Tuesday, April 26, 2011

In The Spirit of Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics

So if you haven't heard by now. I have a book available called, "Touch...Poems & Other Writings of Love, Erotica, & Sensuality. It's a self published book so I am handling all the promotion and marketing on my own. I got some royalties from the book and was excited. Not because of the amount but just because people took time order it.


With the royalties I was able make a donation to Yolo Akili and his efforts to raise money for his one man show. Yolo has an incredible video that brings to mind some of the work that first inspired me in, "Tounges Untied"



I was also able to purchase a copy of Michael Christopher's, "Man:Black" This is a beautiful collection of photography by the same guy that brought us the graphic novel, "Living The Life" and the books "From Top To Bottom" and "Unspeakable."

Check out his website for more information www.michael-christopher.com/

I began to think how having those royalties afforded me the opportunity to promote Ujamaa. Using Cooperative Economics to support other artists work and endeavors. So I wanted to use this blog as way of showing other work that is out there that I'd like for others to consider buying. All of this work is independently produced so when you support these people they are the ones who receive the direct benefit.

Frankie Lennon is a dear friend, mentor, teacher, and long time activist. Her book, "The MEE Street Chronicles is a collection of stories from different parts of her life that takes you on an incredible journey. Her writing is some of the finest craft I have read in my entire life. I got to see some of these stories transform as I worked with Frankie in a writing circle she asked me to help her lead called, "The Talking Drum." At first I resisted because I thought her skill as a writer far surpassed mine but with her encouragement I agreed to do it and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Being with her made me a better writer.

Her book is available on line at www.kerlak.com/meestreet.html

Kevin Taylor amazes me. I don't know how he does it all. Pastor, Activist, Writer, Host, and so many other things. He has 2 novels and 2 Self Improvement Books. Again I don't know how he does it all but he does it well and enthusiastically.
















I've spoken of my love for Morgan Stiff and Tina Mabry and their movie, "Mississippi Damned" so much a friend commented that it seemed like I was on the marketing team for the movie. I just think they are two of the finest filmmakers of this generation. Watch this trailer and be moved.


The film has received numerous awards and deservedly so you can order online at: www.mississippidamned.com/


In the Spirit of Ujamaa please consider purchasing and supporting the work of these artists. If you have a blog, podcast, or other avenues for them to promote their work for little or no cost it's a good way for our entire community to prosper.

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