A Message From Black Cherokee

Apr 28, 2007
Dance

Earlier this month I wrote a post about an incredible New York City performance artist named Black Cherokee.

He transmits messages from the side of the FDR and Harlem River Drive at 125th St, underneath the entrance of the Triborough Bridge. This week there was another transmission posted roadside.

Clearly Black Cherokee reads The Winger, saw my post, and is telling me “Yes”. But yes to what? Perhaps my interpretation of his work. Black Cherokee is giving us a critique of America, and its flirtation with fascism, by raising issues of race, gender, class, consumerism and politics in the contemporary landscape of a “war on terror” and accelerated consolidations of wealth and power. Black Cherokee is a self proclaimed patriot and fighter for freedom. His video shows his concern with the national security apparatus attack on figures such as civil rights attorney Lynn Stewart.

His poem “America I Love You” expresses these sentiments.

America America I love you yes I do.
America America red white and blue.
America America all it’s people fron sea to sea.
America America God blessed us all and want us all to be free.
America America yes God shined his lite on thee.
America America can’t you see it shinning shinning shinning through me.
America America wake up and let’s get on the ball or
America America will soon soon fall.
America America yes God shined his everlasting light on thee.
America America it’s time it’s time for everyone to be free.

Listen to a sample of the song here.

Thanks you for your work, your art, and your message Otis. They are important to me and everyone else. I feel lucky to be able to correspond across this space.

Comments

tonya

I love the simplicity of his message. I think he’s also just saying that art and science are not diametrically opposed, as some have assumed.

Apr 28, 2007 @ 16:33

tonya

I meant the simplicity of the way his message is stated, not the underlying thought of course!

Apr 28, 2007 @ 17:04

nothsa

This really gives me hope. Thank you so much for sharing this — Otis and Tony.

Apr 29, 2007 @ 16:41

Greg

This makes me very happy, too

Apr 30, 2007 @ 21:39

thewinger.com » Smoke Signals

[...] Sunday March 29th was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and Lisa and I took a drive north out of the city. On our way back to Manhattan we passed by my favorite spot on the FDR underneath the Triborough Bridge. Black Cherokee was out in full force and his message to me was still up. [...]

May 08, 2007 @ 18:07

Otis Houston Jr.

I pray and hope the people red yellow black and white like and enjoy my song written and song by me. I GOT THAT PEACE IN ME Black Cherokee

May 23, 2007 @ 02:35

Shenever

Otis, You are amazing and your work is awesome!!! It is a joy to see you every morning on my way to work. I could be having a bad day but after I pass you on the highway I have no choice but to smile and all is forgotten and its like I have been given a second chance to start the day over in a good way. Thanks!!!

Jun 20, 2008 @ 13:28

Kenya Spear

I drive by almost daily and look for Otis and or his comments. I wave to him from my open sun roof and he always wave back too. He is serene and special and his words make me think. I think folks like himself are special.

Jun 21, 2008 @ 11:46

Stephanie

since i was a child, im only 19, i have enjoyed the ride along the FDR looking forward to seeing what you had to say. and everytime you had something new up there it was trully a blessing to read and sit and think about what you had written

Jun 25, 2008 @ 03:31

adrienne

I am so happy for you otis, i thought people just took you for a joke, and when you put that sign up to check you out online. I never knew that you were admired by so many besides myself. I am definetly going to buy your cd, its very soothing and tells the TRUTH. Next time im on the fdr instead of just waving, I’m going to stop so I can be honored of having the chance to shake, and formally introduce myself to a legend.

Jun 26, 2008 @ 02:19

rubin

Very interesting man.I see him once in while and always wave at him. Good luck Black Cherokee

Jul 15, 2008 @ 17:58

ogbada

I admit I was bugging and laughing when I first saw you on the highway a long time ago but after i started reading your message I realized you was a true artist and trying to send message to people in your own way and thats wat a true artist does keep up your work my dude and dont let nobody tell u diffrent………..

Aug 11, 2008 @ 12:10

Otis Hoiuston Jr. Black Cherokee.

This thing is going to be bigger then you ever could imagine.

T.O.E.

Theory Of Everything.

Otis Houston Jr.
aka Black Cherokee

Aug 21, 2008 @ 22:11

Otis Hoiuston Jr. Black Cherokee.

SHIT IS COMING.Otis Houston Jr.

Aug 24, 2008 @ 04:29