I believe in signs. On Saturday as I walked past the library I noticed that someone had placed a rock on top of a tree trunk. I’d never noticed the trunk before, and couldn’t remember what the tree had looked like or just when it was cut down. Walking down that corridor—Flatbush Avenue, with Prospect Park on one side and the Botanic Garden on the other—always starts me dreaming. It’s a valley of shadows. I’d just passed the garden and wondered who had planted the corn stalks that are growing halfway up the steep slope that rises beyond the garden’s spiked cast iron fence. Then the library was on my right, and I happened to glance at that tree trunk with the rock. I looked from the rock to the space-age public toilet that was installed on the other side of the street and knew both would find their way into this new book. Went for a run on Sunday and as I passed the boulder marking Battle Pass, noticed someone had tagged it with purple spray paint. Immediately heard D’s voice, “Some kids got no respect.” Thought about going back to take a picture but kept on going. Came home, got on the train to head downtown and realized I’d left my wallet behind…got off at the next station and walked home through my old neighborhood of Prospect Heights. As I headed down Washington Ave. with the garden on my right, a flash of red caught my eye—a cardinal swooped past and perched on the fence just a foot or two away. Then his mate called him and he slipped back inside the garden and out of sight. If I hadn’t left my wallet and taken that route home I would have missed my friend; he finds me whenever I’m in the garden, but I haven’t been there in a while because my visitor pass expired. Didn’t renew it because I thought I might be leaving the city, but now I know I’m here for good. And for a reason. Am designing a course on Race & Environmental Justice and had just added “Shell in Nigeria” to my list of topics when Nayani posted this on Facebook. A good hook to get students interested in Ken Saro-Wiwa…everything’s connected.
Fledgling 
Very interesting topic you’re looking into. I’m sure you’ve heard of it but my introduction both to Nigeria and to shell / environmental issues / oil years ago was The Politics of Bones by J. Timothy Hunt. I’ve actually got a few other books on the topic if you’re interested let me know and I can share the list of titles!
Love the song and video. I’m sure you’ve also heard Ballad of the Black Gold by Reflection Eternal? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phzHbzMu7E4)
Thanks, Amy! I hadn’t seen Black Gold and will add it to my class playlist…*if* this course gets approved, I’ll likely put up a blog post asking for recommendations. For now, will add Hunt to the list…
I’m glad to have pointed it out to you! I heard about it on both Feministing and Africa is a Country (http://africasacountry.com/ – they often have great songs, always great articles and commentary). Good luck with the course approval. I’ll be watching 🙂
Thanks! I’m on the Neo-Griot list, which often links to Africa is a Country and other useful sites with African Diaspora content. I finally realized Nneka samples Talib at the end of “Soul is Heavy”…wondering if I could get him to come to my class, if and when it happens; his mom’s a colleague of mine…
Wow, that would be incredible!! Lucky class. Any chance I could sit in on it… maybe youtube it? 😉
It’s a big IF, but you better believe I will have my Flip camera rolling IF it ever happens! maybe you should come down and give a guest lecture on Nigerian lit!
Great re the flip camera 🙂 As to a guest lecture, I don’t think I know nearly enough, but I wish! heh
I just came across another song that deals a bit with environmental justice issues relating to oil – I found it via Okay Africa (http://www.thisisafrica.me/music/detail/2061/Thumbsup-for-Sociallyconscious-music-Nigerias-Hip-Hop-World-Awards), the fourth song, There’s A Cry by Timi Dakolo. More about people than the environment but still thought you might be interested. I know you might be asking for suggestions if the course is approved but I knew if I didn’t share immediately I would likely end up forgetting! I hope you don’t mind 🙂
Thanks, Amy! I’ll check it out and add it to the list…