9.9.09
Safe and easy landing into the nation’s capitol. Shane got off the plane energized and ready for a dreamventure (a word introduced in later books). We were welcomed by Hip-Hip and education ambassador, Gabriel “Asheru” Benn, and had a chance to talk about the next day with Ballou principal Rahman Branch. Of course, the perfect bedtime story closed the evening.

9.10.09
We started bright and early for Day One. First stop, WPFW's studios for an interview with Gloria Minott.

Second stop, Ballou Senior High School in South East, DC. Shane gave a fantastic presentation to a group of high achievers at the school. The students were so engaged, Shane had them singing along with his soon-to-be-known-the-world-over, song "Seeing," (the song in this video) an hour after school ended.
The idea was to introduce these students to Olu's Dream, what it stands for, and how to express the concept through their own personal experience. Tomorrow we’re going to take them to speak to students at Malcolm X Elementary (Also in South East), to seed a conversation about dreaming.

Later in the afternoon we were graced with flowers-in-full-bloom Ayanna Gregory, Barclay Martin visiting from Kansas City, and Courtney Dowe. The video speaks for itself…how powerful those connections sparked.

We start the day tomorrow at Sidwell Friends School-with students from both Sidwell and Hearst Elementary participating—to kick off a program that will include an interactive reading, a slide presentation of world travels, and a live performance. Should be fun….watching Olu Bloom. We Bloom.

Don’t forget shows at BloomBars Friday and Saturday night starting at 8:00 and 8:30. 3322 11th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Suggested donation $5-10. No alcohol allowed to foster a family-friendly environment and a more meaningful connection with the artists.