Feel The, "Touch..." At Oakland Pride 2011-"We Are Family"

Sunday September 4th I'll be at Oakland Pride selling copies of my book, "Touch...Poems & Other Writings of Love, Erotica, & Sensuality" which is also available on line at lulu.com, amazon.com, as well as barnesandnoble.com







I'll be sharing a booth with my friend visual artist Ronald Jackson. Ron will be bringing some of his beautiful & original artwork from Los Angeles. Be sure to check out his unique pieces.





Jennifer Holliday is the headliner for this year's Pride Event so if the weather cooperates we should have an amazing time!!

Some Books For You To Check Out....

I have some poems included in a new anthology titled, "Tapestries of Faith: Black SGLBT Stories of Triumph, Family, Love, & Healing."



Tapestries of Faith is filled with poetry, essays and prose that intends to sooth the heart and reawaken the spirit. Anthology contributors represent a wide range of artists ranging from journalists, photographers, performance artists, playwrights and more. Among them are the distinguished C. Jerome Woods, DRED, Claudia Moss, Queen Hollins, KAUTION, Ennis Jackson, Katrina Arango, Bey Celeste and many others.


You should also check out another anthology I was included in titled, "Mighty Real: An Anthology of African-American Same Gender Loving Writing"


A collection of African-American Same Gender Loving Literature featuring both new and established writers. Grounded in a poignant and truthful sensibility, imbued with the realities of sex and love, Smith and Williams present a culmination of poems, short stories, radical essays, sermons, plays and interviews honoring notable figures within the SGLBT community.


These are both available on line at amazon.com




One of the my great joys in writing has been my association with Frankie Lennon. I first met her while we were both members of Unity Fellowship Church in Los Angeles. Frankie is a incredible writer, teacher, mentor, & activist. She was instrumental of writing grants and coordinating events for Minority AIDS Project in the early days of the virus when people were dying daily. She is one of those women who stood for those men when they couldn't stand for themselves. Attending funerals weekly and caring & visiting for men whose families had turned against them. Frankie's memoir, "The MEE Street Chronicles" is an incredible collection of stories that cover her youth, family, racial discrimination, sexism. homophobia, coming, out, alcoholism, and many other topics in a straight forward & entertaining way. There's even a story of a middle school adventure with childhood friend Nikki Giovanni who wrote the introduction for the book. The book has been out for the past couple of years but she has just informed it is now available electronically for Kindle or Nooks. Copy and paste these links to purchase her book for your e-reader:


ORDER EBOOK for Nook at
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Mee-Street-Chronicles/Frankie-Lennon/e/2940012800527

ORDER ebook for Kindle at
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058ETNK6/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=roninenterprises&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B0058ETNK6

ORDER at Apple at
http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-mee-street-chronicles/id447527106?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4




















I've just found out about this book and it's free for download!! You only have to have Adobe on your computer to download & print out. It's a Case Study of the effects on South African Liberation has had on the Youth there.


Case Study: Out of the Box: Queer Youth in South Africa Today
Marian Nell and Janet Shapiro


This Atlantic-commissioned case study provides a snapshot of what life is like for young lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered and intersex people (LGBTIs) in South Africa today – 17 years after the Constitution outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation. It explores if democracy has brought greater tolerance and celebration of diversity for today’s young LGBTIs. Its findings (based on interviews with young LGBTIs across race, class and gender) are that while these young people face a double layer of challenges – those faced by all youth, such as unemployment, as well as their own specific challenges, including homophobia - many also see themselves as agents of change and find safe spaces and support within the growing LGBTI community.

Go to this link to download: www.atlanticphilanthropies.org/learning/case-study-out-box-queer-youth-south-africa-today

Of course my book, "Touch...Poems & Other Writings of Love, Erotica, & Sensuality is still available: www.lulu.com/spotlight/tombombayboopublishing


If you're in the bay area & at Oakland Pride on September 4, 2012 I'll be sharing a booth with my friend Ron Jackson from Los Angeles. He'll have some of his art, jewelry, and other things available for purchase & I'll have copies of, "Touch..." for a discounted price on the on-line rate.

A Couple Of Events In "The Town" (Oakland, Ca) & New Work By Marvin K. White

Here's a couple of events happening here in Oakland, Ca to be on the lookout for. If you come to Oakland BlackOUT I'll have copies of my book, "Touch...Poems & Other Writings of Love, Erotica, & Sensuality" for sale there....







Available on line http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/tombombayboopublishing













Oakland Black LGBTQ Pride is an event established in 2010 to provide a celebration of diversity, education, tolerance, and equality. Our organization is dedicated to working towards closing the social generational gap in Oakland between LGBTQ youth and adults through communication, education, and mentoring. We want to help direct and empower our community towards healthier and more productive lifestyles. Our Slogan is “Bridging the gap… making a difference.”

We are motivated to educate our community as a whole in an effort to stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases through workshops, free HIV testing, and providing prophylactics.

Our purpose for the BlackOUT weekend is to build a more unified and tolerant Oakland, to help build the economy, and serve the under-served.















SUNDAY, AUGUST 28
1:30pm-5:30pm
www.celebrationsbythebay.com &
THE PRODUCERS OF CLUB RIMSHOT & "LOVE" INVITE YOU TO
A CASUAL LGBT & FRIENDS
TEA DANCE ON THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY!
FOOD, FUN, & FRIENDS!




Besides needing an ass whoopin! Marvin K. White is a phenomenal writer. He has two new books available, "Our Name Be A Witness" a collection of poetry using the voices of women & "Status" a work I am interested to read because who knows what goes on in that mind of his? Both are available on line at www.redbonepress.com

For All We Know: In Memory of David Blair & Taylor Siluwe-Speaking Their Names....

I've found myself thinking of the lyrics to the Donny Hathaway song, "For All We Know..." after hearing about the transition of Poet, Spoken Word Artist, & Musician Blair (David Blair) and Author & Blogger Taylor Siluwe.



I first met Blair soon after moving to the bay area. He was here from Detroit featuring at a local spoken word spot. I had never heard of him before but I was blown away by his performance. He was only here for a few days but we managed to sneak in a lunch and have time to talk. Blair is one of those performers that tours constantly so I always assumed our paths would cross again. He was a gifted performer and I love the tone of his voice. I could listen to him read the phone book. Here's a sample of some of his work:



I'm know he will be missed by many other performers and people who grew to know him. Very gentle and warm spirit.



A few weeks ago I woke to read several posts on facebook and other places that Author & Blogger Taylor Siluwe had transitioned. I had never met him but we spoke through messages and IM chats about meeting once I finally made my long planned & hoped for trip to New York. He was one of the first to join the fan page for my book and also sent an encouraging note in support of me getting it published. I loved his blog and his work it was so organic and seemed to come from a place of really trying to inform people. I loved that the way he wrote wasn't just to humor himself or show how smart or talented he was.



I'm the youngest of 10 and had a brother & sister die as well as a niece that I never expected. It just never literally entered the realm of possibility that we would not all grow old together. I'm really understanding how eternal life is not some notion we were taught in traditional religion about heaven or something "over there" but it's like the ancestors told us to speak the names of those we have met in this life so their lives live on....

Both these guys will be missed by many and like I said it really has got me thinking,

For all we know
We may never meet again
Before you go
Make this moment sweet again

We won't say goodnight
Until the last minute
I'll hold out my hand
And my heart will be in it

For all we know
This may only be a dream
We come and we go
Like the ripples of a stream

So love me, love me tonight
tomorrow was made for some
tomorrow may never come
For all we know...........

Reflection, Renewal, & Laughter....

Last week I attended, "The Fellowship" Convention in Las Vegas, NV. The Fellowship is a conglomerate of open & affirming churches lead by my Pastor, Bishop Yvette Flunder.

I've attended many workshops, conferences, conventions, & convocations over my life and I've learned to use them as a place of renewal for me. I really needed it I've had a series of disappointments from people not following through on things that they've promised or that we've spoken about. I won't go into detail because honestly I am still bitter about some of it and I don't like being that way. It's something I'm definitely working on. I don't want my look on life to be skewered by hanging my hopes on another person's actions but it is at least for me disappointing & upsetting when people don't do what they said they would do and then avoid contact with you because they haven't especially when you consider those people to be friends/people you love. I have learned it's important to return phone calls, e-mails, and messages. Even if the answer is no and will cause disappointment it's better to know it than to leave things in limbo.

Music has always been a balm for me and during my time at The Fellowship in Las Vegas I got a chance to participate with the National Mass Choir. This is always a highlight for me because there is just something so special about people from different churches coming together to form a choir. Usually you get people who are dedicated to the Music Ministry so there is an extra level of energy. The music for the nightly services was phenomenal! Even Mother Shirley Miller, the partner of Bishop Flunder said she thought it was the best the National Choir has sounded since the beginning of The Fellowship.

One highlight was a tribute to Sylvester by Martha Wash, B. Slade (formerly Tonex), Gene Viale, Bishop Flunder, and the incomparable Charlene Moore who is the National Minister of Music for The Fellowship. Both Martha & Charlene sang background for Sylvester and Bishop Flunder was one of the Associate Pastors at Love Center when he attended services there. Here is a wonderful rendition of one of his most famous songs, "You Are My Friend" by these amazing vocalists:



I saw this video first on facebook and it just made me smile and filled with such joy. This kid is so excited that he's met his first pair of husbands. It's like he found money or something!! Then just as a kid would do let's them know he's going to play ping pong and invites them!

Feel The "Touch..." For 20% Off....

ACT FAST!-This offer is only available until this Friday July 15. You can get 20% off

Go to: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/tombombayboopublishing
and use code: BIG305 at check out



“Touch…Poems & Other Writings of Love, Erotica & Sensuality” by Jair, the Literary Masturbator is a friendly reminder that living and loving is possible. Jair touches us in many ways weaving familiar sounds and sharing intimate stories (real or imagined) to help unify his theme. These poems touch you physically, spiritually and mentally. One of my favorite poems is “When I Look into His Eyes…”

Much like Etheridge Knight’s “Ilu, the Talking Drum”, Jair’s “When I Look into His Eyes…” is filled with sound devices, specifically alliteration and repetition, which help fuse the poem. For example, the speaker states he drowns in “sweet soulful syncopation” (5). A few lines further the speaker describes the sound from a flute as “feather falling freely” (12). In addition, we hear a rhythmic repetitive rumbling of a drum beating with the repetition of the words “Africa” and “drum”. The sounds of life (drumming and heart beating) in and under the poem summon us because they are familiar. Similarly, the refrain used “When I look into his eyes” is a tool that brings us full circle from Africa to America and back again.

Music is consistent throughout his poems and fittingly, Jair injects music into this poem to help tell his tale. Written with a fluid rhythm, the poem is like a song. My favorite line is “A voice calls out, rising above the mixture of sight and sound to create/ joy unbound…in this island found, in the oasis of your soul” (14-15). Their lovemaking is boundless, vulnerable and free.

My jaded ideas of serial monogamy and Knight’s imprisonment in many ways are isolating, however, the process of writing for Knight, Jair and me is a liberating experience. Jair’s book moved me. I was touched and reminded living and loving is possible.-Review by Dauwd Najimi II

Roux Artistry Hour!-Poets & Spoken Word Artists on Good Gumbo Radio!

It's no secret I am totally amazed and crazy about my friend lily (liketheflower) in the artist community it's sometimes hard to find people who support your work and are a friend as well. lily has ALWAYS been a strong supporter and sister to me and for that I am grateful. This Saturday she would like to feature YOU! YES YOU! on her radio show. Read below for the details....












Episode: EPISODE59 - 'Good Gumbo' Radio: Roux Artistry Hour
Join us this Saturday for the Roux Artistry Hour! Poets and SpokenWord artists sign up for the Open Mic session (5-7 minutes to recite and promote your work). email: lily@lilyliketheflower.com Visit http://www.lilyliketheflower.com to listen to past episodes of 'Good Gumbo Radio'. Follow on twitter @poeticgirlChild or @goodgumboradio



Good Gumbo' Radio covers an eclectic blend of relevant topics. Hosted by author/poet lily (like the flower), 'Good Gumbo' Radio combines straightforward talk and witty flavor to create hearty conversation! Join us every Saturday at 10a PT/ 1p ET.

Scheduled Time:

Date: Sat, June 18, 2011
Time: 01:00 PM EDT

How to participate:

Call in:

1. Dial: (724) 444-7444
2. Enter: 80315 # (Call ID)
3. Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Facebook User? You can join this call directly from the TalkShoe Community Calling Facebook application www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=9051855207&sk=wall