This video is my first attempt at explaining publicly something Quakers call a spiritual "Leading" that was first shared at Brooklyn Meeting last Sunday. I consider it a Leading because it's still working itself out inside of me, and feels like there's a lot more there to be revealed over time. One of the things…
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Perpetual Worship in the Ether
How does a Quaker stay centered, living in the Light, as he lives his daily life in this complex and noisy world? It’s a question I struggle with often. During Meeting for Worship, I feel such a strong connection to the Divine, to my fellow Quakers, and to life in general. And yet it only…
Thoughts on Four Decades of Being Rik
Today marks my 40th year on this planet. I wish I had some grand epiphany to share at this point in my life. But being a Quaker, I know that revelations don’t necessarily work on a schedule. People have been asking me what it feels like to turn 40. On the one hand, not much…
My “Funky 40th” birthday jam last night! (video)
Here's a video of my birthday jam during my "Funky 40th Soul Party" last night at Club 412. So much fun dancing and partying with some of my closest friends from swing, hip-hop, Quaker and Global Kids communities. Yes, I really am 40. I don't really believe it myself sometimes. Thanks for taking this video,…
Appreciating my role as a “Connector”
Post-processing my experience being a "mentor" at the BAVC Producers Institute in San Francisco last week, I've been realizing some of the unique aspects of my own personal journey and how that has shaped me into the odd amalgamation of activist / technologist / educator/ dancer/ Quaker etc. This past week has helped me to…
NYC Biking Tip #14: Don’t bike over the Brooklyn Bridge on the weekend
Today on the way to a dance performance, I decided to take the Brooklyn Bridge from Quaker Meeting, instead of my usual route over the Manhattan Bridge. VERY BAD IDEA. In theory, biking over the Brooklyn Bridge should be a breeze. There's a clearly demarcated bike path and pedestrian path, as you can see in…
Roller Derby action: Gotham Girls trounce Boston at LIU tonight (video)
Good times at Gotham Girls roller derby at Long Island University tonight. It was a double-header event, well worth the $19 cover charge. The friendly crowd was packed to capacity in the auditorium, cheering madly for the New York teams and shouting out the names of their favorite players. I was there with a bunch…
Five cool job openings at American Friends Service Committee
The national service arm of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) is the American Friends Service Committee, based out of Philadelphia. Over the years, AFSC has been a vital force in the United States for peace, social justice and human rights, which makes me so proud. I just got word that there are five job…
Dancing alone, dancing in community
Several people at Quaker Meeting today wanted me to share this message I spoke at Meeting for Worship this morning. So here’s the gist of it: Last night I attended two dances. I ended the evening at a soul party in Fort Greene. There was a certain kind of joy in the room, with a …
What to wear to my Time Out: New York photo shoot?
I am apparently appearing in the annual "Singles" issue of Time Out New York , which is pretty exciting. Every year, they profile 100 eligible people in their magazine and on the web (i.e. this profile.) I was selected because they needed to fill that all important Quaker/b-boy/Pacific Islander demographic. I have a photo shoot…