 
Having released his own book, titled “Don’t Let the Music Industry Fool You!” on April 15, 2014, the rapper had already expressed an interest in other areas of art, aside from rapping. So, in accordance to his own love for expressive and creative art, and also in line with his special compassion for aspiring artists, he will join the New Renaissance Crew on Friday, November 8th, 2019 and perform “a number or two” for their cause. Bearing in mind that their cause does not deviate much at all from that of the Harlem Renaissance Artists, I would admonish us all to stop by on one Friday evening and catch the refreshing wave of an intellectual, social, and artistic explosion that’s brewing RIGHT NOW in the heart of Houston.
Note to Reader: The New Renaissance Crew will present “Black Label Horns / SAX in the City” on Friday, October 11th at 7pm. (at 411 Westheimer, Hou TX 77006). If you or an acquaintance is interested in becoming a Literary Contributor for Lil Flip’s Book (Lyrical Genius, Volume I), please advise the hostess of that night’s event (October 11th)… or email: AnointedNoise@yahoo.com for further information.
