Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/31/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“Time cannot be saved, it can only be spent, and if not spent wisely and well, it is wasted.” -― Henrietta C. Mears

Brave Soul Collective makes its debut in "Page-to-Stage" at The Kennedy Center this weekend!

Brave Soul Collective makes its debut in "Page-to-Stage" at The Kennedy Center this weekend!

Location:

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20566

Featuring performances by:

Barbara Asare-Bediako, Kandace Foreman, Zukeh Freeman, Darnell Morris, Josette Marina Murray,
Jared Shamberger, and Monte J. Wolfe


At 4pm Saturday, September 3rd, 2016, during the 15th Annual “Page-to-Stage” New Play Festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Brave Soul Collective (BSC) takes the stage in the third-floor Terrace Gallery -- making its first appearance in the festival with, “Tenfold: An Evening of Brave Soul Performances” in honor of Brave Soul Collective's ten year anniversary as a vital arts, education, and outreach organization dedicated to HIV/AIDS outreach & prevention as well as issues affecting the lives of Black LGBTQ people through the performing and healing arts.

BSC Founder, Monte J Wolfe, elaborates, “This ‘theatrical mixed bag’ of monologues and short scenes focuses on a host of hot button issues, including: police brutality, homophobia, mental health, relationships, sex, gender identity, & racism - all within the scope of life "&…the unknown."

Recommended for adults only.

Run time:120 min plus brief post-performance discussion.

ADMISSION IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC!!!



Many Thanks For Your Continued Support of Brave Soul Collective

Celebrating 10 Years of
Breaking The Silence...
Building Bridges...
Bringin Light 2 The Truth



Copyright © 2016 Brave Soul Collective, All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:

Brave Soul Collective
PO Box 4034
Washington, DC 20044

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/30/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“You know my name, not my story. You've heard what I've done, but not what I've been through.”
― Jonathan Anthony Burkett

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/29/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." -- Plato

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/26/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“I will find you. In the farthest corner, I will find you.” -― Mary E. Pearson

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/25/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

"I hate labels because it should be just music. I don't see anything wrong with disco. Call it anything. It's music." -- Michael Jackson

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/24/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

"The first step is you have to say that you can." -- Will Smith

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/23/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

He who is unable to dance blames it in the stony yard - Kenyan Proverb

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/22/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“If you think we can't change the world, it just means you're not one of those who will.” -― Jacque Fresco

AfroSolo Arts Festival 2016

Black Voices Performance Series
Our Stories,
Our Lives!

Antoine Hunter, dancer; Aqueila M. Lewis, poet, spoken word artist; Luna Malbroux comedienne, Thomas Robert Simpson, solo performance artist and others in bold, uncompromising performances exploring issues around and related to

BLACK MATTERS!.



When:
Friday, August 26, 8 pm, Tickets $25

Saturday, August 27, Gala Reception, 7 pm, Performance 8 pm, tickets $35
Light refreshments

Sunday, August 28, 3 pm, tickets $25

Location:
African American Arts and Culture Complex, 762 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA

Featured Artists:

Antoine D. Hunter, based in Oakland, is an internationally acclaimed African American deaf choreographer, dancer, instructor, actor, mentor, model, poet, producer, and advocate. Using current events, such as: police killings, the Black Lives Matter! movement, discrimination etc., Antoine will consolidate these issues and premier a new solo dance giving voice to the Black male experience. He is currently Artistic Director of Urban Jazz Dance Company. Hunter will perform Friday and Saturday nights. Hunter will perform Friday and Saturday nights.

Aqueila M. Lewis will perform: Saving Black Lives: One Word At A Time, a spoken word performance exploring the here and now in Black life. Aqueila is an award winning, multi-talented writer, performing artists and journalist. She is also immersed in the hip hop culture as the executive producer and radio host of All The Rest of Us, Side Show and After Hours Radio on 94.1 FM KPFA. Aqueila is a graduate of Napa Valley College and UC Berkeley. For ten years, Aqueila served as Entertainment Chair for the annual Empowering Women of Color Conference (EWOCC) at UC Berkeley.

Luna Malbroux will perform Laughter is the Best Weapon. She is a writer and comic that uses humor and dialogue to explore social issues. She is the creator the EquiTable app, a producer of comedy shows in the Bay Area, and has identified as KQED as a 'Woman to Watch', her work has been featured in news publications all over the world-from the Washington Post, to China News Daily. With a master's from Columbia, Luna is a regularly featured speaker at conferences, workplaces, and schools on topics surrounding inclusion and diversity.

Thomas Robert Simpson will perform Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett: The Man, His Life and the Street Named After Him (1914-1997). This performance will be a tribute honoring Dr. Goodlett’s contribution as a physician, psychologist, newspaper publisher, political activist and Civil Rights leader in San Francisco. Whether it be the Black Panther Party, the student strike at San Francisco State University, union organizing, or political activism, Goodlett was intimately involved. He was an international traveler and a member of numerous international organizations. The street in front of San Francisco’s City Hall is named after him.

******************************************************************************

AfroSolo is made possible through the support of the African American Art and Culture Complex, California Arts Council, The Friends of AfroSolo, Grants for the Art/Hotel Tax Fund, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Yerba Buena Gardens and the Zellerbach Family Foundation.

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/19/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“A "breakdown" is when you've exhausted every option and have no choice but to accept the fact that you are powerless to create the outcome you want.

A "breakthrough" has the same definition.” -― Paul Colaianni

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/18/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“A wise person is like a smoothly polished rock: it takes time to become either.” -― Vera Nazarian

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/17/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed.” -― Desmond Tutu

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/16/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“I believe one has to escape oneself to discover oneself.” -― Rabih Alameddine

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/15/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“She is judgement and reason, but she can also be inflexible when she punishes. Majestic Queen of the Oceans, she is presumptuous and haughty. She protects her children in her skirt, feeds them, and raises them with absolute motherly rigor.” -- About Yemaya

LEIMERT PARK VILLAGE BOOK FAIR

Leimert Park Village Book Fair Announces Its Lineup of Headliners, Crowd Pleasers and Fan Favorites For Its 10th Anniversary

Zane, Bobby Brown, Meagan Good & DeVon Franklin and Miss Robbie of Sweetie Pie’s are Among Featured Headliners

Powerhouse and best-selling author/publisher Zane will headline the Leimert Park Village Book Fair (LPVBF)! Zane is a New York Times best-selling author of 32 titles, and considered one of, if not the most, powerful African-American female in the publishing industry. She is the publisher of Strebor Books International -- an imprint of ATRIA Books/Simon and Schuster, and the third largest publishing corporation in America. Interestingly, until 2006, Zane, Toni Morrison and Terri McMillan were the only three African-American females to make the print list of the New York Times Best Seller List in this century.
“Voted One of LA’s Five Best Annual Book Festivals,” the LPVBF will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the outdoor promenade of the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza (BHCP), located at 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in LA. Thousands are expected to flock once again to this family-oriented festival held in the heart of Leimert Park, the epicenter of the Los Angeles area African American arts, intellectual and literary scene. The Leimert Park Village Book Fair’s tribute to the love of reading cleverly merges the worlds of literary, entertainment and the culinary arts, offering an eclectic mix of literature, art, music and food.

"With exciting headliners and authors -- new to the Leimert Park Village Book Fair, and returning authors, who have supported us for this years – the 10th anniversary promises to be our biggest and best yet,” said Cynthia Exum, executive director and founder of LPVBF. “It’s been a wonderful journey. It has grown into an important cultural institution in our community. It’s been truly rewarding and humbling. I hope everyone enjoys our 10th anniversary extravaganza because it will indeed be a wonderful day of celebrating the written word!”

The book fair’s line up includes headliners, crowd pleasers and fan favorites, offering an intellectually engaging day, promoting literacy. Along with Zane, who will be signing her latest tome, “Vengeance;” celebrity power couple Meagan Good and DeVon Franklin will share bits about their courtship and love affair from their best-selling novel, “The Wait.” White House correspondent and political commentator April Ryan, author of “The Presidency in Black and White,” and economist and political analyst Dr. Julianne Malveaux author of “Are We Better Off” will take time away from the Capitol to talk about the topic of “Are We Better Off?” AND Grammy Award-winning recording artist Bobby Brown will spill the dish in his new biography, “Every Little Step,” on his life and love, Whitney Houston.

Crowd pleasers like media personalities Rolonda Watts and Flo Anthony will share excerpts from their new books, “Destiny Lingers” and “One Last Deadly Play,” respectively. There will be an iconoclast conversation between pioneering director-turned-author Matty Rich (“Straight Out of Brooklyn and the “Inkwell) and legendary musician Charles Wright (writer of the hit song, “Express Yourself”). Rich will discuss “Bev,” a gripping novel that centers on the real-life story of a little-known figure in the Civil Rights movement – a white social worker by the name of Beverly Luther. Rich has also secured the movie rights to the book for a film adaptation. And Wright will talk about his new book, “Up: From Where We’ve Come,” which highlights historical accounts of his past long before he gained status as a musical legend.

For readers who like thrillers and mysteries, they’ll love meeting fan favorites like Pamela Samuels Young, winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Fiction for “Anybody’s Daughter” and Gary Phillips, author of “Cowboys” and “The Cocaine Chronicles.” Best-selling husband-and-wife writing duo Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes will be signing their latest releases, including “Ghost Summer” and the “Seacape Tattoo.” An award-winning novelist and screenwriter who teaches creative writing at UCLA, Due also nabbed an NAACP Image Award literary nomination for the short story collection “Ghost Summer” this year. Directing the main stage's incredible line-up will be known inspirational speaker, award-winning executive life coach, and author of "Betrayal", Barbara Perkins, joins us as the Mistress of Ceremony.

The culinary stage will also be heating up with reality star Miss Robbie of OWN’s “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” serving up something special – like her famous mac ‘n cheese -- and signing her new cookbook. Titled “Sweetie Pie’s Cookbook: Soulful Southern Recipes, from My Family to Yours” the celebrity chef welcomes you into her kitchen to experience more than 150 tasty foods as she shows what it means to put heart and “foot” into a dish. And celebrity Chef Rome Brown – who has cooked for former Secretary of State General Colin Powell, NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal, and NFL player Cam Newton – will share his passion for cuisine and sign his new cookbook, “Eat Like a Celebrity: Southern Cuisine With a Gourmet Twist.” Foodies may be familiar with Chef Brown from competing on season one of the Food Network’s reality show, “Extreme Chef.” And while Miss Robbie and Chef Rome will be serving up some serious soul food, Chefs Jaime Martin Del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu of Mexicano Restaurant at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza will bring an authentic taste of Mexican fare to the book fair’s culinary stage. Affectionately known together as Jaime and Ramiro, the chefs are two of the biggest stars in the Mexican cooking world. In 2008, the two nabbed a nomination for Best Chef from the James Beard Foundation, and continue to earn recognition for their exemplary Mexican cuisine.
And for the sports lover, former NBA player A.C. Green (LA Lakers) and journeyman NBA/CBA player Juanquin “Hawk” Hawkins (Houston Rockets), who is the author of “Stroke of Grace,” will grace the sports pavilion, and offer words of inspiration for both on an off the court.

The day will culminate with a closing keynote speech by motivational speaker, Ramsey Jay Jr., author of “Empower Dreamers to Become Achievers.” Jay is a Wall Street- trained, Ivy League-educated finance professional with more than a decade of global investment management experience. Named by Ebony magazine as one of the top “30 Young Leaders Under 30,” he recently delivered opening remarks at the White House where President Obama and the First Lady hosted an event, honoring Ray Charles. His message and enriching inspiration has touched many lives, encouraging all people to live their best lives without fear and limitations.

“We are thrilled to host this grand celebration, and honored that this outstanding event has found its home in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw community,” said Rachel Freeman, general manager for Baldwin Hills Crenshaw. “This event is part of our ongoing commitment to bring high-quality activities to our neighborhood, and we are proud to support efforts promoting literacy, history and culture. We hope the entire community will come out and enjoy this event, where there really will be something for everyone to enjoy!”
For more information about the LPVBF, including an electronic press kit with downloadable talent photos for promotional use, visit www.leimertparkbookfair.com.

For the extended lineup with blurbs about headliners, crowd pleasers and fan favorites, visit http://bit.ly/2ab0KNU
For more information about the LPVBF TURNING 10! visit http://bit.ly/23kqbkr

ABOUT THE LEIMERT PARK VILLAGE BOOK FAIR

The LPVBF is produced by Exum and Associates in collaboration with in collaboration with Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas – the County of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs; and Capri Capital Partners of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw. Sponsors include: Sempra Energy- The Gas Company; Caremore; Time Warner Cable; Nestle USA; KABC-Channel 7; Los Angeles Lakers; Lakers Youth Foundation; Loyola Marymount University; KLCS -TV (PBS); ATLS Worldwide; Mel Assagai, Strategic Counsel; Ralphs/Food 4 Less; and The Kinsey Foundation. Philanthropists and art historians Dr. Bernard W. and Shirley Kinsey serve as the book fair’s chairpersons, leading the fund-raising efforts and increasing the book fair’s brand awareness in the corporate community.
The Kinseys are one of the most admired and respected couples in Los Angeles. They are known for their collection of African-American art, books and manuscripts that document and tell the remarkable story of African Americans triumphs and struggles from 1632 to the present. The Kinsey Collection: “Shared Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey” has been on a national tour and seen by millions.
Cynthia Exum, an alumnus of the prestigious California State Senate Fellows program, holds a Master of Arts from UCLA’s School of Urban Planning and Public Policy. She founded Exum-Casey and Associates, a public affairs and events management firm in 2005. Exum is also the co-author of “Images of America: Leimert Park,” with Maty Guiza-Leimert -- the wife of Walter H. Leimert, whose grandfather developed the area in 1927.
The mission of LPVBF is to promote, encourage and advocate literacy, education and the love of reading throughout the Greater Los Angeles areas. LPVBF is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to producing year-round educational programming, as well as to the presentation of events in collaboration with our partners, in addition to the annual summer fair for which the organization is named. With the backing of partners and supporters, Exum built a high-quality cultural event, and the people came!

ABOUT BALDWIN HILLS CRENSHAW (BHC)

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw (BHC) is an 870,000-square-foot retail destination located at the intersection of Crenshaw Blvd. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Los Angeles, California. Anchored by Macys and Sears, with over 100 specialty stores, state-of-the-art cinemas and dining options, BHC has long been recognized as the hub of the surrounding communities. From a signature concert series known as BHC Live!, monthly Kid’s Club and a weekly Farmers’ Market to the many public services offered at the mall, it is clear that BHC is more than just a place to shop, it’s a central gathering place for the local community. BHC is entrenched in the local lifestyle, and is committed to making this neighborhood an even better place to live, work, shop and just BE! BHC partners with several leading community partners to support a variety of worthwhile events throughout the year, and continue to support programming that reflects the history and interests of its local residents.

FOR LEIMERT PARK VILLAGE BOOK FAIR

Wyllisa R. Bennett, publicist du jour
wrb public relations
(310) 266-9704
wyllisa@aol.com

FOR BALDWIN HILLS CRENSHAW PLAZA

Molly Hoggin
(310) 974-6680
Molly@sugermangroup.com



WANT TO GO?

Leimert Park Village Book Fair
Saturday, August 20, 2016
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw (BHC) – on the promenade outside
3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
LA, CA

The event is free and open to the public. The Leimert Park Village Book Fair will feature iconoclast interviews, book-signings, workshops, panel discussions, poetry readings, stage performances, musical entertainment and a variety of activities for the whole family.

GET SOCIAL WITH THE LEIMERT PARK VILLAGE BOOK FAIR

Visit us at: www.leimertparkbookfair.com.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeimertParkBF
Follow us on Twitter @LeimertParkBF
Follow us on Instagram: @LeimertParkBF

“Voted One of LA’s Five Best Annual Book Festivals”
http://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/la-s-5-best-annual-book-festivals/

Leimert Park Village Book Fair is TURNING 10!
http://bit.ly/23kqbkr

Save The Date: City Of Refuge 25th Anniversary - Reunion At Refuge

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/12/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“You put together two things that have not been put together before. And the world is changed...” -― Julian Barnes

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/11/16

Song Of The Day...

Today's Reflection:

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -― Eleanor Roosevelt

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/10/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“I’m a dirt person. I trust the dirt. I don’t trust diamonds and gold.”
― Eartha Kitt

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/09/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“Not every fairy tale story that begins with 'Once upon a time,' has a 'Happily ever after'....” -― Khalia Hades

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/08/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“All things are possible until they are proved impossible and even the impossible may only be so, as of now.”
― Pearl S. Buck

Song Of The Day,,,, & Daily Reflection 08/05/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching -- they are your family. ”
― Jim Butcher

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/04/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:


“Don't fuck with me, fellas. This ain't my first time at the rodeo.” - Joan Crawford

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/03/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“I cried, I cried… it was such an emotional experience and it wasn’t just about hair. It was what my perception of beauty was and had been for all of my life and then I look at myself in the mirror and I’m like, ‘That doesn’t look like what I thought was beautiful.’”
-Teyonah Parris

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/02/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable.” -― Jess C. Scott

Song Of The Day.... & Daily Reflection 08/01/16

Song Of The Day....

Today's Reflection:

“Because if you take a risk, you just might find what you're looking for.” -― Susane Colasanti