So, I've made a cosmetic change to the blog page to make it look more like a website. Hopefully, that will attract more people to visit the page by making it more visually appealing. Not to mention, people might actually have more of an idea of what the page is about. Only time will tell.
So, my new novel "The Chronicles of The Black Fist" is done being edited (at least from my perspective). I've spent the last month or so going over it, correcting any spelling mistakes and fixing any plot holes that I've found. I've even designed a cover for it that I think gets the point of the book across. I originally thought about hiring a cover artist, but the way that my finances are looking, it doesn't seem doable. I still need to come up with the cash to print the damn thing; wanted to start the process by next month (February) at the latest.
I'm still working on doing appearances and book signings. One of the locations that I was looking into FINALLY hit me back. I originally wanted to do a book signing at their location in February, but they only had available dates in March (and I hit them up in November). Hopefully, they'll get back to me in time, and I can let all of you know exactly when you can look forward to seeing me at their bookstore...
Trying to step up my promotional game. Been trying to network with some of these cable access shows out here in BK, not with much success. I FINALLY heard back from one show host, and she's willing to bring me onto her show. I'll let you know what show, when the interview will take place, and when it will actually broadcast on the air.
Still working on getting my books into bookstores. THAT is never an easy feat. I'm concentrating on targeting bookstores outside of NYC, since my hometown stores aren't showing me much love. That also goes for appearances and lectures; I don't know if it's because of all of the transplants that are here now, or what.
I'll keep you posted on my further progress. Wish me luck! :)
Uhuru sase, y paz!
CHRONICLES OF THE BROWN BLACK FIST: Home to the literature, art, and activism of Kevin Alberto Sabio
Friday, January 9, 2015
Friday, January 2, 2015
HAPPY NEW YEAR/ My Resolutions
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! WELCOME TO 2015!!!!
Hopefully, everyone had a joyous new years celebration. 2014 was definitely an up and down year for me. It ended on a somewhat negative note, but I'm looking forward to the new year, and the positive energies that come with it.
Of the positives: I ended the year quitting my position in my organization (not to mention my day job), and moving back to the city of my birth. I got the chance to be more active, and enjoy myself a little more, attending the various cultural events that take place in NYC and other places. I also dropped my 3rd book in four years. I got the opportunity to participate in more festivals/book fairs to help promote my books. Also, I've been lucky enough to network and make friends with other authors and Afro Latin@ activists, specifically a lot of young hermanas getting into the movement.
Of the negative, though...the move back home hasn't been as smooth as I'd anticipated it to be. I haven't been getting the type of book sales that I've wanted, nor have I gotten much traction as far as being able to promote myself to the local media, or consistently put together book signing appearances. Not to mention, a dear friend of mine who I looked up to passed away in December. 2015 couldn't get here fast enough for me...
For the new year, my plans are to publish yet another book; this time a novel. I'm hoping to have my latest book, "The Chronicles of The Black Fist" published by early Spring; a superhero novel. I know of a few black comic book conventions to debut it at, and I think that it can take off from there. Most likely, I will focus solely on promoting that particular book; it might be easier on me to focus my energy promoting only one book, instead of all of them. I know that having written as many books as I have shows a high level of skill and versatility, but I think personally it would be easier to focus my marketing energies on one book for the time being. Besides, nobody seems to care too much for my nonfiction stuff. Why beat a dead horse...?
So...here's to a better 2015. I'm planning on rebounding back in a strong way, improving on what I did or didn't do well last year. Hopefully, you guys will come out and support me once the book drops.
Uhuru sase, y paz.
Hopefully, everyone had a joyous new years celebration. 2014 was definitely an up and down year for me. It ended on a somewhat negative note, but I'm looking forward to the new year, and the positive energies that come with it.
Of the positives: I ended the year quitting my position in my organization (not to mention my day job), and moving back to the city of my birth. I got the chance to be more active, and enjoy myself a little more, attending the various cultural events that take place in NYC and other places. I also dropped my 3rd book in four years. I got the opportunity to participate in more festivals/book fairs to help promote my books. Also, I've been lucky enough to network and make friends with other authors and Afro Latin@ activists, specifically a lot of young hermanas getting into the movement.
Of the negative, though...the move back home hasn't been as smooth as I'd anticipated it to be. I haven't been getting the type of book sales that I've wanted, nor have I gotten much traction as far as being able to promote myself to the local media, or consistently put together book signing appearances. Not to mention, a dear friend of mine who I looked up to passed away in December. 2015 couldn't get here fast enough for me...
For the new year, my plans are to publish yet another book; this time a novel. I'm hoping to have my latest book, "The Chronicles of The Black Fist" published by early Spring; a superhero novel. I know of a few black comic book conventions to debut it at, and I think that it can take off from there. Most likely, I will focus solely on promoting that particular book; it might be easier on me to focus my energy promoting only one book, instead of all of them. I know that having written as many books as I have shows a high level of skill and versatility, but I think personally it would be easier to focus my marketing energies on one book for the time being. Besides, nobody seems to care too much for my nonfiction stuff. Why beat a dead horse...?
So...here's to a better 2015. I'm planning on rebounding back in a strong way, improving on what I did or didn't do well last year. Hopefully, you guys will come out and support me once the book drops.
Uhuru sase, y paz.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Afrolatin@ Project: Afrolatin@s Presente! 2015 Kickstarter Campaign
Representing for my peoples at the Afrolatin@ Project/Proyecto Afrolatin@!!!! Wanted to help spread the word about their Kickstarter campaign. Please support them in their efforts! Please pass the word on!!!!
The campaign runs from December 23, 2014 until January 28, 2015!!! PLEASE CONTRIBUTE!!!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/afrolatinospresente/afrolatins-presente-2015
Uhuru sase, y paz.
PLEASE SUPPORT!!!!
The campaign runs from December 23, 2014 until January 28, 2015!!! PLEASE CONTRIBUTE!!!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/afrolatinospresente/afrolatins-presente-2015
PLEASE SUPPORT!!!!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
End-of-Year Progress Report
So as 2014 comes to a close, I have a few upcoming events and initiatives that I'm working on. This year didn't go exactly as I'd planned, not to mention ending on a bit of a weak note. But hopefully, the new energies of the new year will help to bring me greater prosperity.
I'm trying to continue to do the joint book signing tour that I had started organizing this fall. I have three potential dates already; I'm just awaiting confirmation from the establishments that we/I contacted. I was severely disappointed with how the tour went this fall, with us having to cancel most of the dates because of the incompetence of the local Parks and Rec department in some of the other boroughs. Hopefully, we can officially book those dates, and move on from there. We're also trying to book some events that are OUT of NYC; we didn't have too positive of an experience in our own hometown, and so we're looking to get some recognition elsewhere.
On a more personal note...I've just recently completed writing my very first novel! It's an action adventure piece I'm calling "Chronicles of the Black Fist". I'm going through the editing process right now, and I hope to have it published by early Spring. This time around though, I might have to hire a cover artist to do the cover for my book. I know how I want it to look, but I just don't have the necessary artistic skills to do it myself. Once the book is published, I know of a few book fairs and comic book conventions that I want to take it to, to promote it.
Once the novel starts going through the final publishing stages, I'll post pictures and excerpts of the book here. Also, once the dates have been confirmed for the book signing appearances, I'll post the image of the flyer(s) here as well. It's all about staying on your grind. I'm hoping to keep pace with my goal to publish four books in five years. I'll probably just focus on the publicity of the books after that, and then go wherever the Creator directs me afterward.
So, here's to the new year, and the new energies that come with them! Wish me luck, and thanks for the continued support!!! :)
Uhuru sase, y paz!!!
I'm trying to continue to do the joint book signing tour that I had started organizing this fall. I have three potential dates already; I'm just awaiting confirmation from the establishments that we/I contacted. I was severely disappointed with how the tour went this fall, with us having to cancel most of the dates because of the incompetence of the local Parks and Rec department in some of the other boroughs. Hopefully, we can officially book those dates, and move on from there. We're also trying to book some events that are OUT of NYC; we didn't have too positive of an experience in our own hometown, and so we're looking to get some recognition elsewhere.
On a more personal note...I've just recently completed writing my very first novel! It's an action adventure piece I'm calling "Chronicles of the Black Fist". I'm going through the editing process right now, and I hope to have it published by early Spring. This time around though, I might have to hire a cover artist to do the cover for my book. I know how I want it to look, but I just don't have the necessary artistic skills to do it myself. Once the book is published, I know of a few book fairs and comic book conventions that I want to take it to, to promote it.
Once the novel starts going through the final publishing stages, I'll post pictures and excerpts of the book here. Also, once the dates have been confirmed for the book signing appearances, I'll post the image of the flyer(s) here as well. It's all about staying on your grind. I'm hoping to keep pace with my goal to publish four books in five years. I'll probably just focus on the publicity of the books after that, and then go wherever the Creator directs me afterward.
So, here's to the new year, and the new energies that come with them! Wish me luck, and thanks for the continued support!!! :)
Uhuru sase, y paz!!!
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Rant Session: Fuck The Police
I'm really getting tired of this crap....
First you had the Grand Jury in Ferguson, MO let off the killer of Michael Brown, and now recently in my hometown of NYC, they let yet another cop walk for killing an unarmed brother on the street, Eric Gardner.
I'm also sick of the hashtagging and street protests. Gathering and marching isn't going to change a DAMN thing! The marches don't scare, nor intimidate them. They see it as a nuisance...nothing more. As I said before, marching worked back in the day because it was something that was unexpected of us. They thought that we would remain docile and compliant, so when we did march, it was unprecedented.
FUCK MARCHING!!!!
I'm not going to march on Washington, City Hall, or wherever, and beg the government to do anything! They won't do anything...they never have! Even the Civil Rights Bills was ridiculously watered down and stripped of it's bite when it was finally passed. What we really need to do is organize, and FIGHT BACK!!!!
We need to bring back a lot of these fighting formations from our past. They won't stop wantonly shooting us down, and disrespecting our communities until we make some consequences for their actions. Hell...even the ANC (African National Congress) had their military wing, the Umkhonto WeSiswe (MK), so that they could fight on both fronts. We NEED to bring back the BLA (Black Liberation Army) and Deacons for Defense, and let the powers that be know that this WON'T be further tolerated. You can keep your nonviolent bullshit, and shove it where the sun don't shine!
"To be practicing nonviolence against a violent enemy is doing a disservice to your community"--Malcolm X
We NEED to start practicing self defense! Start forming RBG Fit & Training Clubs, organize ourselves, arm ourselves with political education, history, and military tacitcs, and FIGHT BACK!!!
In my 40 years of existence, I've been harassed and profiled by the cops. I've known other associates who have been brutalized by the police. This is systemic, it always has been. Cut the crap! If you're too much of a punk to stand up and fight, then sit down, STFU...and get the flying fuck out of the way, and let those of us that are willing to fight, fight. If you're too busy looking out for your own self interest because you benefit from this bullshit system, they you are as much a part of the problem as they are, and you also need to be dealt with.
The time is NOW!!!!!!
STAND UP!!!!!
First you had the Grand Jury in Ferguson, MO let off the killer of Michael Brown, and now recently in my hometown of NYC, they let yet another cop walk for killing an unarmed brother on the street, Eric Gardner.
I'm also sick of the hashtagging and street protests. Gathering and marching isn't going to change a DAMN thing! The marches don't scare, nor intimidate them. They see it as a nuisance...nothing more. As I said before, marching worked back in the day because it was something that was unexpected of us. They thought that we would remain docile and compliant, so when we did march, it was unprecedented.
FUCK MARCHING!!!!
I'm not going to march on Washington, City Hall, or wherever, and beg the government to do anything! They won't do anything...they never have! Even the Civil Rights Bills was ridiculously watered down and stripped of it's bite when it was finally passed. What we really need to do is organize, and FIGHT BACK!!!!
We need to bring back a lot of these fighting formations from our past. They won't stop wantonly shooting us down, and disrespecting our communities until we make some consequences for their actions. Hell...even the ANC (African National Congress) had their military wing, the Umkhonto WeSiswe (MK), so that they could fight on both fronts. We NEED to bring back the BLA (Black Liberation Army) and Deacons for Defense, and let the powers that be know that this WON'T be further tolerated. You can keep your nonviolent bullshit, and shove it where the sun don't shine!
"To be practicing nonviolence against a violent enemy is doing a disservice to your community"--Malcolm X
We NEED to start practicing self defense! Start forming RBG Fit & Training Clubs, organize ourselves, arm ourselves with political education, history, and military tacitcs, and FIGHT BACK!!!
In my 40 years of existence, I've been harassed and profiled by the cops. I've known other associates who have been brutalized by the police. This is systemic, it always has been. Cut the crap! If you're too much of a punk to stand up and fight, then sit down, STFU...and get the flying fuck out of the way, and let those of us that are willing to fight, fight. If you're too busy looking out for your own self interest because you benefit from this bullshit system, they you are as much a part of the problem as they are, and you also need to be dealt with.
The time is NOW!!!!!!
STAND UP!!!!!
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
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)
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Aftermath--Ferguson Grand Jury Decision
Can't say that I'm surprised...
We've seen it happen time and time again. Hell, I've seen it happen in my own hometown too many times to count. Cop shoots Black/Latino person...DA takes it to the Grand Jury...cops get off scott free. Hell, I remember the Rodney King beating case, and you had video evidence of the cops wrongdoing, and they STILL got off. I'm basically going to reiterate what I've said before in this blog...
Forget the nonviolent marching crap. They don't care about us marching. It doesn't phase them, nor impress them. What we need to do, is start practicing SELF DEFENSE!!! This is going to continue to happen because they know that there will be no consequences for their actions; not by the legal system, nor by our community. There is no trust there because THEY'VE NEVER EARNED IT!!! Just because you wear a uniform DOES NOT mean you are to be automatically respected (if not, feared).
Again...to echo the ancestor El Hajj Malik El Shabazz:
"When you tell your people to stop being violent towards my people...then I will tell my people to put their guns away."
Even during the Civil Rights Movement, MANY who were actively involved in the movement questioned the use of nonviolence. Marching and protesting have their time and place; THIS AIN'T IT. These are not isolated incidences that occur; this is something that happens systemically in our communities TO US. The only way that it'll stop, is if we FORCE them to stop. You had the Deacons For Defense & Justice, the Black Panther Party For Self Defense, Black Liberation Army, Universal Africa Legion through the UNIA, and a few other formations that existed. Hell, even the ANC had their paramilitary wing, the Umkhonto weSiswe (MK). NOT having a defense stance is stupid. It shows that you know nothing about history, nor about political strategy. What we need is real unity, organization and direction, for proper mobilization of our people. WE know our neighborhoods better than they do; that gives us the tactical military advantage. A well organized resistance is the scariest thing in the face of an enemy.
"The single best weapon our enemy has, is a lack of consciousness among our people"--Osageyfo Kwame Nkrumah.
Study the past...
Study the elders and ancestors....
Study Sun Tzu...
Uhuru sase, y paz
We've seen it happen time and time again. Hell, I've seen it happen in my own hometown too many times to count. Cop shoots Black/Latino person...DA takes it to the Grand Jury...cops get off scott free. Hell, I remember the Rodney King beating case, and you had video evidence of the cops wrongdoing, and they STILL got off. I'm basically going to reiterate what I've said before in this blog...
Forget the nonviolent marching crap. They don't care about us marching. It doesn't phase them, nor impress them. What we need to do, is start practicing SELF DEFENSE!!! This is going to continue to happen because they know that there will be no consequences for their actions; not by the legal system, nor by our community. There is no trust there because THEY'VE NEVER EARNED IT!!! Just because you wear a uniform DOES NOT mean you are to be automatically respected (if not, feared).
Again...to echo the ancestor El Hajj Malik El Shabazz:
"When you tell your people to stop being violent towards my people...then I will tell my people to put their guns away."
Even during the Civil Rights Movement, MANY who were actively involved in the movement questioned the use of nonviolence. Marching and protesting have their time and place; THIS AIN'T IT. These are not isolated incidences that occur; this is something that happens systemically in our communities TO US. The only way that it'll stop, is if we FORCE them to stop. You had the Deacons For Defense & Justice, the Black Panther Party For Self Defense, Black Liberation Army, Universal Africa Legion through the UNIA, and a few other formations that existed. Hell, even the ANC had their paramilitary wing, the Umkhonto weSiswe (MK). NOT having a defense stance is stupid. It shows that you know nothing about history, nor about political strategy. What we need is real unity, organization and direction, for proper mobilization of our people. WE know our neighborhoods better than they do; that gives us the tactical military advantage. A well organized resistance is the scariest thing in the face of an enemy.
"The single best weapon our enemy has, is a lack of consciousness among our people"--Osageyfo Kwame Nkrumah.
Study the past...
Study the elders and ancestors....
Study Sun Tzu...
Uhuru sase, y paz
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