LIVE FROM MEMPHIS

Beating hearts, beating pavements, beating odds

By beating feet

Twisting and turning, symbolic of the dance of life

Sometimes moving backwards, getting spun around

Or walking on tip-toes to get where you are trying to go

In hopes that no one will here you coming

And when you have finally arrived, that everyone will know

In a city where historically black men are beaten, dead-beat, beatup, beat out, or beating, there is a movement where the same demographic is redefining what it means to be young and black in Memphis. And they are doing it through dance.

"Jookin'" (or "jukin'") originated in Memphis in the 1980s and has steadily grown into an underground phenomenon; an intricate display of skill where respect, ability and sometimes disputes are determined on the dance floor.

I'm not truly sure where jookin' gets its name from, maybe the old-fashion clubs or "juke joints" where blacks danced all night, or maybe it comes from the football term that refers to a deceptive maneuver. Both rationales make perfect sense to me, and if you have an opportunity to see the gritty documentary Memphis Movement—Jookin': The Urban Ballet, both potential definitions will make sense to you, too.

At the 2009 Indie Memphis Film Festival, a packed theater was treated to this intimate film which showed our city in a light most had never seen it. I, in turn, got to see many of my friends portray their passion for jookin' and the unharnessed power that comes with living your dreams. Many jookers featured in the movie have traveled the world, been featured on major broadcast television shows, events and in various publications.

What resonated with many of us was the positive impact that jookin' is having at home, in Memphis. Through events and activities produced mainly by UDig Academy, Memphis area youth and young adults are learning 'the urban ballet' along with a host of other character traits like discipline, commitment and respect making them vital contributions to our community.

I encourage you to see Memphis Movement—Jookin': The Urban Ballet and see one of the many encouraging movements taking place in our community. Like one of the guys said in the film, "In the heart of the city, is the heart of the city" and it is beating.

I am strange fruit.