Blacque Butterfly profile picture

Blacque Butterfly

Let the transformation begin.

About Me



Before a butterfly becomes the beautiful creature it is known to be, it must first go through a detailed and often painful process. A butterfly is a living testament to the truths that sometimes, struggle produces strength and pain gives birth to purpose. Given such, its more than fitting that Darlene Solomon-Rogers, a poet and activist raised in NE Portland is known as Blacque Butterfly.Blacque Butterfly recently self-published a limited edition of her debut chapbook, titled BLACK GIRL, CAN I COMB YOUR HAIR? She is currently soliciting a publisher to re-release the work, in an expanded version, to the mainstream. In the meantime, shes making a name for her self via independent promotion which will include the release of her debut album, a socially conscious mix of melodies and slammin beats featuring collaborations with some of the industry's hottest indie artist. Speaking of artist, Blacque Butterfly has shared the stage with Dead Prez, Liv Warfield and the Warfield project, The Blacknotes, Reparations, Lifesavas, Ray Frazier, Rochell D. Ro Deezy Hart, Sirens Echo, Mic Crenshaw, Hungry Mob, Sucka Punch, Auditory Sculpture Overnight Success and more.In 2005, Darlene was one of three poets featured on Say It Loud Volume 1 a spiritually focused mixtape produced by the world-famous O.G. One, who appeared twice on BET' Rap City / In The Basement. Blacque Butterfly has performed at venues that include the Tiger Bar, Kaiser Permanente, OAME (Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs) the Portland Chapter of the Black Dollar Days Task Force and she performs annually at the Lift Every Voice Choir Concert in Portland. Shes also done her thing on the mic at several colleges throughout the Portland Metro area and most recently Community Festival (BlackFest) in Seattle Washington. Poetry was initially a form of self-therapy for Blacque Butterfly and as others became aware of her talent, it became a form of therapy for her coffee shop listeners as well. A survivor of domestic violence, Darlene is spiritually, emotionally and soulfully dedicated to helping those who have survived abuse including men and children. She is also an actor who participants in the theatre of the oppressed.She is a founding member of the SC (Spiritual Clan) a group of performers, writers and activists whom have vowed to make a change in their community. Darlene believes that through her misery God has given her a ministry. She mentors youth and single mothers. She volunteers as a motivational speaker for women in domestic violence shelters. She works for a non-profit organization assisting homeless youth and displaced families. She released her own compellation of music and sound in May 2006. The release was a huge success. You can purchase my CD at cdbaby.com

Your Life Path Number is 5

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 1/16/2006
Band Website: authorsden.com/darlenejsolomonrogers
Band Members:Guerilla Theatre is Guerilla Theatre _ Act of political protest by directly confronting wrongful conditions and raising awareness of such conditions Guerilla Theatre is committed to awareness of diversity and other social issues and in an artistic and interesting way.Performances include short skits, monologues, songs, and blending comedy and drama.Trained facilitators bring up thoughts and feelings during the show.Guerrilla Theater is a volunteer based group through Outside In’s HIV program that provides a series of related, drama-based activities that enable homeless youth to educate themselves about HIV-related matters and to educate the larger community including other at-risk youth on the streets, in alternative schools, detention center and sexual minority youth. Through Guerrilla Theater, these youth also reach adult HIV educators who work with youth and the media. The youth of Guerrilla Theater meet two times a week for an hour and a half; some of these youth have been a part of Guerrilla Theater for over two years. From July 1997 to June 1998 eighty six youth were a part of Guerrilla Theater! In the past three months alone 61 youth have participated in Guerrilla Theater! Their outreach performances include messages about HIV prevention, homophobia, identity, sexuality, comprehensive health issues, needle exchange, harm reduction, safer sex practices and homelessness. They draw from personal experience as well as education received through the Guerrilla Theater program, outside artists and health educators. Some of their past work includes; two HIV prevention PSAs, a documentary about Guerrilla Theater, a Tobacco Free PSA and billboard, performances at the Salem Governor’s School, World AIDS Day, Outside In’s Drop In Center, the Power of Hope Conference, Youth Progress, and the Gay and Lesbian Youth Conference. For two consecutive years (1997-1998), the youth designed and implemented an event for National Condom Day (Valentine’s Day) entitled, "Get your picture taken with Condom man and Dental Dame." They raised money for our program, built awareness around safer sex and distributed free materials, including latex, instructions for using latex properly, and pamphlets of information and resources. Also in 1997 and 1998 the youth designed, assembled, and distributed 200 plus Safer Sox for bags for New Years.
Influences:

First and foremost the Creator... Musically Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Mint Condition, Anita Baker, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ledisi and last but not least my mama...
CDBABY LINK for BLACQUE BUTTERFLY: Collide-A-Scope

Sounds Like: Rain falling on the beach when you're snuggled up with your honey in front of the fire.JulyFun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood.Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people's feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets.Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying
Record Label: Audity Studios
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Check out this event: Save IFCC

Hosted By: Interstate Firehouse Cultural CenterWhen: Thursday May 08, 2008 at 6:30 PMWhere: King School 4906 NE 6thPortland, Oregon|38 97217United StatesDescription:Interstate Firehouse Cultural Cente...
Posted by Blacque Butterfly on Mon, 05 May 2008 10:32:00 PST

Support your community "Good Look"

O.G. Production Inc. and Making It Happen Records presents.. 1st ANNUAL "GOOD LOOK" CLOTHING DRIVE April 7th - April 25th, 2008 Our goal is to provide targeted families with clothing support in hopes...
Posted by Blacque Butterfly on Sat, 19 Apr 2008 12:12:00 PST

Mobius - Ashland

  If you can’t make it up..Log into www.eq.tv ...
Posted by Blacque Butterfly on Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:02:00 PST

So I cut my hair....

Hi everybody!!! It’s been a minute.. Haven’t had much time to do this but I thought that I should take a minute and give folks the update.  . 2008 has been amazing and full of change ...
Posted by Blacque Butterfly on Sun, 30 Mar 2008 09:05:00 PST

An evening with Blacque Butterfly..

An evening with Blacque ButterflyFebruary, 23 2008 at Izogies -ShowcaseLocation:1301 NE Dekum StreetPortland, Oregon 97211Cost : $5 ...
Posted by Blacque Butterfly on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:13:00 PST

Check out this event: North Portland Poetry Jam

Hosted By: Ariel aka Obo BabyWhen: 17 Feb 2008, 07:00 PMWhere: Trippin Billies3226 N LombardPortland, OR 97217United StatesDescription:Ariel aka Obo Baby Click Here To View Event...
Posted by Blacque Butterfly on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 02:39:00 PST

Check out this event: Poetry N Motion featuring Blacque Butterfly

Hosted By: Open Eyes productions When: 23 Feb 2008, 08:00 AMWhere: Izogie's Fine Dining Restaraunt1301 N.E.DekumPortland, Oregon|38 97211United StatesDescription:Open Eyes productions Click Here To V...
Posted by Blacque Butterfly on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 09:07:00 PST

Check out this event: FLOETRY

Hosted By: Dj O.G.ONE When: Wednesday Jan 16, 2008 at 10:00 PMWhere: THE HUDDLE825 N. KillingsworthPortland, Oregon|38 97217United StatesDescription:Dj O.G.ONE Click Here To View Event...
Posted by Blacque Butterfly on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 08:37:00 PST

Resurrection POSTONED

Due to circumstances and events out of our control the play has been POSTPONED.   Please stay tuned for updates.  And remember God does not close a door without opening a window.&n...
Posted by Blacque Butterfly on Sat, 08 Dec 2007 05:59:00 PST

Universal SOUL - Live music and Spoken word

Why not rejuvenate yourself after a long week?  You owe it to yourself.  Your Fridays will never be the same.  Relax your senses with Soulful sounds while emersing yourself in blis...
Posted by Blacque Butterfly on Thu, 04 Oct 2007 08:55:00 PST