Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Here's A Chance To Support Independent Cinema...Mississippi Damned & DL Chronicles

I have become such a fan and supporter of independent cinema because I find it does a better job of creating work that is not formulaic or has to follow the same patterns as movies produced by Hollywood studios. Film Festivals & Screenings are what I try and support with my money, volunteer time, and in the case of OUTFest/Fusion as a performer at their "Sabor Con Fusion".

Here's your opportunity to support two dynamic projects that I have enjoyed very much.

I can't say enough about the film, "Mississippi Damned"  it's dark, haunting, poignant, and even though the story and themes can seem overwhelming I couldn't take my eyes off of it. The craft that went into the making and performing in this film is some of the best I have seen in many years. I admit I am biased. I love Tina Mabry & Morgan Stiff like family but every time I see their work I have to take a step back and just say, "WOW, y'all did that!!"

From now until "Black Friday" 11/25 they are offering their film on dvd for the price of $9.99 (usually $14.95). That's the price of a regular movie ticket for something you will cherish and be able to watch again & again. It's an investment you will not regret. I PROMISE!

Go to the Mississippi Damned store www.mississippidamned.com/store and enter the promo code "worm" to get the discount. You will also see that posters and other items are also on sale.


Another project I enjoyed is, "The DL Chronicles". I remember first hearing about this project through my involvement with OUTFest and at first I was ambivalent. It came out around the same time as J.L. King's first book which I had taken strong issue with and also an episode of, "Law & Order" that dealt with the topic of the "DL". I was so tired of hearing about the DL that I didn't care what this project was about.

Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett quickly changed my mind with their masterful writing, inspired directing, and seamless production. I am a definite fan. Currently they are running a KickStarter campaign to complete Season 2 of the, "DL Chronicles". This is a great chance to get in on the grassroots level of this project and insure that stories that are not being told are left as a legacy. Go to this link for more information and to see how you can contribute www.kickstarter.com/projects/405469574/the-dl-chronicles-returns-2012

My appreciation has even grown since these projects have come out because I have been hustling my own  work. I know how difficult it is to try and promote, create, and produce work. It's great when others help support your efforts. I have met a wonderful actor, writer, activist, and host of Radio OutSpoken in South Africa named Frank Malaba who is the first person on the African continent to get a copy of my book. It's been great having his support and the encouragement of others as well.

"Touch...Poems & Other Writings of Love, Erotica, & Sensuality is available on line at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, as well as Lulu. You can also join the fan page on facebook to keep up with any performances, signings, or discounts www.facebook.com/TouchPoemsAndOtherWritings










Friday, November 4, 2011

The Politics of Homosexuality in Africa-A Talk by Dr. Sylvia Tamale



Monday, November 21
6:00-7:30 PM


 
The Politics of Homosexuality in Africa
A Talk by Dr. Sylvia Tamale


Berman Hall in the Fromm Building, University of San Francisco (Intersection of Golden Gate and Parker Avenues.) Campus map

Using homosexuality as a focus, Dr. Tamale will discuss how political and religious leaders in both Africa and the West instrumentalize sexuality to achieve their political ends, and provide an analysis of the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

About the speaker: Dr. Sylvia Tamale is a renowned African feminist who holds law degrees from Makerere University and Harvard Law School and Ph.D. in Sociology and Feminist Studies from the University of Minnesota.  She is currently dean of the Faculty of Law and Jurisprudence at Makerere University in Uganda and author/editor of several books, including When Hens Begin To Crow: Gender And Parliamentary Politics In Uganda, Homosexuality: Perspectives from Uganda and the recently published groundbreaking volume, African Sexualities: A Reader. 
Co-Sponsors:  Global Fund for Women, Priority Africa Network and the University of San Francisco (including The President’s Advisory Board on the Status of Women, African Studies, Gender and Sexualities Studies, B.A. International Studies, and Sociology.

For more information on obtaining Dr. Tamale's books, contact PriorityAfrica@priorityafrica.org
or visit Pambazuka Press

*** This event is free and open to the public. ***

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Celebrate 20 Years of Transcending Boundaries & Restoring Hope With City of Refuge UCC-Bishop Yvette Flunder+Tim'm West In The Bay Area+Feel The, "Touch..." For 20% Off!

Join Bishop Yvette Flunder & City of Refuge UCC As We Celebrate 20 Years Of 
Transcending Boundaries & Restoring Hope 
Theme: One Body


City of Refuge United Church of Christ 20th Year Anniversary Celebration
San Francisco, CA -- City of Refuge United Church of Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Yvette A. Flunder will celebrate its 20th Year Anniversary, Friday, November 11th through Sunday, November 13, 2011.

The Church founded in November 1991 by Bishop Flunder and a group of 14 people is a ministry of restoration and reconciliation. Bishop Flunder and the City of Refuge Church Family are intentionally radically inclusive, welcoming all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, age, gender, and affectional orientation.

Members (past & present) along with friends, family, and supporters of the congregation are invited to join Bishop Flunder and the City of Refuge Church family as they celebrate 20 years of Transcending Boundaries and Restoring Hope. All Anniversary celebration activities and worship services are free and open to the public

Anniversary Celebration Theme: “ONE Body!”


One God and Creator of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness (Eph. 4:6)

Anniversary Schedule of Events

Thursday, November 10, 2011: "Something Within: Celebrating the Faith and Artistry of African-American Women Hymn and Gospel Pioneers" - an Interactive Lecture/Concert led by Min. Patrisha Gill and Rev. Ann Jefferson
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Event Location: The Doug Adams Gallery at Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709.

Friday, November 11, 2011: Musical Celebration hosted by Gospel Recording Artists, Min. Charlene Moore and Rev. Gene Dennis Viale will include various genres of music and local artists participation.
Host Pastor: Bishop Gordon Humphrey Jr.
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, 807 27th Street, Oakland, CA.

Saturday, November 12, 2011: Workshop entitled, “Leadership for the 21st Century: The Cost of the Gospel” - Sponsored by the Refuge Institute, a City of Refuge UCC ministry that provides educational workshops and training to enhance the leadership skills of clergy and laity.
Time: 10:00 am
Location: 1025 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA

Saturday, November 12, 2011: "It's a Family Reunion: Sharing our Stories, Celebrating the Journey!" The social gathering will include food, fellowship, stories, and entertainment.
Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: 1025 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA. 
Sunday, November 13, 2011: Interfaith Ceremonial Opening: Honoring the Traditions of our Ancestors Worship Service. Bishop Wyatt Greenlee of Greater New Heights United Church of Christ in St. Louis, MO will be the guest speaker.
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: 1025 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA

Sunday, November 13, 2011: Community Celebration Service with tributes from pastors and community partners. Bishop Gordon Humphrey Jr., Senior Pastor of Olivet Baptist Church, Oakland and Stockton, CA and Shiloh Baptist Church in Chicago, IL will be the guest speaker.
Host Pastor: Rev. Sandy Coleman
Time: 6:00 pm.
Location: Love Center Ministries 10440 International Boulevard Oakland, CA






This Saturday October 29, 2011 
Tim'm West 
returns to the Bay Area  
to perform and promote 
music from his new CD, 
"Fly Brotha"




 


Get 20% off my book, "Touch...Poems & Other Writings of Love, Erotica, & Sensuality" when you order on www.lulu.com The book is also available on Amazon as well as Barnes & Noble but the discount is only available on the lulu site when you use the code BURIED305 at check out.


Take advantage of this discount until this Friday October 28, 2011.

Join the, "Touch..." fan page on facebook to keep up with any other discounts, signings, & performances www.facebook.com/TouchPoemsAndOtherWritings


 
 
 

Monday, October 3, 2011

Call For Submissions: "Letters To My Bully"


Call for Submissions-Anthology: Letter’s to My Bully (Glover Lane Press) Edited by Azaan Kamau and Ifalade Ta’Shia Asanti

Letter’s to My Bully is a collection of letters, short stories (fiction or non-fiction), poetry and essays from authors across the world that speaks to the traumatic and sometimes fatal impact of bullying.

Letters to My Bully is also an educational and preventative tool for parents, educators, teens and youth, as well as a channel for healing and empowerment for bullying victims and survivors.
Letters to My Bully is currently seeking submissions of:

Essays-1000 Words or Less
Personal Commentary (Letters)-1000 Words or Less
Poetry-2-3 Single Spaced Pages
Short Stories (Fiction or Non-Fiction)-2500-3000 Words or Less

Submissions should speak to:

-Your personal experiences with being bullied
-How being bullied changed or altered your life
-How you overcame being victimized by a bully
-Essays discussing possible solutions to bullying
-What you would say to your bully if you could confront them today

Deadline: November 15, 2011 at 5pm Please send submissions to letterstomybullymail@gmail.com

All submissions must include full contact information including Name, Address, Email, Phone Number and Web Site (if you have one). Please use only, Times Roman, 12 Point Font with One Inch Margins (DO NOT INCLUDE SPECIAL GRAPHICS, FONTS, COLORED TEXT ETC)

For more information visit Glover Lane Press website at http://gloverlanepress.webs.com/ or
http://azaankamau.webs.com/ or call 1-424-703-3277 or write to letterstomybullymail@gmail.com

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Black Family History Day & My Special Birthday Greeting....



The African American Genealogical Society of Northern California(AAGSNC)

and the Oakland Family History Center Present

BLACK FAMILY HISTORY DAY 2011

Celebrate Family History Month by creating a family tree of your own!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Free and Open to the Public from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.




Oakland Family History Center
4766 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland, CA 94602

* Learn about Black History from your ancestors perspective
* Receive one-on-one assistance for FREE
* Bring a family member to share the experience
* Make it possible for future generations to know where they came from

To reserve a free consultation for a four-generation ancestry
chart or to register for the event, please select the number
of attendees above and click "Register" above.

For questions and further information call 877-884-2843



This is the best birthday greeting I have ever gotten in my life!! My great niece Taylor and I share a birthday. I know we aren't supposed to have favorites but she is definitely special to me.....

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Marvin White Reading & Friday September 30 Is "O-Day" Day!!!!

This Saturday September 24, 2011 join Marvin K. White as he reads from his 2 count 'em 2 new books, "Our Name Be A Witness" & "Status"




Books will be available for purchase at the event. Jewelle Gomez had this to say about Marvin's new work: "Marvin K. White's writings are exquisite incantations that evoke irresistible worlds." Come hear for yourself, and be transported!






Joyce Gordon Gallery
406 14th St.
Oakland, CA



Community Leader & Activist Ken Jones Has Decreed The First Annual "O-Day" In San Francisco

What is "O-Day" You may ask? Read below for more information....

By the powers vested in me, I declare, Friday, 30 September 2011 to be the 1st Annual Black Gay Men’s Appreciation Day in San Francisco. We are calling it “O-Day” (as in Our) (or Out) (whichever your preference).



The celebration will begin at 7:30pm at Gussie’s Chicken and Waffles; as part of their “Flashback Fridays” celebration, featuring DJ Mark Di Vita spinning Old School Hits!



The all-you-can-eat buffet is $ 10.00 plus a 2 drink minimum; so the evening expense will be close to $ 20.00 (Please let us know in advance if you need assistance in meeting the tab). Bring a friend, post on your Facebook Page; but, do let me know you are coming no later than Wednesday, the 28th so I can give Gussie’s a head count.

Ken.jones.COR@gmail.com

Black Gay Men’s Appreciation Day in San Francisco

Gussie’s Chicken and Waffles at 1521 Eddy Street (between Fillmore and Steiner, accessible by Muni Lines 22-Fillmore, and 31-Balboa; or three long blocks from any of the Geary Street Buses)

Monday, September 19, 2011

Feel The, "Touch..." For 15% Off


You can get your copy of my book, "Touch...Poems & Other Writings of Love, Erotica, & Sensuality for 15% off until this Friday September 23rd!!

Enter the code: OKTOBERFEST305 at check out to receive the discount. The book is also available on line at amazon.com as well as barnesandnoble.com but the discount can only be applied when you order at lulu.com