Just A Few Pics From Riis BeachThe UNOFFICIAL Black Pride NYC Beach PartySunday, August 8th, 2010

Hey African FAM,

I literally only have a few pics to share of Riis Beach in Queens (border of Brooklyn) yesterday. I wasn't too much in a photography mood, but I had to make a special exception and get pics of brutha Lorenzo. He had at least 4 different outfits he changed into at the beach.

I also got a few general group pics of the beautiful bruthaz mingling on the beach.

I'm pretty sure another blogger will have full coverage with many more pics!

I call this the UNOFFICIAL Black Pride NYC Beach Party because it's been a few years now since POCC went under and doesn't sponsor the beach party anymore.

However, what's really momentous is that bruthaz and sistahs STILL come out to the beach in celebration of Black Pride despite there being no official programming. It's been 10+ years now of these beach parties and a testament to our tenacity... though I do wish that tenacity would translate from not just showing up for parties and having a good time, but also to our rising up to claim our own political power as Black same gender loving folks (gatekeeprs) with a host of issues we have to resolve to maintain healthier lives.

Anyway, it goes to to show that sometimes all we need is EACH OTHER'S COMPANY to have a FUN-FILLED day (and for some an evening behind the bushes and in the abandoned building ! Nuff said! )

Be qool y'all

ROD

Lorenzo

REFLECTION: 21st Annual Tribute To Our Ancestors From Saturday, June 12th, 2010 Coney Island, Brooklyn (NYC)

Hey African Family,

I just finished editing a load of pics from the 21st Annual Tribute To Our Ancestors celebration in my own neighborhood of Coney Island, Brooklyn (New York City).

This year was really phenomenal and my second year in a row of actually getting my feet wet (literally) in the water. I was actually in the water with my sneakers on and camera in-hand to get some exciting pictures.

Last year was special because I participated with my good friend Delmar and Zanthony and there's nothing like being in the experience itself.

This year, I was more in the voyeurism (photography) mode though I did experience and was part of a community circle dance at one point on the boardwalk.

So, here we go...

All Photography
Copyright © 2010 ROD PATRICK RISBROOK
-
Click On Any Pic To Enlarge

A Daddy WIth His Young Boyz.
So Rare (And Unfortunate) To See
Unless It's More Or Less These Types of Cultural Events

Brutha Man Cleansing Everyone With Sage

Emotional Moment

Always Qool To See The Kids Having FUN!!

Beautiful and Priceless Moments

Spirit

Spirit

Cultural Affirmation

Cultural Pride

Feeding And Honoring The Ancestors

Spirit And Praise To Yemaya

What Beautiful Sculptured Drum!
I'd Really Like To Own One Like just Like That

African Pride

All Photography
Copyright © 2010 ROD PATRICK RISBROOK

Dhani Tackles The Globe - Senegalese Loin Cloth Sensual Homoeroticism!! :-)

This was TOO PRICELESS not to post!!! LOL!

Special THANKS to Bernie T. for the heads up! THANK YOU BRO!!

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS Coney Island Boardwalk Summer Music Series South Brookyn, New York City

Hey Black Family,

I typically DON'T promote PARTIES and club & bar scene stuff as I feel there are soooooooo many folks out there promoting and cross-promoting these things. And quite frankly, a lot of these party events are economically incentive driven and... I'm NOT getting PAID to promote da shit!!

I do what I do out of passion and LOVE, and seeing my MOM lead the civil rights crusade by example; it's quite humbling when your Mom asks you (a 14 year old kid) to assist her at the Mandala Center (in Harlem back in the day, 1980s) to help feed the homeless; and because there's not enough socio-political news and pro-action happening in regard to the African Diaspora; and certainly not enough critical analysis/thinking out there of our circumstances. Plus the little guy is constantly getting his neck and head stepped on on a daily basis and doesn't get SELECTED to make the major news... because Black lives don't matter in some people's minds!!

Anyway, I will say that I went out to the Coney Island Boardwalk Summer Music Series last year for the first time and had a great time. There was truly great house music, it didn't cost anything, and it was especially warming to me because it is in my 'hood of Coney Island, south Brooklyn where I have grown up all my life. If you check out my Nubian Knights Network YahooGroup with all the stuff I have published over the years since 2002, you'll see that I'm making a truly rare exception here. LOL!

Anyway, come down to my neighborhood and have some FUN!

Coney Island Boardwalk
10th Street Gazebo Behind The Cyclone
3PM to 11PM
FREE PARTY
themeltingpotnyc.com

DIRECTION: D, F, N, or Q trains to Coeny Ilsand/Stillwell Avenue
(last stop on any of those trains)