Identidades in English No 4, December 2014 | Page 96

The

True Kingdom*

David Escalona Carrillo (David D’Omni)
Musician and plastic artista.
Havana, Cuba
Races, colors, and flavors -- together with mixtures, hues, and complex blends -- are giving form to this
galactic sunrise. For me, it was a corroboration of such a mixture to participate in AFRICAMÉRICAS
II, with people of various origins and ages engaging with one another through chats, plastic arts, and
song. The central theme of this Pittsburgh event was evident: “la raza” - the people. The reality was
clear - “no one is of a pure race” - and visible: in the ages-old blend of ethnicities worn on people’s
faces, and in the shared desire to continue our ascent towards a new humanity. A humanity which
already exists in our bodies, but is not so obvious among those in power. It seems unreal, a fantasy, and
even a bit crazy that there are still people who segregate their brethren, thus turning their backs on their
own kin. Ignorance, stupidity, and wickedness - thus seems the pride of the nobility, the upper class,
and those only interested in appearances -- who are blind to the reality that nobility and class are substance of blood and soul. All of a sudden, I feel I am in a parallel kingdom, among ministers, kings,
and the people. The kings become kings out of birthright, because their gaze and actions inspire respect;
the ministers acknowledge the leadership of the soul and know how to put their talent to work with
humility and joy; the people contribute with authentic culture and teamwork. Allow me to clarify: this
parallel kingdom indeed exists, and it is a triumphant kingdom. Triumphant, by acknowledging the
authenticity of actions. Triumphant, by dethroning the false kings, the ministers, and the people of a
(different) kingdom - one that promotes the value of a fruit’s exterior while repressing its very juice.
Out of fear. Such is a kingdom governed and inhabited by people whose souls are small; to make up
for the lack of luster in their gaze and warmth in their embraces, they hide in expensive suits, new cars,
weapons, and hollow appearances, to fill a painful and pitiful void. People who respond immediately
with violence, who are moved by envy and hate. They are permeating our society masquerading as
authentic leaders and messiahs, because they are kings of disguise. This is the source of my devotion
to those who know how understand the gaze of another; their words are actions; they are words made
flesh and transcend race, philosophy, and religion. I am deeply grateful for the invitation to this event,
for the hands that helped me hold the brush, for those who enjoyed my music, and for an integrative
space and City of Asylum, which allowed us to reveal this true kingdom.

Encuentros [Encounters]
David D’ Omni, 2014
* Courtesy of: Soul Pitt Quarterly, Winter 2015 Issue, January.

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