ROVE

In 1905, the scholar and activist W.E.B. Du Bois became a founding member of The Niagara Movement, a civil-rights group dedicated to social and political change for African Americans and the predecessor to the NAACP. Two years later in 1907 he penned his poem "The Song of the Smoke", in which he explores the dual consciousness of being both black and American, and the symptoms of slavery and racism. Du Bois was a pioneering leader who viewed art, especially literature, as a way to address the immense inequalities in America.

Over a century later the poem landed in the hands of Allan Monga, a high school student forced to flee violence in his home country of Zambia and seek asylum in the United States. His journey took him to Portland, Maine where he took to poetry recital, eventually competing in and winning a regional poetry contest.

The national foundation that oversees the contest banned Allan from participating in the national finals in Washington DC, where he would represent the state of Maine. They cited his asylum status and lack of U.S. citizenship. Monga successfully petitioned the courts to compete as a noncitizen in the national championships in Washington, DC.

Despite the fact that he did not go on to win the contest, as Allan said, "I am not the only kid who's an immigrant...I wanted to create a way that kind of opened the door for everyone." In the wake of Allan's efforts, The National Endowment for the Arts would go on to eliminate the rule blocking non-citizens from competing in the contest.

To support the artistic development of people of African descent, check out Indigo Arts Alliance.
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"The Song of the Smoke" by W.E.B. Du Bois

Recited by Allan Junior Monga

Director/Producer: ROVE
Color: Evan Kultangwatana
Sound Design + Mix: Pete Morse at Red Vault Audio

Fond memories of time spent with some super talented people this past summer, documenting Will Sears' mural come to life in downtown Portland, Maine. Big thanks to everyone who helped out and played a part in bringing this project to life.

Thanks to Film Shortage for premiering our new short film THE NEON BENDER. Check it out at the link below:

https://filmshortage.com/dailyshortpicks/the-neon-bender/

Director's Cut for Hippo Campus track "Golden" is now live! Follow the link below to watch people get gold paint poured all over them :)

https://bit.ly/2OzYWEl

New werrrrrk out now for Hippo Campus! Follow the link below to watch the full video in all its golden glory. Taking guesses on how many gallons of gold paint we used for this shoot : )

NPR affiliate From the Top gave us the keys to bring this music video to life. The Boston University + Tanglewood Music Center youth orchestra meets the wilderness of Western, MA — set to a live recording of Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring"

Here is a short piece we made after spending a mid-winter afternoon with Paul Kane — owner of Don's Sports Card Center in Portland, Maine.

We wanted to ask Paul about the state of collecting and memorabilia in the year 2018.

In Paul's words: "People will always collect."

Music by Ahmadeus