Going Through The Motions....

SO......

The first full week of May is almost done. This weekend is Mother's Day weekend.  Nooooot really looking forward to it, since my mom past in 2019.  It gets kinda tough to deal with that holiday, whenever it comes around.  My worst days are generally New Years (when she passed), Mother's Day, and on her birthday.  I tend to be a little cranky throughout the day, but I'm usually able to play it off.  I just get pretty quiet, and keep to myself.  That's just me, and how I'm dealing with my grief, for now.  I'll probably find a more constructive way to deal with it in the near future, but for right now, my moodiness will have to do...

Check it out!!!  I've posted the latest episode of "The Rough Draft"!!!  The vlog is now in the double digits!!!  I've posted episodes 10 & 11 on YouTube, so if you have an account, go there and check out the videos.  Don't forget to comment!!!

Episode #10:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee-00p5e_OI


Episode #11:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h29g5r85Tqk&feature=youtu.be

Enjoy the episodes!!!  'Like' the episodes, and don't forget to leave a comment!!  Feedback is always welcome!!  :-)

Still trying to increase sales for my books. Yeah...verbal pats on the back are nice, and people will post positive rhetoric on social media congratulating me on my success...but, I need some damn sales, and reviews!!!  Really, people....cut the shit!!  You're stuck indoors, for crying out loud!!!  I can't even count on you people to download my novels during a pandemic?!?!?!

Aaaaaaanyway.....

I'm considering my options, as to what to do next.  I've got a few ideas marinating in the old noggin.  I'm working on trying to complete the rest of the books in my The Black Fist book series.  I just need to finish the first draft of Book #3, and start writing more chapters in Book #4.  I'm also considering a few sequel ideas, among other projects that I'm writing.  Ahhhhh....a writer's job is never done.

Hope that you enjoyed this little slice of my life.  With this pandemic going on, I'm trying to be a bit more consistent with posting content here.  Can't make you guys any promises, though.  Until next time....

Uhuru sase, y paz.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

Radio Interview Aftermath/Adventures in Laptop Hunting

First off...the radio interview was GREEEEEEAAAAT!!!!  :-D

I had such a wonderful time doing the interview!!!  The interview on Dock Radio went on for a little over an hour, but it was great.  The show's host Donya Craddock and I really hit it off, and had a great conversation talking about my various book titles, and my two current books that I recently released.  I got the opportunity to discuss my networking group the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement, and talk a little bit about my overall activism.  All in all...this was probably THE best radio interview that I've ever had.  Most of my other interviews were rather blah, and it felt like the interviewer never even really paid attention to whichever book I was being interviewed about at the time; this time was different. Donya was very engaging, and was really interested in my work.  The interview flowed really well, and we ended up going a little over our time.  That's what happens when you really enjoy the discussion :-).  I hope to do a return engagement on the show, and also to make a trip out to their bookstore The Dock Bookshop in Ft. Worth,Texas, once this pandemic is over. :-D

Secondly....my old laptop died last Friday, the day after the interview.  :'-(

It was to be expected.  My old laptop was actually old; I'd had it for 9 years.  It wouldn't hold a charge anymore, and it was coming apart.  Once it broke, I was a little frazzled; I didn't really know what to do.  I know that I needed to get a new one, but...with this mf pandemic going on, I didn't know how to get my hands on a new one.  It's my only means to getting online, and writing my books...

Then...I saw a TV commercial for Target...

Wait a minute!!!  Target is considered an 'essential business'!!!  Target is still OPEN!!

YEEEEEEES!!!!!   :-D

Since I don't drive, I figured out which bus line I needed to take to get to the local Target out here, and made plans to go the next day.  I got on the bus, took the ride, and made my way to Target.  Once I got there, I made my way to the electronics department, and started looking at their available laptops.

The pickings were really slim.  There weren't any laptops in the cases.  I was lucky enough to have a really, really cute salesperson come up to me, and ask me if I needed any help.  I let her know what I needed, and that's when she dropped a bomb on me....

"I'm sorry sir...we're out of laptops.  If there aren't any in the display cases, then we're really out.  Because of telecommuting, and schooling from home, we got smacked..."

:-O!!!!!!!

I was SO hurt!!!  This was NOT good!  I really, REALLY needed to get my hands on a laptop.  But, then she said the magic words...

"They should have laptops at Best Buy.  Did you try there, yet...?"

?!?!?!?!?!?!

YEEEEEEEEES!!!!!  :-D

She told me what i needed to hear.  She told me where the nearest Best Buy branch was located, and I went.  I didn't know that they were going to have me stand outside, while they were going into the store to get whatever electronic device you needed.  You basically have to rely on the knowledgeability of the salesperson to fit your needs.  Oh well...I got what I needed, and made my way back home.  Luckily for me, I'd backed up all of my files on my flash drives prior to the old laptop going kaput.  They're now all saved on my new laptop, as well as being able to download all of the programs that I use.

On another note...I was able to shoot and upload the latest episode of "The Rough Draft"; episode number TEN!!!  The show is now in the double digits!!!  I'm proud of myself for that!!!  If you go on YouTube, please watch the episode, and leave a comment!!  And don't forget to subscribe to my channel!!  :-)

Well, that's it for now.  I'll keep you updated on my progress.  Now that I have a new laptop, I can continue with my projects.  Hit you guys up soon!!!

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind      

APRIL RADIO INTERVIEW On DOCK RADIO!!!!! :-D

It's finally been confirmed!!!  I will officially be a guest on OnShore, a radio show on Dock Radio, courtesy of The Dock Bookshop, based in Ft. Worth, TX!!!  YAAAAAAY!!!!

The interview will be taking place on April 16, 2020 at 7pm (Central Time).  The call-in number is listed on the flyer at 972-427-7795.  Hope that you all tune in!!!  I'm really excited about this!!!  I have to admit...it has been a while since I've been able to do any active promotion of any of my literary work(s).  I'm really looking forward to this interview.  We'll be discussion my latest two releases, as well as my writing career spanning the last decade.

I've been getting a few downloads for my books.  Not as many as I would like, but it is something.  Haven't checked for any recent sales (yet), but at least I've gotten a few downloads.  Hey...it's something.  If you can't get a physical copy, at least my work(s) are available in eBook format.

Wish me luck on the interview!!!  I hope that you all tune in!!  SPREAD THE WORD!!!!!

Keep the fist raised!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

Celebrating Latino Heritage Month

Paz, mi gente.

This past Sunday officially kicked off the start to Latino Heritage Month, on September 15th.  As always, I fight for the inclusion of Latinos of African descent, such as myself, to be included in such celebrations.  I always promote the publishing of my 2-book series "Raise Your Brown Black Fist: The Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Authorhouse, 2010), and "Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Outskirts Press, 2011).  I usually try to make a point of going out to, and participate in, certain Latino festivals and events that are taking place in whatever city that I'm living in at the time.  This year, I've been feeling really run down by the day job, so I kept my celebrations to a solitary affair.  I'm hoping to make it out to a few other events that are going on around town, depending on how I'm feeling.  We'll see...

I would like to announce that Episode TWO of "The Rough Draft" has been produced and uploaded to YouTube.  In this episode, I'm discussing my networking group called the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  You can check out the link for it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eP4HCf-Wu8&t=129s

If you have an account on Youtube, please like the video, and leave a comment below.  The feedback is always important, if you want the product to improve.  The more feedback, the better the product.

Since it is Latino Heritage Month, I usually would like to highlight something that I'm working on, or an event that is taking place either locally, or some other city.  I've been off my game, since I've withdrawn for the so-called Afro Latino Movement in recent years.  I've gotten really burnt out as of late, and feel a certain level of disrespect; I've been doing this type of activism for well over TWO decades; other have been doing it longer.....yet, those of us who have been in the fight for decades don't seem to be getting our respect, or props.  New jack media darlings are getting all of the shine, for NOT even doing half the work.  I guess that comes with this digital media age.  Whatever...

Viva mi gente, africano y negro!!!!  Soy negro, y orgullo!!!  Lets make our voices heard during this month, and give voice to our accomplishments, existence, and plight!!!

Keep the fist raised....

(New) Author Book Trailer 2019!!!!

Greetings all!!!!

I have updated my Author Book Trailer to reflect the publication of my latest book "The Chronicles of The Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (KDP, 2019).  The cover to the new book has been added to the trailer, so now it reflects all TEN books that I've published in my career so far.  And, considering that this is my publishing anniversary month, I thought that it was fitting to share it here.  The trailer is already posted up on YouTube, so you can also see it there.  So, without further ado....:

Hope that you were able to enjoy it.  Might take a break for a while, and just concentrate on promoting the books that I already have out, for now.  Looking forward to doing some panel discussions, or a book signing, or two.  Aaaaaaaand....don't forget to buy a few of my books!

Keep the fist raised!!  

Latest June Updates......

SO.......

My new business cards FINALLY arrived, after like...a two 1/2 week wait.  NOT happy with the final product.  That'll teach me to go with a company on the cheap.  Stay away from GotPrint.  My cards look like trash.  I could've done better on my own, if I had access to my old printer.  I knew that I should've stuck with VistaPrint.  Oh, I WILL be going back to them.  Glad that I never cancelled my account with them...

My sequel to The Black Fist is almost complete.  Like I said last time, I have about another chapter, or two, before the first drafty is complete.  I don't have any real plans to publish that particular story any time soon.  Besides, I'm planning a SECOND sequel to the series.  I've already started writing that next sequel, which was actually initially part of the first sequel.  The upcoming sequel (book 2) will be titled "F.U.RI. of the People", while the next sequel (book 3) will be titled "The Diaspora United".  I'm expanding the character base on both sides, including more heroes to fight along side The Black Fist, as well as new villains to fight against.  I can't wait to finish writing the series.  I've already got ideas swimming around my head for a fourth book.  ;-)

The day job is in flux.  My boss finally left [YAY!!!!!], and we have a new boss.  Don't really care for him off the bat, but that could change.  As it is, I'm still looking for a new gig.  Been at this one for about a year already, and I'm done with it.  Why continue to bust my behind for people who don't appreciate my hard work?  F**k that!  I need a better (and more consistent) work schedule, anyway.  If I want to get back onto the festival/convention/book fair circuit, I need a decent schedule to be able to plan around.

Not much else is going on.  I don't have any plans as of yet to do any events, or set up any reading & book signings.  I need my work schedule to straighten out first, as well as being able to bring in more income to pay for everything.  Working independently ain't cheap, ya know.  Especially since book sales have been abysmal, it makes me wonder why I bother, sometimes.  I love writing, but obviously, niggaz don't respect what I do as a career.  I either need a new strategy, or need to throw in the towel...

Hopefully, I can get that issues with my business cards straightened out, and be able to move on.  That's an important first step.  Once I have my business card, I can easily move forward.  I can (hopefully) organize local appearances, and then move forward from there.

Wish me luck.  Uhuru sase, y paz.  

Author Book Trailer ***UPDATED 2018***

With the release of my latest book "Fiesta Girl" (Draft2digital, 2018), I've updated my Author Book Trailer promoting my literary works.  I've included the cover to my latest project to reflect ALL of my titles that I've written.  So, for all of you that consider yourselves my fans, heeeeeeeeerrrrrreeeee we go:

Hope that you enjoyed the *updated* video book trailer!  Please spread the word about the video, and PLEASE purchase copies of my books.  Available in both paperback & eBook formats!!

Keep the fist raised!!!

UIhuru sase, y paz!!!!

Author Book Trailer [UPDATED]

Greetings all!

I have recently updated the video book trailer promoting all of my book titles.  It includes the front cover of my latest release "Drum Speaking" (CreateSpace, 2016).  You can view the video here:

Hope that you enjoy the show.  All of my books are available in paperback format, and are available through online retailers such as Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million.  They are also available in eBook format through carriers such as Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iTunes, Page Foundry, Scribd, and 24Symbols.

Please help to spread the word, and continue to financially support me!  :-)

Keep the fist raised!!!!

SXSW Presents: The Inspiring & Game Changing Afro Latina

Representing for two of my hermanas that will be on the panel, singer Omilani, and Rebecca Dailey-Wooley from the website Boriqua Chicks!!

SXSW Presents: An Interactive Panel
"The Inspiring and Game Changing Afro Latina"

Saturday, March 14, 2015
Austin Convention Center
11am-12pm

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

Social Media presence

Other than this blog, there are other ways to find me in the webiverse...

I have profiles on G+, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Black Author Showcase (Ning.com site).  I don't do Twitter, though....haven't really been drawn to it (nor Instagram or Pinterest for that matter).

I actually have two Fan Pages on Facebook.  The main one that I use is named after this blog, "Chronicles of the Brown Black Fist". Here is the link for it:

 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chronicles-of-the-Brown-Black-Fist/472444836156619?ref_type=bookmark

This Fan page deals not only with the blogs that I post from here that I share, but also a lot of my activism.  I share a lot of different information on that page pertaining to issues that I feel strongly about, and my cultural interests.


My other Fan Page I just recently started.  It's really dedicated to highlighting my skills as a writer, and promote me as a published author.  It's called "Author, Kevin Alberto Sabio"  Here is the link to it:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKevinSabio

This one was set up as a suggestion from a friend, thinking that I should differentiate between my activism, and my literary work.  This particular page can highlight and focus mainly on my books, and upcoming literary projects.  I'll still post about my upcoming events on both pages on FB, but I think that this will actually work.

SO.....

Feel free to hit me up and 'friend' me on any of these different social networks, if you haven't already.  It's just another way for you to feel connected to me in this interconnected cyber world we now live in.

Keep the fist raised!!

Proyecto Mas Color: Media campaign for inclusion

I feel SO fortunate when I am able to come across fellow Afro Latin@s that are doing their thing as far as representing four our people, and fighting to create change!  I came across this, and befriended the hermanita (and her sister) who are behind this campaign.

Victoria Arzu is a young Afro Latina fighting for our equal representation on the "Big Two" Spanish-language networks here in the United States; Univision and Telemundo.  She has taken her campaign viral, called Proyecto Mas Color (Project: More Color!)' and also has a petition set up on Change.org to fight against this under-representation of Latinos of Color, specifically Afro Latinos, on the 'Big Two' channels.

Here is the encompassing video to help support their campaign:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoynWkeColI

PLEASE help to spread the word, and support their campaign.  If you are on Facebook, please like their page, and share their video throughout your various social networks.  Also, don't forget to sign their petition in Change.org.

Keep the fist raised!!!

Raise Your Brown Black Fist: The Radio Interview II

For all my followers out there,  I will be interviewed on internet radio station "Harambee Radio" on Thursday, May 15th at 8pm.  I will be interviewed by my good friend, author Rom Wills.  I will be talking about my book(s), my activism, the Afro Latino experience, and the African Diaspora in general.  Hope that you all tune in and support!!!

www.harambeeradio.com

Harambee Radio
May 15, 2014
8pm air time.

Una pelicula Afropuertorriquena: "El Cimarron"

http://www.cinemovida.net/largometrajes/el_cimarron

I remembered hearing about this movie "El Cimarron" on the independent black film circuit, specifically from the African Diaspora International Film Festival.  I didn't even realize that it was available until someone posted this on social media!

The film focuses on the Maroons of Puerto Rico, and their fight for freedom during the Slave Trade, and enslavement in the 'New World' in general.  I'm hoping to purchase a copy of the film myself!

SPREAD THE WORD!!!!

Afrolatinas Creating Positive Media: Discussion on media

Shout out to my sisters Alicia Anabel Santos, Crystal Shaniece Roman, and Marshalla Ramos!!!  If you are free on October 4th, PLEASE come out and support this event!!!

Friday, October 4, 2013
              2pm
Bryn Mawr College, Thomas 224

The Colors of Love: Indiegogo Fundraising Campaign

Representing for my sisters at the Black Latina Movement!!!!

"The Colors of Love"  was originally a stage play that the founder of BLM created back in 2008.  It has since been turned into a digital series.  Now the creative forces behind "The Colors of Love" are going to turn the digital series into a television series.  And they need YOUR help!!!  Check out their video from their Indiegogo campaign.


http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-colors-of-love-digital-media-series


Please help contribute to their campaign, and help them to turn the series into a television show!  The first season is already completed, and with any additional funds they receive, it will go got help them to fund SEASON TWO of the series.  Please help to support creative independent media.  It it time for us to tell OUR stories from OUR perspective.


SUPPORT THE BLACK LATINA MOVEMENT!!!!

Women's History Month: Nuestras hermanas

In honor of Women's History Month, this latest excerpt is from the essay/article "Reflections of Me: The Need For More Mirrors".  I highlight, and give reverence to, several strong women that I know who are working as activists in the media field to highlight and promotes Afro Latino/a issues from a woman's perspective; voice that is very much needed.


"I support and applaud the efforts of Dr. Marta Moreno-Vega, co-founder of the Caribbean Cultural Center and African Diaspora Institute, or CCCADI for short (www.cccadi,org).  I remember hearing about one of her books, "The Alter to my Soul" when I was a bit younger.  I also became aware of her film, "When the Spirits Dance Mambo", speaking on the spiritual practice of Santeria and Macumbre in Afro Cuban culture.  This strong activist sister does so much to express our African heritage throughout the Diaspora.  I wish that I could travel back home to New York, where CCCADI is based, to attend more of their events.  They consistently have film screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and so many other cultural events.

I would also like to give the spotlight to Crystal S. Roman and Apryl Lopez, the sisters behind the Black Latina Movement. (www.BlackLatinaMovement.com) They write and produce their own films and stage plays expressing Afro Latino culture, especially from a feminine perspective (a much needed voice, at that).  They have produced a documentary titled, "Memoirs of a Black Latina", and it has been successfully shown at a number of black film festivals, and independent screenings.  The documentary speaks to race and identity from the perspective of a Black Latina, told by four different emotions.  Their plays have appeared both on and off-Broadway, and have been successfully well received.  Their most recent stage play (that I am aware of) is titled, "Colors of Love", a love story revolving around four Afro Latino couples at different stages of the relationship.  We need more of our hermanos y hermanas telling our stories like these sisters are doing.

I also must represent for the ladies at Sister Outsider Entertainment (www.sistersoutsider.biz), co-founded by Julia Carias and authoress Sofia Quintero (aka Black Artemis).  They are also representing Latina voices in film, literature, and poetic verse.  They help to promote the works of Latina artists, giving voice and exposure to our authoresses and filmmakers.  A number of documentary films have been produced through this sisterly collective, and have held various screenings throughout the New York area of these films.    

The following excerpt if from my book "Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino".  It is available online through my publisher Outskirts Press, Amazon.com, BooksAMillion.com, and Barnes & Nobles website.  You may also go to your local bookstore to have them order a copy.

Django Unchained--My Two Cents

There has been much uproar about the Quentin Tarantino film titled "Django Unchained", set during the period of slavery in the United States.  Much of this uproars has been taking place on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.  Those that are for and against this movie have publicly aired their views and concerns about it.

My own feelings about this?  I won't go out to see it.

Firstly, I can't stand Tarantino as a filmmaker.  I think that he's a hack.  Reservoir Dogs was entertainingly ultra violent, but that was about it.  I haven't been impressed with his other films since.  Imho, I think that he does what's already been done by other filmmakers before him, and makes up some line about paying homage to such-and-such director because they have been such a huge influence on his career.  I find that to be utter laziness, and a complete cop out.  It gauls me even more because people (mainly movie goers) allow him to get away with that crap.

He also thinks that he has a ghetto pass when one has never been issued to him.  Why he gets support from the black community is beyond me....

Secondly, there are plenty of films being made by filmmakers in the Black and Latino communities that need/deserve our support, but aren't.  Having been part of the Black film festival circuit for five years, I'm disgusted that a good number of these wonderful films are completely overlooked and unsupported, but idiotic vitriol is made about films like Django Unchained, and people unabashedly go out of their way to support this crap.  When OUR filmmakers make quality dramatic films about us, we don't go out to support them.  But...let some white man do a film about us, and we come a-runnin' to the theaters talking about, "Ima support MY massa!  Yes suh, he gon' git MY money!".

Fuck Tarantino and his films! 

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

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!!!