Goals & Objectives: 2013

So Christmas is tomorrow (also my youngest niece's birthday), and Kwanzaa is about to begin.  The day of the Winter Solstice has already passed, and the New Year is coming.  And, as this year comes to a close, it is time to reflect on the events of this passing year, and to start setting up my goals and objectives for the coming year.

These are NOT resolutions for the coming year.  These are concrete plans, goals, and objectives to take me to where I want to go in my career and life.  This past year was a bit of a struggle, and I had more downs than ups. This coming new year, I want to correct those mistakes that I made, and continue to advance myself and my goals to their proper heights.

DEFINITELY need to work on the self promotion part more.  Nobody can purchase my work if they don't even know that it exists, or where they can get it from.  I want to do more festivals, conventions, book fairs, panel discussions, etc.  Might also do a few solo book signings as well, and in more locations other than B'more and New York (if I can get the assistance to set them up).

I want to finally release at least two more book projects before 2013 is done.  I want to transition over to fiction, and finish up two fictional pieces that I've been working on.  One such project is a sci fi novel that I've been working on; a military space opera.  It's a tribute to my Speculative Fiction friends who have greatly influenced me through my association with them.  The other novel is a love story that's more closer inline with my two previous books about Afro Latino issues and affairs.  I have no idea which one I will try to release first; I have to go where the spirit leads me.

I also want to continue with the Consortium of Afro Latino Communities.  I want it to become a bi-annual event, running every Black History Month, and Latino Heritage Month. Hopefully, I can build enough momentum to turn it into an actual organization with stated objectives and goals.  A possible next book idea....?

Don't know if I'll continue on with my organization in the current capacity that I'm in right now.  I might have to take a step back to do the type of stuff that I want to do.  My goals fall exactly in line with the tenants of my organization's aims and objectives; it's just the issue of getting the support that I need to get this stuff done. We need to recruit more, and not have these half-ass, dead weight people dragging us down.  And that is all that I will say on that matter....

So, those are my goals and objectives for the coming year.  Stay tuned to my progress via the blog.  Looking forward to exceeding these goals, and surprising even myself.  :) 

Black Latina The Play!!!!

Representing for mis hermanas at the Black Latina Movement!!!  Running from January 16-19, 2013 in New York City!  Come out support, and see Black Latina The Play!!!

Featuring Latin Freestyle artist and radio personality Judy Torres!

For more information on showtimes and location, check out their website at www.blacklatinamovement.com!!!

SUPPORT THE BLACK LATINA MOVEMENT!!!

Contact information

Gotta work on the self promotion part more.  You know...they whole getting-your-name-out-there-so-people-will-know-who-you-are-and-buy-your-book type of thing?  Well, doing it through either publishing company will cost me a lot outta my pocket.  SO...since I have some graphics skills of my own, and this blog of mine, might as well put them to good use, right?

I would be interested in doing more lectures, panel discussions, and interviews in the coming new year.  Conferences, panel discussions, festivals, radio/TV shows, documentaries...you name it, I'd like to do it.  Feel free to follow a brother, and hit him up.

Once I get this to the print shop, it's ON!

Holla

Cultural Expression

Okay, this one is a bit of a rant session....

As you all know, I am a card carrying member of the Nationalist/Pan Africanist movement.  I espouse the Afrocentric ideology, not only in my own writings, but in my everyday mode of living.  I will be RBG until my last day on this physical plane.

At the same time, BECAUSE I am a part of this movement/community, it gives me more of a standing to critique and/or criticize some of the things that we do within this movement/community.  As an alternative to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, there are those in the "conscious" community that came up with a holiday of their own called the "Umoja Karamu" (loosely translated to Unity Feast in KiSwahili).

????????

No disrespect meant to my fellow activists and revolutionaries, but...are you shitting me?!?!

Look...we know that the way the holiday is presented and propagandized today is totally contrary to what really happened historically.  I get the fact that we need to celebrate our own cultural holidays as an alternative to this wicked societal system that we live in.  But come ON!  WHY are we making up holidays?!?!  If we were really culturally aware, we would realize that we don't have to make up our own holidays; there are plenty for us to celebrate.  If you are involved in the Kemetic spiritual systems, there are a number of holidays that are expressed through that faith.  There are probably a few others if you follow the belief systems of the Akan, Yoruba, Dogon, Vodun, Lucumi, and other African faiths.  We don't need Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, or Christmas, or to make up 'black' versions of those holidays.

There are a number of groups and organizations that create African-centered/afrocentric calendars to distribute to the community.  Some are historically based, some are culturally based.  If I were ever to create my own cultural calender, I would list the following holidays:

All of Black History Month
Veneral (Spring) Equinox
African Liberation Day
Juneteenth
Summer Solstice
Black August/African Liberation Month
Autumnal Equinox
Black Solidarity Day
Winter Solstice
Kwanzaa

I would also include the birthdays of iconic ancestors and freedom fighters, and also include the independence days of various African and Diasporic countries into the mix.   

Anthem Music

Some select music videos that get me hyped...


Arrested Development: "Revolution"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grkPb-Br0oQ&feature=related


Public Enemy: "Shut Em Down"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB4D-GbQ9A4


Panther Movie Soundtrack: "Freedom"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvO97MwjJS0


The Future Sound: "Lady/What's a Bro to Do?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5F8x3P3NOvw


Dead Prez: "Hip Hop"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhnXAIwUehM


Dead Prez: "Walk Like a Warrior"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HeGPHsgGCM&feature=related


Dead Prez ft. Divine RBG: "Malcolm Garvey Huey"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALNF_DCg6VU&feature=related


Jeru The Damaja: "Can't Stop The Prophet"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBQDWsBewSs


Public Enemy: "Fight The Power"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_t13-0Joyc


2Pac: "Trapped"
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCEmTaWSPTk

Michael Jackson: "They Don't Care About us"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNJL6nfu__Q

Aftermath---The Consortium of Afro Latino Communities

I'll keep it brief...the panel ROCKED!!!  The films were very informational and inspiring.  People learned a lot, and were VERY pleased.

As for some of the other stuff that happened at the event...no comment.

Enjoy the pics....

I would like to thank my fellow panelists Robert Oriyama'at,  the very lovely Crystal Shaniece Roman, and the ever brilliant Christopher Rodriguez.  It was an absolute honor sharing the floor with all of you.  Let's do this again!!!  :)

National Black United Front---Black Power Hip Hop Conference

Representing for the National Black United Front

Black Power Hip Hop Conference
November 2-4, 2012
Howard University
Washington, DC

Itinerary--The Consortium of Afro Latino Communities

THE CONSORTIUM OF AFRO LATINO COMMUNITIES
Film Screenings, Panel Discussion, & Book Signings
Saturday, October 20, 2012
from 12pm t0 5pm
Baltimore, Maryland

Program Itinerary
Film Screenings:
"Afro Latinos: The Untaught Story"- film trailer
"We of the Saya"- film trailer
"Memoirs of a Black Latina" - documentary short; Q & A with director Crystal S. Roman
"La Toma"- documentary short
"When the Spirits Dance Mambo" -documentary feature

Intermission: 15-20mins.

Panel Discussion:
"Crossing Borders, Breaking Barriers, & Building Bridges"
Panelists:
Christopher Rodriguez--Author/activist; "Latino Manifesto"
Kevin Alberto Sabio--Author/activist; "Raise Your Brown Black Fist"
Crystal Shaniece Roman--Actress/producer/media activist; Black Latina Movement
Robert Oriya'ma'at--Author/activist/poet; "Heaven O Hell: The Black Omen"

Book Signing
Christopher Rodriguez
Kevin Alberto Sabio
Robert Oriya'ma'at

Closing


FREE ADMISSION!!!!  OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!!

Poetry Workshop w/Tony Medina

Representing for the Reginald F. Lewis Museum...

The poetry workshop will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2012.  The workshop will run from 1pm to 3pm.

BE THERE!!!!!!

EVENT ---The Consortium of Afro Latino Communities

 

MARK YOUR CALENDERS!!!!!!

The Universal Negro Improvement Association, in association with the Social Work Student Organization presents....

The Consortium of Afro Latino Communities

 Film Screenings, Panel Discussion, & Book Signings

Presented will be a day of documentary trailer and film screenings, a panel discussion with participating filmmakers and authors, and a book signing with participating authors.  An extended Latino Heritage Month event, the Consortium will expose and enlighten all in attendance to the little known 'third root' of Latino culture, and become aware of Afro Latino issues and affairs.  A day of enlightenment and bridge building, the event is FREE to the public.

 

 accessible by public transportation:

Baltimore subway Metro to West Cold Spring Lane station; transfer to #33 bus to Moravia Rd.

#3 bus to East Cold Spring Lane; transfer to #33 bus heading to Moravia Rd., or walk down to Morgan's campus.

#19 bus to Moravia Road; transfer to #33 bus heading to Rogers Ave Station .

#33 bus heading either east or west, stops directly at Morgan State University's campus

Consortium of Afro Latino Communities

*In celebration of Black August/Afrikan Liberation Month, I decided to post an excerpt from my second book.  The article is titled, "Consortium of Afro Latino Communities".  Uhuru sase, y paz. *

"It's amazing how reality can come from fiction.  Just look at the effect that science fiction has had on modern technology.  Products and devices that were mere flights of fancy in science fiction of yesteryear are now modern marvels the some of us can't seem to live without.  As well as in the technological arena, that can also happen in the political arena.

The idea for the Consortium of Afro Latino Communities came about from an (unfinished) fictional piece that I've been writing.  The Consortium was developed as a means of regional consolidation to help uplift the various Afro Latino communities politically and economically.  The Consortium was to run along the lines as other organizations that practice regionalism such as the Organization of American States (OAS), The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), European Union (EU), and the former Organization of African Unity, now known as the African Union (AU).  The Consortium was to work in conjunction with other Afrocentric nationalist organizations throughout the Diaspora to help uplift all African descendents all over the glob politically, economically, socially, and educationally.  It was part of a greater blueprint from global Black power.

Considering the recent political climate that we live in, and organization like this is surly, and sorely, needed.  The various Afro Latino communities suffer from poverty, limited access to education, limited access to certain natural resources, political disenfranchisement and repression, and more recently, the theft of our ancestral lands by their respective government(s).  An organization like the Consortium can help us pool our resources together, and forward our progression in various social and political arenas.  We can create business cooperatives for trade and commerce, use our resources to build schools and other educational centers that will teach our children about their history, and amass political power to further our interests in the international political arena, influence foreign policy and investment in Africa.  We could be a force in international trade and travel, being able to work and pool our resources along with our international brothers and sisters throughout the Diaspora, all the way to the mother continent of Africa."

To read more of the article, please purchase a copy of Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino at your local bookstore.

Back in Da Dayz (Reminiscin' From Way Back)

Felt like waxing poetic today.  Hope that you enjoy......


Back in da dayz...when early Hip Hop culture was a reality,
Instead of this corporately controlled commercialized fallacy...
Back when you were respected because of your verbal, artistic, and dancing skills,
And selling lots of records, or commercial acceptance from the mainstream didn't mean that you were ill...
The culture was in your heart, you felt it and you dealt it,
Now, you just wanna be ignorant and act hardheaded like a helmet...
FUCK rockin' Prada, Gucci, Hilfiger, and DKNY,
Stick to rockin' Mecca, FUBU, PNB, and Karl Kani...
Street dreams used to be made of these,
But now we suffer from a commercially controlled, corporate disease...
People like MTV and VH1 telling stories of our culture that are ALL wrong,
Profiting off of our genius and creativity; historically, always the same old song...
Our culture regionally represented, giving rise to the masses a voice,
Now being able to tell of OUR stories, now having an alternative choice...
No longer about Civil Rights, it's now about Power to OUR people,
Historically, always were we separate...and we DAMN SURE weren't equal...
The telling of our stories, the way things were in our hoods,
A new form of Black media or Black Press; telling it in a way that only the griots could...
Verbally, visually...displayed in some new dance form,
Even musically through DJs; these true hip hop elemental forms...
Back in da dayz...with graf artists, and breakerdancers that popped and locked,
Back in da dayz...when the only true hip hop beats were the DJ's scratch, and the Human beat box...
Bck in da dayz...when B-boys and B-girls could dress alike,
It wasn't about thug cats and hoochie mommas always lookin' for a fight...
Flattops, Fades, Gumbies, bald heads, and braids,
Hightops, waves, cornrows, Gheri curls; hairstyles that were all the rage....
Sweatsuits, hats, sunglasses, and then the baggy style,
Cross Colours, 8-Ball, Lees....yeah, names that you haven't heard in a while....
'86-'93 was the Golden Hip Hop era,
The music, the messages; that's when it was for real y'all!!
Cable television never had hip hop music videos on lock,
Religiously watching New York's #1 music video show, Video Music Box...
Back in the dayz, when WBLS and KISS-FM musically kept it real,
With DJs like Red Alert, Mr. Magic, and Kid Capri....yeah, y'all know the deal...!
Also DJ Chuck chillout, and local mixtape DJs that you know,
Always there to set the mood, helping to get the clubs and house parties ready to go...
Back in da dayz, during the times of my youth,
Back in da dayz, when the culture was foolproof...
Back in da dayz, when the culture was pure,
Back in da dayz, when the love for the culture was honest and sure...
Back in da dayz, in my youth looking back,
Back in da dayz....reminiscing from way back.


Kevin Sabio
a/k/a "Knowledge As Supreme"
(C) 2002

Fiesta Girl

A love story set to the pulsating beat of Latin Freestyle, and the smooth sounds of love poetry....


Alonzo Carrion has never been too lucky in love.  His relationships never quite seem to work out the way they do in the poems that he writes.  A talented wordsmith with a heart of gold, he just never seems to catch a break when it comes to love...

Enter Rita Lebron...

On a chance meeting during a night out with some of his boys, Alonzo meets Rita at a house party in the city.  Their attraction is instantaneous, and leads to a whirlwind romance.  Life and love have never been better for the two, falling for each other fast and hard.

But with the good...comes the bad.

Alonzo needs to prove, especially to himself, that this isn't just another rebound relationship.  Added to the fact...Rita has some skeletons in the closet of her own to deal with.  Will they be able to overcome the obstacles, and stay together? Will they be able to keep their love strong, and everlasting?  Or, are the obstacles and darkness just too much for their relationship to bear and survive?

Fiesta Girl
A Kevin Alberto Sabio film

Fiesta Girl (Oh, you're one of a kind)
Oh, Fiesta Girl (want you to be mine)
Oh, Fiesta Girl (oh, you're so swett)
Oh, Fiesta Girls (please be with me...yea)

The Adventures of Don Fiero Valiente

*narrating in my Peter Cullen voice*


Long, long ago.....in a galaxy far, far away...
Amongst a legion of warriors...stands ONE true hero....
He....is Don Fiero Valiente,
Defender of the weak, protector of the innocent...
A young Space Knight of humble Maroon origin,
He, along with his squire Joven Domingo...
Patrol the vast territory of Planet Caribe,
Under the leadership of El Rey, King Alejandro....
Armed with his sense of duty, honor, and justice,
He sets out to protect all of the people that inhabit Planet Caribe...
These...are the stories of....
The Adventures of Don Fiero Valiente!!!!


Idea that I had for an Animated series.   Even have a few episodes written down and protected! Combining Science Fiction with Medieval and Latino history and folklore.  And...did I mention that both the lead character and his sidekick are Afro Latino?  :)
Stay tuned!!!!

Blackout/Power Outage 2012

On Friday night, June 29th, a terrible storm ripped through the Mid Atlantic region of the eastern United States.  High winds, torrential rains, and lightning storms raged through the sky.  I was online when the storm initially hit, and didn't even hear it above the buzz of my AC unit, which I had JUST bought earlier that day.  Earlier in the day, it had been very hot and unbearably humid; there weren't previously any calls for storms that evening.  When my door keep flying open because of the high winds, I rushed to close the open windows that I had in my apartment, keeping the rain water from getting inside.  I then went back into my room, and continued my online endeavors.  I had finally finished up by about 10 minutes to eleven o'clock, shut down my computer, and turned off my lights, hoping to get a nice cool good night's sleep for once.

Then....the power went out at around 11:15pm or 11:20pm.

I was PISSED!!!!

My AC unit went out...then the lights from my clock radio went dark.

Okay...that's not normal.

My initial impulse was that I had blow a circuit with the AC unit, but quickly dismissed that when my clock radio went out.  Then I thought...maybe I blew a fuse just in my bedroom...?  I went into my living room, and tried to turn on the TV.

No dice...

I then went to the kitchen to see if my fridge was still working.
Nope....light was out.  It wasn't humming

Damn....I was caught in the middle of a blackout.  Without air conditioning.  In the middle of a heatwave.

F**K!!!!!!!!
@%#$^}|~*!!!!!!

Eventually, I was without power for about two days.  I had to suffer through the heat, and lack of access to food and liquids.  I had to drink tap water to stay hydrated.  My power finally came back Sunday afternoon.  Needless to say I was ecstatic.  Finally.....AIR!!!!!

I must admit...at the same time...I felt really demoralized after my power came back, looking at the aftermath of the blackout.   As a proud member of the 'conscious' community, and a community/cultural activist, I felt foolish at the level of powerlessness that I felt individually, and the utter unpreparedness of the so-called 'conscious' community overall.  We were totally ill-prepared to handle a situation like this.  Where were our relief efforts to save our struggling community members, suffering without power, food, and water? Are we even organized to handle such an event?  All we have to do is look at the example of Hurricane Katrina and Rita to see how unprepared we are to handle a natural disaster.

Is there anyone out there in the Pan Africanist/Black Nationalist community that has a contingency plan in place for an event such as this?  And, I don't mean an individual plan, just for themselves or their immediate family.  What sort of plans do we have in place to help our community if another (natural) disaster such as the blackout were to occur again?   Forget FEMA and the Red Cross; what plans have we developed to protect our people if such an event were to happen again, or any natural disaster?

Seeing situations like these arising just helps to reinforce the reason why a lot of people in our community don't really respect the 'conscious' community.  We spew all this rhetoric, and make all of these strong statements....but when a situation like the blackout arises...we're caught with our pants down just as much as the Average Joe.  We weren't any more prepared than the so-called 'unconscious' members of our community, at least, not on any mass scale.  We need to improve on that, and do more showing and proving.  I think that too many of us in the so-called 'conscious' community become arrogant and elitist just because we know a little something, something.  How about we start putting some of that talk into practical application?


Organize.
Strategize.
MOBILIZE!!!

Uhuru Sase, y paz

Kuumba Njia TV: The sequel

A while back I had written about an idea that I had for a black-owned digital television channel, calling it Kuumba Njia TV ("The Creative Way", or "The Way of Creativity" television edu-tainment).  I had outlined a treatment for it, and had sent out a few feelers to those that I know and trust in the media field.  I had gotten back a good bit of positive feedback.  I would like to come back to this topic, and follow up on it a bit.

Having our own channel would open up a lot of doors for us that have previously been closed before.  For actors, it would give them the opportunity to have steady work, and be able to consistently practice their craft to a mass audience.  They would be able to gain name recognition, and build up their acting resume'.  They can polish their craft, and increase their skills, having more of a choice as far as projects are concerned.  Let's face it; you'll be able to see all shades of Black faces morning, noon, and night.

For producers, the potential is limitless.  In my personal opinion, it would be the best way for us to explore entry in to genres that we are completely underrepresented in, or don't have much of a presence in at all.  For once, we'd be able to have a Drama series stay on the air for more than a handful of episodes, before getting yanked off the air.  I would also like to see us have a presence in an Animated series.  I know plenty of writers that have great ideas for an animated series, myself included.  Also...why can't we have a science fiction series from our perspective on the air?  Who's to say that we don't/won't exist in the future?  Comedies are good...Reality TV I can do without.  And having a documentary series on the air a la PBS...?  Need I say more?

For programmers, this can also be new and uncharted territory for them as well.  We can be as diverse as we want to with our programming, airing shows from other countries within the Diaspora.  We could also screen movies from other countries within the diaspora.  One suggestion that I had made for acquisitions was to send a representative/Acquisitions Officer/Media Buyer to some of these Black film festivals to scour for talent.  If not the festival winners, then maybe a filmmaker whose project moved something within you.  Also, I would like to see them bring back certain shows that had been successful on other networks at one time.   I remember watching a show on BET (back when it was still Black-owned) call "Screen Scene", which was a magazine show about brothers and sisters in the film and television industry, and the projects that they were working on.  "Teen Summit" was also a great show that deserves a rebirth, and I have to admit that I used to love watching "BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley".  Ed Gordon did a masterful job after Tavis was fired, especially with the other flubs that they had hosting it before he finally took over.  Shows like these need to be rebirthed, and correctly emulated.

This untapped potential still exists.  The Black media is shrinking more and more everyday.  We need to build up our own resources, and use them to the maximum of their capabilities.  We need a strong foundation to work on, and continue to build on.  A media outlet like this can be a HUGE stepping stone.  It is a greater way to create greater cohesion with our brothers and sisters within the diaspora.  It is a great way to expose ourselves to each other, and give us a voice to communicate with one another.  With the dearth of documentarians out there, writers, actors, budding producers, filmmakers, and other visionaries....there is NO WAY that we can fail.

"Up you mighty race...you can accomplish what you WILL"
--   Marcus Mosiah Garvey

LatinoFest 2012

So, this past weekend was LatinoFest here in Baltimore, MD.  It's the largest Latino event here in Baltimore, if not the state, celebrating it's 32nd annual festival.  I decided to go at the last minute; I actually had plans to go to another event out of town that same weekend, but those plans got scrapped (lack of money, no ride, etc.).

So....I threw on my colors, locked my door, and off I went.  Took the local Metro to John Hopkins Hospital, and then walked the rest of the way to Patterson Park.

Considering that it was my first time going to the park...it was a long walk.
...In the heat.
...and I wasn't very hydrated, or well fed before I left out.
Not very smart of me.

Anyway....

I made it to Patterson Park, paid my $5 entry fee, and started to make my rounds.  I had decided not to bring my books with me, since I didn't have a table at the festival, and I wasn't carrying much cash on me (I had a dollar left after I paid to get in).  The park is actually quite spacious, reminding me of some of the parks back home in NYC.

I must admit, I really had a good time.  It was quite fun; I just wish that I would have gone with a friend or two.  This was the first time that I had gone to a Latino event, living here in the South, and NOT have to feel on guard.  I actually felt love at the festival.  I actually had a few fellow Hondurans shout me out, and shake my hand.  Not all of them were Garifuna, but they gave me respect.  I even had a photographer take a picture of me.  =)

One thing that did surprise me...you had a good number of Puerto Ricans at the festival.  I didn't even know that they were that thick out here in Baltimore.  Most of the time, when discussing the Latino community out here in B'more, they always talk about Mexicanos.  I didn't even know that they had a large amount of Boricuas in B'more.  You learn something new every day....

One criticism (or should I say critique?) that I have of the festival, that I have with all Latino festivals; the lack of representation of our African roots.  Our African heritage always gets left out.  If they do have some sort of representation of our Africano roots, it's like ONE blasted token black act (usually a dance troupe, or a Capoeira school demonstrating their style).  They did have El Canario, Jose Alberto, performing at LatinoFest, but still, they needed more than just that (imho).  Then again, maybe he was fulfilling that 'token black act' role I was just talking about....

But...that's just my opinion....

All in all, I did enjoy the festival.  I got to chat with my boy Sam, who is a member of the organization that created LatinoFest; EBLO....Education Based Latino Outreach.  I got to see some foine looking ladies all day (and yes....I meant to spell the word that way!!!).  Got to see some other people that I know as well (shout out to Miguel and Angelo).  Even got to buy a Honduran soccer jersey and necklace (yes, my cheap ass broke down, and went to an onsite ATM).

Looking forward to their Baltimore County version of LatinoFest.  Hope to see you there!

Odunde Festival 2012

I was lucky to be able to attend the Odunde Festival in Philadelphia this year.  A local organization here in Baltimore set up a bus trip, and I was able to purchase a ticket, and attend the bus ride.  This was my first time being able to attend the Odunde Festival, so I was actually a bit excited.  The ride up was entertaining enough; we watched two documentaries about the black hair care industry, one independently done by a brother named Aron Ranan called "Black Hair", and Chris Rock's so-so (imho) documentary called "Good Hair".  It was very interesting to see which perspective both men took in their respective films.....

It was a nice, bright, sunshiny day.  It was on the warm side, but not bad at all for June.  The people that I went on the trip with made it seem as is it was very hot and humid; it wasn't.  Note to self: next time I go on a trip like this, either go by myself, or with some people in my age group.  The trip wasn't bad by any means; not at all, and I did have a good time.  The bus trip was mostly older people, and they tended to get a bit fussy, and overheated.

Odunde was nice, if a bit compact.  It was a bit hard to move around, and see all of the different vendors.  People acted as if they didn't know how to walk around, or properly stop by a vendor without clogging up the whole walk space.  It made it slightly irritating to have to stop every third step or so because people kept stopping at different tables, talking to the vendors.  At the same time, it was kinda sad; you saw the effects of gentrification and how it was affecting the neighborhood.  Some even wondered aloud if Odunde would even continue to be held at it's current location.

The organization that I went with had a table with them, so as to hand out some of their literature, and other information that they had.  I was a bit dismayed, considering the fact that they had placed their table on one of the side streets, where there was very little foot traffic.  It also irritated me that they kept moving the table to stay out of the sun.  Like I had said, it was not THAT hot that day.  And since when are black people afraid of a little sun?!?!  You'd think these people were vampires or some other nocturnal creature, the way they were acting! All dressed up in African attire, yet you're running from the sun....

smdh...

All in all, it was a positive experience, and I was even able to sell a few copies of my books.  I hope that I can return next year, hopefully as a vendor this time (if I can afford their vending fees).  I think that it is good to be able to experience as many cultural festivals as possible, especially one that you haven't been to before.  I'm hoping that I can attend a few more festivals before the summer is out.  Here's to good fortune.

To Acquire Copies of My Books.....

This is a question that I am consistently asked all of the time, from friends, family, and those newly exposed to my work.  Other than purchasing the books directly from me personally, whether at a self-created book signing, or an event that I just happen to be vending at, here are a number of other ways that you can gain access to my books:

PURCHASE THEM ONLINE

If you have computer access, the books can be purchased online.  You can order them directly from the publishers of my books (Authorhouse for Book #1, Outskirts Press for Book #2) by going to their respective websites, and ordering them from their own virtual bookstore.

ALSO...my books are listed on Amazon.com, and also on Barnes & Nobles website.  There are also various online bookstores that carry both titles.

PURCHASE THEM @ YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE

 At this point, the only place that physically stocks my books is a bookstore in Baltimore called Wisdom Book Center, located at 5116 Liberty Heights Avenue.  I am still working on getting more bookstores, specifically independent bookstores, to carry my books.   


You can also get your local bookstore to order copies of my book for you.  I would prefer that you go to your local Black-owned bookstore to order copies of my book, but considering the rash of Black-owned bookstores that have been closing down in the last decade plus, if you have to buy my book from a mainstream bookstore, then by all means, go ahead and do so.

You can order copies by providing the store clerk my name, and the title of my book(s), and also providing them with the ISBN number of my books:

978-1-4490-6987-2  (Book #1, softcover)
978-1-4490-6988-9 (Book #1, hardcover)
978-1-4327-8354-9 (Book #2, softcover)

ORDER THE E-BOOK VERSION

At this point, only my first book is in the ebook format.  I am working on upgrading my second book to include an ebook version.


So...these are the available options for those of you that are interested in buying a copy of my books.  I hope that this helps you as far as gaining access to copies of my works.  Please help to support your independent literary artists!!!!

Raise Your Brown Black Fist: The Radio Interview

It's great to have comrades that respect you, and always try to look out for you.

I was out with my mentor, as he was invited to one of the local radio stations to help promote an annual tour that he helps to organize, and I was lucky enough to be with him at the station.  He knew the brother hosting the show (having been longtime comrades themselves), and was able to get on the air to help promote the tour that they're giving (Soul School Institute's annual Malcolm X Tour).  After he was done with his portion of the show, we gathered our belongings, and were ready to leave.

That's when he mentioned to the host, "Oh, by the way...this is Bro. Kevin.  He's a member of my organization, and a published author."

I SO love my mentor!  =)

On cue, I went right into my book bag, and whipped out a copy of both of my books.  I gave them to Bro. Ellsworth (the host), gave him a little background about my books' subject matter, and told him that I would love to be on his show sometime to talk about them.

"Really?  How about next Sunday...?"

??????????

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Needless to say, I was very shocked...and I also accepted the offer.  =)

Sunday, May 6, 2012
 WOLB Radio, 1010AM
Starting 2pm.

The show will also be streaming live, so if you are NOT from the Baltimore area, you can STILL catch the show.  I hope that you have good internet service.  you can catch the show on the web at www.wolbbaltimore.com.

Thank you SO much Bro. Ellsworth.  =D

WISH ME LUCK!!!!!

KEEP THE FIST RAISED!!!!!! 

Raise Your Brown Black Fist....the documentary???

Surprisingly, this idea has been floating around my head as of late for a while.

It was actually something in the back of my mind to do.  I hadn't even really given it much thought.  it wasn't until I went home to New York to do my (homecoming) book signing.  One of my dear friends (SHOUT OUT TO VALERIE!!!) had attended my event, and we briefly talk about it, as far as my next move was concerned.  You see, we had volunteered together for one of the film festivals that I was a part of (African American Women In Cinema).  She was the volunteer coordinator, and I was one of their most staunchest volunteers.  We met back in '03, and we've stayed in contact ever since.

Once she mentioned turning my book into a documentary, a light bulb went off.  Hey...maybe there is something to this idea after all!  When I first conceived it, I though that it I was being a bit egotistical and arrogant; it amounted to nothing more than shameless self promotion, at least to me.  Then again, this is an issue that has been gaining a lot of momentum and recognition in recent years.  Not to mention, it's not like all of us who call ourselves Afro Latino activists are really unified in our ideology, or plans of action.  As it is, I have my own issues with some of those who claim/call themselves Afro Latino activists/advocates.

This is also something that would take me back to my video/film production roots.  There are actually more funding choices out there, and/or ways to raise those funds (Kickstarter, IndieGogo, for instance).  Plus, I have equipment of my own that I can use, and just get my hands on the additional equipment that I need to complete the project.

So I will keep you all updated on this particular idea.  I need to flesh out the treatment, and then consider my plan of action from there.  I also need to consider if I'm going to use any outside partners in this production.  There is a lot that I have to think about, and consider.

Stay tuned.....!

Cinematically Speaking.....

My first love is film and television.  That was my goal in the beginning as a writer; to write, produce, and direct my own productions.  I wanted to be like the Glen Larsons, and the Aaron Spellings, Donald Bellisarios, Stephen J. Cannells, and other super producers of the world.  Of course, I wanted to represent for our people, and have our voices be heard.  I wanted to do both; television and film.  You could seemlessly transfer from one field/genre to the other; spinning off a television show into a movie franchise, or vice versa.  To this day, I still have a slew of scripts that I've written that I want to eventually produce.  My entry into authorship is just a side route to get to where I really want to get to.

I had written an entry about forming an independent digital channel.  This is one of many ways for us to get our voices heard, and our stories seen.  Since we're not at that level yet, the next best thing that can be done is to support independent Black film festivals.  You don't know HOW many times I've heard people complain about the state of Black films, and bemoan the atrocities that hit the silver screen.  I always end up asking the question, "Well, do you ever support any Black Film Festivals?", and hear nothing but crickets after I pose that question.

I've been lucky enough to volunteer for a few film festivals in my time, mostly in New York.  It has recently come to my attention that a few of those film festival organizations have combined forces, and have created a distribution network called the African American Film Festival Releasing Movement, or AFFRM for short.  They help for independently produced (Black)films to receive distribution with limited releases in local theaters in major cities.  They also help these films to be distributed through dvd releases.  At this time, they are releasing films quarterly throughout the year (about four times a year), one film for each quarter.  The films that they have currently released are very diverse in story and plot.

It fills me with hope when we finally decide to take control of our destiny, and create our own institutions to benefit us.  This is something that we need to do more of, and also to go out and support these institutions so that they may remain strong and vital.  If you get the opportunity, PLEASE go to their website and support, not only these films, but also this organization.

www.affrm.com

Brooklyn Book signing: The Aftermath

Well, my special day has come and gone.  It was my very first book signing in my hometown of New York City (BROOKLYYYYYYYYN!!!).  It was something that I've always wanted to do ever since I was first published.

I was able to arrive early, and set up my table the way that I had envisioned it in my mind.  I was able to speak to a brother that was in the area, and who personally knew the brother who ran The Marcus Garvey Center (shout out to Bro. Dumari).  Once he left, and I had finished prepping the table with my books and writing pad (to gather contact information from any attendees), I basically had nothing left to do but sit and wait for the attendees to arrive.

People came late.  Granted...it was a Friday, and the start time was 5pm.  People were still getting out of work.  In hindsight, maybe I should have had the book signing at a later start time (if I ever decide to hold one on a week day, that is).  People didn't really start arriving until around a little after 6pm.  I didn't really kick off my presentation until about 6:45.

It wasn't a packed house by any means.  People showed up; that was a good thing.  I had emailed a large number of people, and posted the event on Facebook.  Even Bro. Dumari contacted several people that he knew to come out and support this event.  Hell....the brother was even able to get in contact with the members of the Brooklyn division of my organization to come out (UNIA--Universal Negro Improvement Association); unfortunately, they never showed.  People who told me that they were going to come through...didn't.  Others did, at least.  There were more than enough people there that made it worth it; hell, it was a lot more than I had in Baltimore.  I had friends and family come out to support me, and that made me feel really blessed.  Especially with the fact that I got to meet somebody that I had known mostly through the internet, that made it really worthwhile to me.  They came out to support me without even knowing me all that well.

I gave my presentation, the attendees applauded, and I was able to sell a number of my books.  It didn't go quite exactly as I had planned, but it was a great experience to have.  I look forward to having a second homecoming in the coming months.  Hopefully, I can build off of this mounting momentum that I'm trying to create for myself.  I'm shooting for May to return to Brooklyn; I already have a location in mind as to where I want to do the next one.  I may just strictly sign books at that one, and skip the lecture part.  Oh well, we'll see what happens.

Stay tuned....!

Raise Your Brown Black Fist: NYC Book Signing

Once again....IT'S ON!!!!

It's my homecoming.  I will be returning to the NYC area (BROOKLYYYYYYYYN) to be doing a book signing in my hometown.  It's something that I've been longing to do since my first book, and I'm finally able to take that opportunity now.  Please join me on Friday, March 23rd from 5pm to 9pm as I speak and sign my books for the general public.  Admission is FREE!!!  Come on through...spread the word...and bring a friend! 

DATE: Friday, March 23, 2012
TIME: 5pn to 9pm
LOCATION: The Marcus Garvey Center
                       5105 Church Avenue
                       Brooklyn, NY 11203

2 or 5 train to Church Avenue, B35 bus to Utica Avenue
OR
3 or 4 train to Utica Avenue, B46 to Church Avenue
The Marcus Garvey Center is located on the corner of Church Avenue and E. 51st Street.


Hope to see you all there!!!!  :D

Book Signing & Lecture: The Aftermath

It finally came and went, my big day.  I was able to FINALLY hold my very first book signing.  It was a bit of an error on my part the first time around when I got published.  I attended a few events and was able to vend at a few festivals, but never quite got around to actually having a lone event to promote my work.  With publishing the second book, I wanted to correct that mistake this time around.

I was able to get to Wisdom Book Center the night before, and helped Bro. Tehuti (the owner) set up the store in the seating arraignment that I envisioned.  He was actually quite impressed with the set up; I had my back to his inventory on the bookshelves, and had all of the seats facing me.  That way, while I'm speaking about my book, they can also see what he has in stock at his store, and also want to purchase something from him along with my own book(s).  That way, we both win; it will gain him some new customers that will want to come back.  I saw that same setup once on C-SPAN, on a program that they have called Book TV.  I always did want to try that set up....

The big day came (February 11th), and I arrived a good 45 minutes early.  I was able to set up my MiniDV video camera, chilled out a bit with Bro. Tehuti, and just waited for the people to come.

They were late...by almost an hour!  CP time, man...CP time....
People who told me that they were going to show up...didn't.
...OR they came really late.
Smh....

Since the event was three hours, I was going to spend the first hour and a half speaking.  Since the folks came late, I cut it down to 45 minutes.  The attendees were tardy, and it wasn't a packed house by any means...but it went GREAT!

I was able to provide a lot of information to my audience, I was able to get my points and views across.  Hell, I was even able to answer some audience questions both during and after my lecture.  I felt really good about it, and felt like I was able to really accomplish my goals.

Afterwards, I was able to sign and sell a number of my books.  I decided to stay past the 3pm deadline, with Bro. Tehuti's blessing.  It was a great day for both of us.  I felt very proud of myself, and was thankful to the brother for allowing me this opportunity to use his space.  I look forward to doing more book signings; not only at brother Tehuti's establishment, but at other locations as well.  Right now, I'm trying to set up book signings in DC, and in my hometown of New York City.  Stay tuned.....

Black History Month: the Diaspora Edition

The following is an excerpt of one of the essays included in my second book.  Since this is Black History Month, I thought that it would be appropriate to put here.  Please enjoy.....

Black History Month: The Diaspora Edition

"I'm still learning that the pen's mightier than the sword,
But we still need the help of Brown Berets and Young Lords...
My artifacts cannont be beaten by false attacks,
But step to me...I'll go down fighting just like the Caribs and the Arawaks."
-  Knowledge As Supreme; "Phunkee Honduran's Flow"
(c) 1995


BALTIMORE, MD-I remember a number of years ago (around 1999, or 2000) reading an article that was posted on the website called "The Black World Today" (www.tbwt.org). In the article, the author discussed how Black History Month should be expanded (content-wise) to include our heroes that are from the Caribbean, considering the growing number of people immigrating to the United States from the islands, and how their children (and others, for that matter)are taught very little about our heroes & sheroes that have done great achievements throughout history that are from the islands.  I would like to piggyback on that notion, and feel that we should include all of our heroes and sheroes throughout the Diaspora, Afro Latinos included.

You have some brothers and sisters who can tell you about our American heroes and icons; Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, JR., Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Sojourner Truth are usually the most well known names that people mention during Black History Month.  People might also invoke the names of certain contemporary celebrity personalities to be included in Black History Month celebrations.  At the same time, how many people are aware of such brothers and sisters like Walter Rodney, Frantz Fanon, Dr. Eric Williams, or Shirley Chisholm?  How often do you hear people invoking the names of ancestral greats and freedom fighters such as Antonio Maceo, Jose Marti, and Maroon leader Carlota of Cuba, Sebastian Lemba  of the Dominican Republic, Rafael Cordero and Manzano from Puerto Rico?  Are there many people that are familiar with Touissant L'Oveture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines from Haiti?  What about Nanny and Cudjoe from Jamaica?   You also have Juan Gualberto Gomez from Cuba, a hero from her War of Independence from Spain.  Jose Celso Barbosa had also fought for independence from the colonial grips of Spain, specifically for Puerto Rico.  None of us took our subjugation lying down.  We've all fought against slavery, and we continue to fight against colonialism.


To read more, feel free to purchase a copy of  my book "Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" to read the rest of the article. 

AfroLatinos: The Untaught Story

Representing for my peoples at Creador pictures!!!  It's finally about to arrive!!!  The documentary series "AfroLatinos: The Untaught Story"  is about to become a reality!  I have been blessed to know the creators of this documentary series (albeit mostly online), and will do everything that I can to help promote their work.  Please help to support this film!!!!

Raise Your Brown Black Fist: Lecture & Book Signing

MARK YOUR CALENDERS!!!!!!!!

February 11, 2012.....the start of my ascension.

On Saturday, February 11, 2012, I will be holding my first lecture and book signing of the year, based on my two books.  I am very excited about it, and am really looking forward to it.  Of course, I'm looking to do more this year, as well as vending opportunities and other speaking engagements.  The location for the book signing will be as follows:

Wisdom Book Center
5116 Liberty Heights Avenue
Baltimore, MD, 21207

The event will be from 12pm-3pm.  The first half of the program will be lecturing about my two literary works.  The second half of the program will consist of me signing copies of my books for those that wish to purchase them.

Come one...come all!!!  Bring a friend, and tell as many people as you can!