A Crooklyn READ!!!!!!!!!

Being a Crooklynite and living in one of the most diverse places in the world is simply refreshing. When I'm surrounded by so many individuals of different cultures it truly brings me closer to people from all walks of life more and more. Living in the melting pot of diversity I have the opportunity to be a sponge and soak it all up! Around my way I get a five minute lesson in Arabic at my local cornerstore by the hilarious Yemen owner who decided to rename me Shahla, which means "Beautiful Eyes." Then, If I'm running countless errands on Flatbush avenue I usually receive two very honorable bows from my favorite Ethopian and Jamaican Rasta buddies (who might I add are both ridiculously gorgeous) who sells me shea butter and lectures me on how to remain pure and regal while living "inna Babylon infiltrated society." Somedays I get to brush up my Salsa dancing skills or discuss Jay-z lyrics with the cute and very tall Puerto Rican employee from the 99 cents store on Cortelyou. On weekends I get to chat it up with the funny Japanese lady at the cleaners about topics ranging from jerk chicken to Stella Mccartney. Almost no where in the world can one experience that but here. I've made it a duty to get to know everyone, often times to some that seems peculiar in a world where stereotypes unfortunately get the best of us and limit boundless possibilties. Claude Grunitzky, a true optimist and Editor-in-Chief of Trace Magazine has created a movement that will broaden our perspective and lives.

When I first read about Transcultralism in TRACE magazine I was in awe by the fact that there was a word that defined my quest and role in life. For those of you anxious for the definition, Transcultralism is a movement and lifeline that emphasizes on examining and incorporating studies on how we can influence/or be incluenced by different cultures, lifestyles and identities. Grunitzky and TRACE collaborators have created a book titled,
"Transculturalism: How the World is Coming Together," that consists of moving essays by transcultralist from all over the world.

I'm up to this essay, here's a sneak peek, http://www.transculturalism.com/popup/index.cfm?essay_ID=3.

Last week I had the chance to meet Claude at the Fiaf in the LEskyroom and I must say he is truly a humble down to earth trancultralist on a mission to change lives. Do read and Spread the WORD!

These are some pics of the lecture I attended! A little dark and blurry, Sorry:(

(Transcultralist meet and greet each other)

(Transcultralist Discuss, World Nomad, Dre and Silvana)

(Trace staff writer Nikko Misko Marko Lencek-Inagaki and former Trace Intern)

(FIERCE Transcultralists, Dre and Me)

(WHEN Two World Nomads COLLIDE,LOL)

(Myself with the man of the night, Claude Grunitzky)

To find out more Transcultralism and the book, visit http://www.transculturalism.com/. And SUPPORT TRACE, it's the only magazine right now that features substantial content these days, http://www.trace212.com/!