Birthdays & Anniversaries/End of August

 So, as the month of August comes to a close, I reflect on certain birthdays and anniversaries that have come up.  To start off,  birthday blessings to the revered ancestor, the Rt. Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey!!!  His birthday was on August 17th.  This great Pan Africanist leader created the government/organization the Universal Negro Improvement Association & African Communities League (UNIA & ACL).  Blessings to  his spirit, and the movement that he created, that was the father of many of these other organizations & movements that came afterward!  :-)

 

My father just recently celebrated his 81st birthday on August 20th.  The man has lived a full life, and has earned by deepest respect.  He immigrated to another country, & built a life for himself & his family.  He raised three children, bought a house, and has been able to retire with all of his faculties intact.  Seven grand kids, two that are in their twenties (and still waiting for ME to produce some for him, lol, lol, lol)....that ain't bad.  That ain't a bad life, at all.  Much respect to my father for putting up with me.  We had our issues in my late teens & early twenties, but THANK GOODNESS we got over them.  Much respect to you, pops!!  :-)

On August 23rd, I celebrated the 2-year anniversary of the production of my web series "The Rough Draft".  Two years ago in 2019, I produced the first episode of the show.  It's gone on for 40 episodes, so far.  I'm hoping to start shooting new episodes of it, again, once I finally move the fuck outta Delaware.  I wasn't able to shoot an anniversary episode, like I did for last year, but I will be shooting more episodes, once I move down to Raleigh.  I need my personal space, which I don't have here in Delaware.  Here's to more continued episodes of The Rough Draft!!!  Continuing to promote my literary career!!

 

The next birthday is kinda hard for me.  My mother's birthday was August 24th.  Since we lost her in 2019, it is always a bit hard for me whenever her birthday comes around. Being the youngest, and close with my mother, it gets hard celebrate her birthday, as I wish that she was still here.  I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to her, before she passed.  I hadn't seen her since the day I moved out to Delaware.  We talked on the phone a bit, But I never got to physically see her.  That's one major regret that I have.  Prayers go out to you, mom.  You're always in my heart, and on my mind.  My parents' wedding anniversary is on the 29th, so I can't even imagine what my dad is going through, whenever these dates come around.  My heart goes out to you, dad.

 

I will be moving to Raleigh on August 28th.  I will soon be a resident of the Tar Heel State.  Delaware served its purpose; I got back on my feet out here.  It is now time for me to move on, and progress as a person, and in my literary career.  As August comes to a close, and the fall season begins, let me start this latest journey with a clean slate, a clear mind, and a renewed spirit.

 

Peace!!!

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

 

 

When It's Time To Say Goodbye....

So, I had to go out of town this weekend to attend a homegoing for a dear brother and comrade of mine...

I was stunned and hurt when I found out that he'd joined the ancestors.  I literally had just talked to him, not too long before he had passed.  We had exchanged text messages, and then we both had gotten busy with life.  I didn't find out until a month ago of his passing.  It was a deep shock to me, as the brother was not a sickly person; quite the opposite.  He is/was vegan, a holistic health practitioner, a wellness life coach, vegan chef, certified Reiki massage therapist, as well as being an artivist (artist +  activist).

I returned to Richmond, VA this past weekend; 8 years since I'd originally moved out, after having relocated there the end of '06.  The service was held for him, mostly attended by family, and a few friends and comrades.  I had my emotional moments, but I was glad to have attended, and had the opportunity to say goodbye.  It was also good, as I was able to reconnect with another dear brother/comrade, since our brotherhood has mostly been phone-bound since my relocation....several times over (with my nomadic ass).

I became very reflective afterward.  The ride home on the bus (FUCK GREYHOUND!!!!) gave me a lot of time to think.  I was glad to be able to say goodbye to my dearly departed brother, now that he has joined the ancestors.  At the same time, there were things that troubled me after his transition.  Part of it, is the lack of info as far as his passing is concerned.  I would be able to swallow this better, if he had been a sickly individual, or addicted to drugs, or even if he had died violently at the hands of some knucklehead on the streets.  None of the above applies, so it's a little harder for me to accept.  He was extremely healthy, and health conscious, and knew how to take care of himself.  I guess, that's just one mystery I'll have to live with, until I see him in the other realm...

The other thing that got to me was....how will I be remembered when I'm gone?  There were certain things about the service that left much to be desired, knowing what I personally knew about my now-departed bredren.  How will MY memory and legacy be preserved, and honored when I pass from this realm? Will all of my friends and associates be contacted about my passing, and if/when the funerary rites will be held?  Will my sendoff be to my wishes, and not get convoluted into something that I wouldn't wish for..?  Even if I do leave my funerary wishes written down, will they be honored, and carried out?  How will anyone find my written wishes?  As an independent artivist myself, I have no legal team, or lawyer to help with this; I can barely afford my general basic living expenses....

It also makes me think about the things that I still want to accomplish in life.  I still want to get married, and have children.  I'm still young enough to make that happen.  That actually is a major goal for me right now, despite the current writing career.  Other than the legacy of the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement still continuing on after my own transition,  I would need to find a dedicated team to put in place to carry that out.  It kind of saddens you a bit....  :'-(

Dedicated to my brother Etaniel Ben Yehuda.....artivist, poet, actor, musician, singer, GREAT bredren/brother/friend/comrade, published author, and SO, SO much more.

Uhuru sasa, y paz.

Etaniel Ben Cohen Yehuda

1977-2018

 

Welcome to 2018!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
FELIZ ANO NUEVO!!!!!!

What's good, my peoples?  Happy new Year, and welcome to 2018!  2017 was a transition year for me, and I actually ended the year on a pretty strong note.  I was able to attend a number of Kwanzaa events here in Wilmington that were off the chain, and actually ended my work week on a positive footing . 

2018 is going to be a good year.  I am in better spirits, and I'm in a better place on many different levels.  Though my money could be a little bit better, at least I'm in a better position than I have been over the last few years.  I will be celebrating the 10th year anniversary of operation for the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement; quite an accomplishment I might add, especially without any manpower, or financial assistance.  I will also be celebrating my EIGHTH year as a published author, and will be dropping my NINTH book next month in February.  I'm really looking forward to the release of "Fiesta Girl"; it was definitely a labor of love.  It was formerly a screenplay that I'd written over 20 years ago, and I didn't want the story to go to waste.  Here is the cover for it:

I'm scheduling to have it released during the week of Akoma Day (February 14th-20th), my own way to celebrate the institution of Black love.  February also marks the 3-year publishing anniversary of "The Chronicles of The Black Fist" (CreateSpace, 2015), my Action/Adventure superhero novel.  Though I'll be concentrating primarily on marketing Fiesta Girl, I'm hoping to make a splash in sales for that particular novel; one of my favorite projects to date.

On the personal side, I'm hoping to meet Mrs. Right, settle down, and hopefully start a family.  Brother ain't getting any younger, and I would like to be young enough to enjoy at least one child.  Now If I can juuust find a decent sista/hermana to connect with......   ;-)

I hope that the new year has great plans for you.  Let's make it happen, and move forward.  Hoping to keep the positive vibes going, and to keep progressing.

Keep the fist raised!!!  Uhuru sase, y paz!!!!

Supporting Akoma Day

One thing that I've always suggested was for Afro Latinos to embrace more African/Afrocentric cultural traditions and expressions.  This is one that I've come to learn about a few years ago, and is starting to pick up steam (at least from my perspective).  Akoma Day is an alternative to to St. Valentine's Day, and lasts five days, from February 14 to February 20.  They follow a certain set of principles and virtues that are mean to help build a strong relationship between two people engaged in the relationship.  It has a strong foundation in building, not only a strong relationship, but also a strong family bond.  You can equate it with Kwanzaa, as it follows the same guidelines.  I don't see this as a 'made up holiday', but something that we can make culturally relevant to our everyday lives.

The creators of the holiday have a website available that further explains the holiday, and has published literature about it to express their philosophy on how to build a strong relationship to, not only strengthen your marriage, but also to help build a strong community.  They have outlets and celebrations in several cities; you try to find one that is close to you, and attend one of their events.  Or, you can contact the founders/creators of the holiday, and coordinate and event right in your own city/state/region.

Happy Akoma Day!!!

www.akomahouseinitiative.com

 

Wilmington Boricua Fest 2015

Really hoping that I could road trip out to this!  Maybe if I had found out about this sooner.  I would like to check it out for myself.  I missed the last event cause my ride did me dirty.  I'll eventually make it out to one of their events.

Boricua Fest
October 4, 2015
Wilmington, DE
12pm to 8pm

Books & Breakin' in the South Bronx

Just found out about this earlier this week.  Obviously, I need to check certain email inboxes more often, or cut down on the number of email addresses that I have...

This will be going on in the Bronx, NY.  The event will run from 3:30pm to 5pm on the corner of 163rd Street and Simpson Street.  I believe that the best way to get there is on the 2/5 train to Simpson Street.  The event is being presented by Total Equity Now Harlem, and Casista Mamita Center for Arts & Education.  It is FREE and open to the public.

Hope to see you there!  Help to spread the word!!!

Literacy Across Harlem March, Book Drive, & Community Celebration!!!

I'm hoping to make it out to this event up in Harlem.  It's on this coming Saturday, September 19th.  I've already been sharing it on FB and Twitter.  It's being organized by a great organization called Total Equity Now, based in Harlem.  To find out more about the organization and their upcoming event, please go to their website for more information.

www.totalequitynowharlem.org

Literacy Across Harlem March, Book Drive, & Community Celebration
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Harlem, NY
12pm to 3pm

Please come out and support, and help to spread the word!!!!

Wilmington Hispanic Parade & Festival

Hoping to make it out to this.  It's not an Afro Latino event, but something that I want to attend nonetheless.  I won't be vending here, but I still want to be able to check it out.

Wilmington Hispanic Parade & Festival
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Wilmington, DE
www.facebook.com/nuestrasraicesdelaware

Art in the Heart of El Barrio @ La Marqueta: Black History Month Event

Art in the Heart of El Barrio @ La Marqueta
Black History Month celebration
1590 Park Avenue (on E. 115th)
New York, NY
February 15, 2015
11am-5pm

A day of celebration featuring music, children's activities, workshops, entertainment, arts & crafts, and much more...

FREE!!!!  Open to the public, and easily accessible by public transportation.  (6 train to 116th St.)

Juan Flores (1943-2014)

This blog is dedicated to a dear friend and mentor of mine, Juan Flores.  Juan is/was a scholar, author, and activist, being the co-founder and co-director of the Afrolatin@ Forum.  I've been fortunate enough to have had interactions with him, and be able to consider him my friend.

Juan passed away on the morning of Tuesday, December 2nd.  I checked my email that afternoon, and saw the e-blast sent out by his organization about his passing.  I was both stunned and hurt, having just seen him this past October at the Forum's Afrolatin@s Now! Conference, and having had the opportunity to talk to him.  I was lucky enough to see him a few times this past summer at other Forum related events, and get to share some laughs and quality time with him.  I felt better about seeing him, now that I was permanently back in NYC.  This would give me the opportunity to, not only come out and support the Forum more, but also to work with him on any other projects that they were doing, or that I would like to do with them jointly.

This is a deep loss for me; I don't have too many people out there that I can truly count on as friends and comrades in the struggle.  There are actually VERY few of us out there that are truly dedicated to instituting change, and fighting for the cause.  I especially liked Juan because he is/was a very warm, friendly, and personable type of personality.  I never felt like he was ever talking down to me, or that he didn't respect my opinion or ideological persuasion because of my age.  I don't really get that from a lot of older people, especially those that want to claim the status of 'elder' in the community.  To be considered an elder is a right that needs to be earned, not given just because you've reached a certain age.  Juan was truly an elder in my eyes, and was just as vibrant as any youthful activist.

So, this is deeply dedicated to my dear friend Juan Flores.  May you rest in power in the ancestral plane, and may I make you happy with all of my achievements and accomplishments.

Libertad ahora!!!
Uhuru sase, y paz

 

(Miriam Jimenez Roman <his wife>, myself, and Juan Flores; Baltimore, 2011)

 (Juan at the recent Afrolatin@s Now! Conference in 2014)

La Marqueta Stories Literary & Arts Festival

Brooklyn's prodigal son will be participating in this years festival.  I will be on hand with copies of all three of my book titles.  Celebrating East Harlem, while bringing some Brooklyn flava!  :D

La Marqueta Stories Literary & Arts Festival
Saturday, August 16, 2014
12pm to 3pm
1640 Park Avenue (between E. 116th and E. 117th Streets)

FREE and open to the public!! Accessible by public transportation.

BE THERE!!!!!!

32nd Annual Festival Santiago Apostol de Loiza a El Barrio

Carribean Cultural Center and Africa Diaspora Institute 
presents...

32nd Annual Festival Santiago Apostol de Loiza a El Barrio
3-day celebration of Afro Puerto Rican culture
Music, food, vendors, FUN!!!!
July 25-27, 2014
105th Street (between Lexington and Park Avenues)

FREE!!!!!!

SPREAD THE WORD!!!!!

Afro Latino Festival NYC 2014

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!!!

Brooklyn's prodigal son will be RETURNING for the SECOND annual Festival AfroLatino NYC!  It was such an honor for me to be asked to participate in the inaugural festival last year, and I am SO pleased to be asked to return!  PLEASE spread the word, and COME OUT AND SUPPORT!!!

Saturday, June 28, 2014
12pm to 6pm
Brooklyn, NYC
[Ocean Ave and Prospect Pl, by Parkside Avenue "Q" train entrance.]

 BE THERE!!!!!

Afro/Latino Magazine Parade & Festival 2014

Reading, PA stand up!!!!

Afro/Latino Magazine Parade & Festival
June 14, 2014
@ the American Legion
237 N. 3rd Street
Reading, PA 19601

Looking forward to actually attending this event this year!  This will be my first time coming out to support.  Will be rolling with two of my comrades, my fellow scribes.  Won't be vending, but I just wanted to come out and support.  :)

Hope to see you there!!

Word! Caribbean Book Fest

Word! "Islands in the City"
Caribbean Book Fest

Medgar Evers College
1650 Bedford Aveneue
Brooklyn, NY

2pm-8pm
$10 adults/$5 children

Brought to you by the Caribbean Cultural Theatre

Spread the word, and please support!!!!

Festival Afro Bahia 2014

Festival Afro Bahia
Celebrating Brazil's African Heritage
May 29th-June 1st
Washington, DC
www.festivalafrobahia.org

BE THERE!!!!!

AfroLatino Festival of New York: Winter Fundraising Party!!!

**Representing for my sisters Tania Molina & Mai-Elka Prado, founders of the AfroLatino Festival of New York!!  PLEASE come out and support their upcoming event!!!!**

Buenas  Tardes Amigos!

This is a call to all participants, attendees, guests & friends of the 

 I Afrolatino Festival of New York.

We need your support on  Saturday, December 7, 2013 @ Breukelen Coffee Shop in Brooklyn 9:00pm-2:00 am. This is one party you should not miss!! Invite all of your  friends! For more information, please visit our Facebook Page!

 Come and join us !!

We'll have great music, drinks and dancing!

What:  Celebrate the Holidays Fundraising Event

When: Saturday, December 7, 2013 /9-2am

Where: Breukelen Coffee Shop

764 Franklin Ave, New York, NY 11238

(718) 789-7070

Music: DJ Inspire

Genres: Reggae, Salsa, Calypso, Merengue, Afrobeat, Bullerengue,  Live performances.

How much: $10 Donation

* We will be  collecting school/ Art supplies for a  Public School in Bastimentos Island, Bocas del Toro, Panama. Please feel free to bring whatever  you can to  support this cause.

Los esperamos!

Tania y Mai-Elka

Organizadoras/ Afrolatino Fest.

OnyxCon V (Black Age of Comics-ATL)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!

SUPPORT INDIE BLACK COMICS!!!!

SUPPORT THE BLACK AGE MOVEMENT!!! 

*(Motor City Black Age, located in Detroit, will be held on September 27th.  It's the final Black Age of Comics event of the year.)*

Aftermath: 1st Annual Afro Latino Festival of New York

I have no words....

It was OFF...THE...CHAIN!!!!!!!!

June 29th, 2013 will go down as a day of infamy for me.  I was one of the original vendors to participate in New York's FIRST annual Afro Latino Festival.  It was especially fitting cause it was held in my hometown of BROOKLYN!!!!

I was a little worried because of the clouds that were forming early in the morning.  I was hoping that it wouldn't be a washout.  They had an alternative rain date lined up, but still.  If it would have rained, I don't know if I'd be able to return for the festival again.  Thankfully, it didn't pour down.  It was bright and sunny....and yes, HOT!  But we didn't let the heat stop us.

It was BEAUTIFUL!!!  It was perfectly located.  The festival was held directly outside of the Q Train stop on Parkside Avenue and Ocean Avenue; VERY strategically place.  We had the regular foot traffic, the traffic from the subway riders, AND the foot traffic coming from the bus stops of the B12, and B23. 

I had my table set up, but for me, it wasn't just about the sales.  I got to see some people that I haven't had the chance to really hang with in a long time.  I also was lucky enough to meet some people that I only knew from social media, and finally meet them in person.  I also got to network with other people that I had just met at the festival.  The energy was uplifting and positive.  The local residents seemed to love the festival, and the foot traffic was superb.  The music was FIYAH!!!  We had emcees Negros Americanos, co-found Mai-Elka Prado sang, we had Garifuna dancers perform, DJ Sabine spinning on the one-and-twos, and SO many others!

It was a great experience for me overall; even batter that it happened in Brooklyn.  It's the best homecoming that I've had so far.  Many people showed interest in my books, and took copies of the business card that I had printed up.  And yes, I have to mention...the women were FOINE!!!!!!!

I DEFINITELY cannot wait for the next one in 2014!!!!!

Shout out to founders/organizers Mai-Elka Prado and Tania Molina for putting together such a WONDERFUL event!!!  See you next year!!!!

Afro Latino Festivals in June!!!

Afro/Latino Magazine Parade & Festival
June 15, 2013
Reading, PA
Starting @ 1pm

1st Annual Afro Latino Festival of New York
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Brooklyn, NY
12pm-6pm

Yours truly will be representing at this one!!!

Festival Afro Bahia
June 11-16, 2013
Washington, DC
www.festivalafrobahia.org