NUBIAN KNIGHTS NETWORK: 4/1/11

QUOTATIONS OF "BLACK"

"Whenever I use BLACK it relates to some history of Africans in that particular place. It’s the idea of the color BLACK as a metaphor, or as a representation of African-Americans. It’s the notion of BLACK- BLACKNESS - and all its other meanings in relation to the history of race..."

- Fred Wilson

"Most of my fortitude to continue doing the work comes from the moral outrage I feel about the injustices that Black people endure disproportionately daily."

- N. Abdul-Wakil

"In the end, what matters is not skin shade but pan-African consciousness. Loving your complexion, your nose, lips, hair length and texture, no matter what the politics or trends decide, and simply be. That's the problem with us (African folks). We're still learning how to love ourselves. So used to glorifying others and putting others first..."

- Dredlocks Tree

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Beauty's International (AFRICAN) Marketplace
During ROD's Trip To Michigan... And More

Beauty's International (AFRICAN) Marketplace Official Website:
BeautysInternationalMarketPlace.com

I had a most EXCELLENT and FUN time in Michigan for the 1st annual ADODI Detroit Spring Retreat.

As usual I was treated with UNCONDITIONAL LOVE from the GATEKEEPERS... same gender loving (SGL) Black men. ADODI has been a fruitful part of my life for 10 years now and it still amazes me how bruthaz who come from all around the country (and even abroad from the UK) go the whole mile to ACKNOWLEDGE , APPRECIATE, AFFIRM ACCEPT and ACHÉ one another.

Anytime I go to any city I always make it a mandate to do at least one or more Africentric ventures. There can never be enough African history to learn, or supporting a Black business in the spirit of the 4th KWANZAA principle Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah-AH): Cooperative Economics!!!!!

So, I asked my friend & ado YES to show me something Africentric and he came through for me. He took me to Beauty's International (AFRICAN) Marketplace and The Gateway To Freedom underground railroad monument in downtown Detroit at Hart Plaza overlooking the waterfront where across the ocean you can see CANADA!!!!!

Beauty is a Nigerian sistah who owns the African store establishment. We didn't get a chance to meet her, however her daughter Ari hosted us for a scheduled shopping visit after we called. Between my friend & ado Calvin we spent over $200 there. What a great selection of African clothing, jewelry, ornaments, banners and a bunch more.

Please call and visit the store

Beauty's International Marketplace
21590 Greenfield Road
Suite 108
Oak Park, Michigan 48237
Ph: 248 968 3607

GOOGLE MAPS

Or Visit And Shop Online:
BeautysInternationalMarketplace.com

Below are some pics from my trip to Michigan...

Beauty's Daughter Ari. She Was So Qool
And Helped Us Tremendously

My Friend Calvin Trying On An African Suede Coat

Calvin Mackin' Out With Da Hat On.
The Whole Outfit... SOLD!!!

ME (BIG ROD) And An African Outfit
That Really Caught My Attention
-
It Has A Roomy Look To It
That Makes ME Look A Little Heavy! LOL!
That's Okay. Don't I Look Good In It?
Or It Looks Good On Me?

This African Out Really, Really Spoke To Me.
Calvin and Yes Overwhelmingly Said It
Looked FAB On Me And That It Fit Me To a Tee.
Okay then... SOLD!!!!!
-
(P.S. > For Some Reason I Was Thinking
This Would Make For A Perfect Outfit To Have At My
African Same Gender Loving Commitment Ceremony)

Okay, I have other pics from Michigan where there was so much I didn't get to see and yet had a GREAT FREAKIN' TIME!!!!

NEXT UP... KICK

The Office of KICK, An Advocacy Organization
For Black Same Gender Loving Folks In Detroit
www.e-kick.org

KICK's Front Reception Desk

Yes! These Chocolate De-lite Suckers
Are Exactly What You Think They Are.
They Taste GUUD, Too!

KICK's Office Wall
The Executive Director Is The Respectable Curtis Lipscomb

KICK's Leeaflet Handouts

KIck's African Masks On The Wall

Bruthaz Just Chillin'

My Friend Yes Outside the Office of KICK
A Special Brutha Who Made My Stay In Michigan A Pleasant One

All My ADODI Bruthaz (left to right):
Curtis, Yes, Calvin, Bryan and Charles N.

KICK's Annual "Kickin' It On The River" Boat Ride
Wednesday, July 27th, 2011
Click The Flyer Above To Buy Tickets!

NEXT UP... Motown Museum

We didn't have time to do the tour so Calvin and I stopped into the Motown Store really quick. Calvin bought a hat for a friend here in NYC...

Calvin Poses I Front Of The Historic Motown

NEXT UP... Downtown Detroit

A Giant Joe Louis Black Fist, Baby In Downtown Detroit!!!

AND FINALLY...!!!!!

The Gateway To Freedom Overlooks The Ocean To...
CANADA!

My Friends Brutha Edward, Yes and Calvin

A Brother Couldn't Ask For Anything More
With A Brotherhood Like This
And 40 Other Bruthaz From The ADODI Retreat