VIRTUAL GRIOT is an original digital series featuring performing artists in the role of Griots as they deliver powerful messages from their neighbors. Produced by 651 ARTS, the series includes eight episodes and embodies African Diasporic storytelling traditions, old and new.

651 ARTS premieres I WISH MF WOOD, as part of our VIRTUAL GRIOT program! Featuring playwright & actor NSangou Njikam as Maurice Francis Wood, aka MF Wood, who upon seeing his neighborhood go through gentrification, decides to take action! Eight episodes streaming here on Mondays at 7:00p starting March 7.

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After almost giving up hope, I’ve got one more weapon in my bag. Let’s see if this brings the change we seek.

After all I’ve tried, it seems nothing is working. Is this it? Is my neighborhood lost to…the latte drinkers?

Orisa, Neteru, Lwa, Ancestors. I’m calling the higher powers to handle this enemy. Time to kick these fools in their root chakra!

Inspired by my very first mentor, I, MF Wood, am going to the streets with the deep Black knowledge, BUT…I’ve got a secret recipe that will ensure you don’t take this knowledge for granted.

Why do gentrifiers love pumpkin spice so much? Is it the source of their power? Their fuel? Their gold? Well, I’m about to infiltrate and see if I can expose a weakness in the enemy.

Gentrifiers jog. I don’t like that. I think they’re up to something, and I’ve got a plan to trap one of these joggers and get them to tell the truth of their devious plot!

Does Gentrification affect your emotional health? I bet it does. Well watch me, MF Wood, turn the tables on these gentrifiers by employing an ancient Black tactic to cause them the same stress they cause us!

I’m MF Wood, and I’m determined to single-handedly get rid of gentrification in Bed-Stuy. But how? Observe my greatness as I go around to Black-owned businesses in the hopes of unifying the community around cooperative economics…but this time I’m putting my money where my melanin is.