ROD PATRICK RISBROOK Photographic|Imagery

Greetings FAMILY!!

Today, I PURPOSEFULLY choose to launch and announce my new website ROD PATRICK RISBROOK Photographic|Imagery; the 4th day of KWANZAA in which we reflect on Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah-AH): Cooperative Economics. The ROD PATRICK RISBROOK Photographic|Imagery website http://www.rodpatrickrisbrook.com features the mixed media of still photography and motion pictures (videos).

This marks a new foundation and path for me in which I can promote my photography and videography/cinematography work and take more control of an independent entrepreneurial lifestyle.

High profile clients of mine have been the likes of R&B music artist Nhojj, the BLOOM Party events, and THPAC (Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center) with dance theater. Additionally, my nature photography work is featured in a newly released book called Words of Simplicity For Life by Willifred S. James. Please pick up a copy of the book at http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000420143/Words-of-Simplicity-For-Life.aspx

or at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Words-Simplicity-Life-Willifred-James/dp/1467076589/

The home page of my website greets, graces and treats you to a 5 minute montage of my photography portfolio with percussion music (turn those speakers on!!!). You can also see my complete CROSS-SAMPLING PORTFOLIO at your leisure by navigating the easy menu (orange lettering) on the home page ---> Photographic|Imagery | CROSS-SAMPLING PORFOLIO where I have 10 different galleries hi-liting the various genres of my work.

You can also create a "favorites" list and also purchase prints of any of the images on my website and have them shipped to you. Simple click and buy.

Next, my first (experimental short) film TWO (2008) is featured on my website also, BUT -- this time around it is REMASTERED in a LETTER-BOXED HI-DEFINITION 720P presentation with a newly added stereo sound EFX track layer and new titles... so if even if you already saw the film back in 2008 please check out the slightly newer version. TWO is set in 1970 Vietnam and about an African-American soldier (code named "Pocket Knife") where his platoon of men are killed in a surprise ambush by enemy Viet Cong forces. Armed with just his training, his wits, his weapon and a mysterious photograph, Pocket Knife is determined to complete the vital mission alone. Or can he? --

As a complementary piece to TWO, on the home page under Motion|Picture Imagery | Behind-The-Scenes EXTRAS there is a 64-page PDF that is available for downloading and viewing which explains in detail the behind-the-scenes production of TWO from the conceptual storyboards to principal photography to the post-production workflow in the digital domain. It's a nice convergence of still photography and video, especially with the explosion of DSLR cameras offering both art forms in one.

Additionally, my videography reel (which will be uploaded shortly - just after new year's) showcasing my video work is under the orange menu ---> Motion|Picture Imagery | Videography Reel so be sure to check that out. I'm working with up & coming young artist Doice John (doicejohn.carbonmade.com)

My biography is available on the website and I am based in New York City. Currently I am working on a documentary about the Black same gender loving (SGL) organization ADODI.

I look forward to working with anyone in the future to create some photographic|imagery (still images) and motion picture|imagery (videos/films) magic for your project or event.

You can easily contact me about discussing a project or event, and price quotes by using the CONTACT link on my website's home page.

Finally, for those wanting to create their own website, please visit my multi-media hosting partner www.zenfolio.com/

and hold onto and use my REFERRAL CODE: SHM-PWP-RJZ to receive a 10% discount. Because I also get an accredited discount whenever you use my Zenfolio discount REFERRAL CODE it benefits both of us...

So, on that note I come full circle and end with the spirit of Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah-AH): Cooperative Economics.

THANKS FAM!

ROD PATRICK RISBROOK
http://www.rodpatrickrisbrook.com

THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS AND SUPPORT
Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah-AH): Cooperative Economics

New African-American U.S. Postal Stamps Released - New KWANZAA Stamp and A Set of Romare Bearden Stamps

The United States Postal Service has just released some new African-American stamps...

First, the Romare Bearden 4-design collection came out September 28th, 2011. Romare Bearden (1911-1988) was one of the 20th century's most distinguished American artists. His art has been praised for depicting the complexities of African-American experience while addressing universal themes, and is in the permanent collections of major museums across the nation. Though he created works in many media, he is particularly celebrated for his groundbreaking approach to collage. Using various materials, including cut papers, foil, and fabrics, he transformed collage into a forceful means of expression with mainstream appeal. Four collages by Bearden, described in order from left to right below, appear on the Romare Bearden (Forever) stamp sheet.

Second, we have the latest iteration of the KWANZAA stamp for 2011 which was released October 14th. The stamp art, a highly symbolic design, depicts a family celebrating KWANZAA. The prominent colors in the artwork represent the colors of the KWANZAA flag — green for growth, red for blood, and black for the African people. Artist Daniel Minter created the stamp design.

KWANZAA, the African-American cultural holiday conceived and developed by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga, was first celebrated on December 26th, 1966. Kwanzaa is traditionally celebrated from December 26 through January 1, with each day focused on Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles. Derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits", KWANZAA is rooted in the first harvest celebrations practiced in various cultures in Africa. KWANZAA seeks to enforce a connectedness to African cultural identity, provide a focal point for the gathering of African peoples, and to reflect upon the Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles, that have sustained Africans. Though KWANZAA is NOT a religious observance, but a cultural affirmation and celebration, Africans and African-Americans of all religious faiths and backgrounds practice KWANZAA.

Dr. Maulana Karenga Lecture in Brooklyn, NYC Progressive Issues And Programs For The World African Community

Dr. MAULANA KARENGA
Lectures on Moving into a New Year and Decade
with a Transformative Agenda:
Progressive Issues and Programs
For The World African Community

Because of weather conditions in New York City, Dr. Maulana Karenga was unable to present his yearly Kwanzaa lecture will return to Brooklyn on Friday, January 7th to lecture.

His lecture is entitled "Moving into a New Year and Decade with a Transformative Agenda: Progressive Issues and Programs for the World African Community."

Dr. Karenga is Professor of Africana Studies at California State University at Long Beach. He is also chair of the Organization Us and the National Association of Kawaida Organizatios. He has been an activist scholar since the 60's. The Creator of Kwanzaa, Kawaida Theory and the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles). He is the author of numerous books, some including Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Struggle" and "Introduction to Black Studies." Recently a biographical sketch of his intellectual process was written on him by Temple University Professor Molefi Asante, titled "Maulana Karenga: An Intellectual Portrait." Dr. Karenga has earned two Ph.Ds, one in social ethics and the other in political science.

This event will take place at
Restoration Plaza
1368 Fulton Street
(between Marcy and Tompkins Avenues)
Brooklyn, New York 11216
GOOGLE MAPS
6:30PM - 8:30PM

Minimum donation requested is $7.00.
For further information call (718) 789-3264
or email nakoinfogroup[at]yahoo.com

Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah-AH): Cooperative Economics Has Always Resonated With Me...

Today, the 4th day of KWANZAA which is celebrated with the principle of Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah-AH): Cooperative Economics has always resonated with me.

I hardly ever post STATUS updates on Facebook, but today I will. It's disappointing how our money from the African FAMILY gets enormously spent outside our community, but doesn't funnel back in to us to support our ROOTS, like a tree.

I believe we need to challenge ourselves around this principle. Let's support (and/or continue to support) Black music/spoken word artists such as Yolo Akili, Baron, William Scott (all on Facebook, by the way) and the other great artists out there - let's support Black owned businesses such as Nubian Heritage (aka know Nicholas Variety) in downtown Brooklyn, NY on Fulton Street; Hue-Man Bookstore on 125th in Harlem and the great Sister's Uptown Bookstore & Cultural Center on 156th St. & Amsterdam Ave. and all the others around the country - support organizations such as BMX (Black Men's Xchange), Malcolm X Grassroots Movement (MXGM), etc. and support Black painters, photographers, filmmakers, and other PROGRESSIVE people and entities out there.

The Jews do this for themselves quite successfully ... less cynicism on our part and let's just support and nurture the ones who are willing to do the work with each other in the African FAMILY. PEACE!

44th Anniversary KWANZAA Celebration With KWANZAA Creator Dr. MAULANA KARENGA Monday, December 27th, 2010 5:30PM - 9:30PM

The New York Chapter of the National Association of Kawaida Organizations (NAKO) presents a 44th Anniversary Kwanzaa Celebration with Dr. MAULANA KARENGA this year's message Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba: An Ethics of Sharing Good in the World At Boys & Girls High School, on Monday, Kujichagalia (Self-Determination), December 27, 2010, the creator of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga will address this year's theme. TIME: 5:30PM - 9:30PM BOYS & GIRLS H.S. located at 1700 Fulton St., in Brooklyn (between) Utica and Schnectady Aves.) 11226. $10.00 Admission $7.00 Seniors & Children Trave: "A" or "C" train to Utica Avenue GOOGLE MAP "...Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense." Dr. Maulana Karenga (quote from the Founder's 2010 Welcome statement) Cultural entertainment will be provided by the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble as well as vocalist Camille Yarbrough and Zahmu/Threee

The New York Chapter of the National Association of Kawaida Organizations (NAKO) presents a 44th Anniversary Kwanzaa Celebration with Dr. MAULANA KARENGA this year's message Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba: An Ethics of Sharing Good in the World At Boys & Girls High School, on Monday, Kujichagalia (Self-Determination), December 27, 2010, the creator of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga will address this year's theme. TIME: 5:30PM - 9:30PM BOYS & GIRLS H.S. located at 1700 Fulton St., in Brooklyn (between) Utica and Schnectady Aves.) 11226. $10.00 Admission $7.00 Seniors & Children "...Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense." Dr. Maulana Karenga (quote from the Founder's 2010 Welcome statement) Cultural entertainment will be provided by the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble as well as vocalist Camille Yarbrough and Zahmu/Three KWANZAA A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture Dr. Karenga is Professor of Africana Studies at California State University, at Long Beach. He is also chair of the Organization Us and the National Association of Kawaida Organizations. He has been an activist scholar since the 60s especially in such educational and social movements as Black Studies, Black Power, Black Arts, independent schools, Afrocentricity, ancient Egyptian Studies, Ifa ethical studies, the Million Person Marches and Reparations. He is the author of numerous books, some including Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture; Kawaida and Questions of Life and Struggle,and; Introduction to Black Studies as well as numerous articles. He has earned two Ph.D.s, one in social ethics (University of Southern California, and the other in political science (U.S.International University).

HAPPY KWANZAA! Day Seven (7): January 1st Habari Gani? Imani (ee-MAH-nee): Faith

Today, January 1st,
is the Seventh Day of Kwanzaa!

The Seventh Principle of Kwanzaa is:
Imani (ee-MAH-nee): Faith



- To believe with all our heart in our people,
our parents, our teachers, our leaders
and the righteousness and victory of our struggle
so that a better world can be created
for communities now and in the future.
(Light The Nearest Green Candle on the Right)

Traditional Greeting: "Habari Gani?"
(Translation: "What's the Word?" or "What's the News?")
Response on January 1st: "Imani!"


Find a meaningful way to instill Imani your life today,
and in the coming year.


HAPPY KWANZAA!

Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: Imani -- powered by eHow.com

7TH KWANZAA PRINCIPLE: IMANI (FAITH)
Running Time: 59 Sec

The Black Candle: A KWANZAA Celebration DVD

HAPPY KWANZAA! Day Six (6): December 31st Habari Gani? Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah): Creativity

Today, December 31st,
is the Sixth Day of Kwanzaa!

The Sixth Principle of Kwanzaa is:
Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah): Creativity



- To do always as much as we can, in the way we can,
in order to leave our community
more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. 
(Light The Nearest Red Candle on the Left)
 
Traditional Greeting: "Habari Gani?"
(Translation: "What's the Word?" or "What's the News?")
Response on December 31st: "Kuumba!"


Find a meaningful way to instill Kuumba in your life today,
and in the coming year.


HAPPY KWANZAA!

Harambee Chant for Kwanzaa -- powered by eHow.com

Running Time: 1 Min, 14 Sec

Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: Kuumba -- powered by eHow.com

6TH KWANZAA PRINCIPLE: KUUMBA (CREATIVITY)
Running Time: 53 Sec

The Black Candle: A KWANZAA Celebration DVD

HAPPY KWANZAA! Day Five (5): December 30th Habari Gani? Nia (nee-AH): Purpose

Today, December 30th,
is the Fifth Day of Kwanzaa!

The Fifth Principle of Kwanzaa is:
Nia (nee-AH): Purpose




- To make our collective vocation the building and developing
of our community in order to restore
our people to their traditional greatness.
(Light The Middle Green Candle on the Right)

Traditional Greeting: "Habari Gani?"
(Translation: "What's the Word?" or "What's the News?")
Response on December 30th: "Nia!"


Find a meaningful way to instill Nia in your life today,
and in the coming year.


HAPPY KWANZAA!

Music for Kwanzaa Celebration -- powered by eHow.com

Running Time: 2 Min, 35 Sec

Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: Nia -- powered by eHow.com

5TH KWANZAA PRINCIPLE: NIA (PURPOSE)
Running Time: 1 Min, 08 Sec

The Black Candle: A KWANZAA Celebration DVD

e-Celebration of KWANZAA:Good For You (ROD)My Heart Just Wasn't In It This Year

e-Celebration of KWANZAA:
My Heart Just Wasn't In It This Year

by N. Abdul-Wakil

(A Guest Nubian Knight's Perspective)

Peace, Rod:

I see that you moved ahead with e-celebration of Kwanzaa via posts to your blog. Good for you. My heart just wasn't in it this year.

Perhaps, it's the cumulative effect of having lived in the ghetto of Bed-Stuy for over three and a half years. I feel good that my voice for progressive movement is heard by a handful of people online. However, I don't even have to leave my apartment to be aware that my activism only creates one small air bubble surfacing among the relentless tide of ignorance that is eroding the coasts of this nation in daily massive waves. No one hears the faint calls for social justice, black nationalism, or reminders of the lessons taught by our great, martyred leaders of the twentieth century. No one hears above the mobile phones plastered to their ears. No one hears through the black, blonde or "ghetto fabulous" loud pink, horsetail-hair helmets that two thirds of Black women don daily to compete for attention among the dwindling number of straight Black men temporarily on the streets between jail terms. No one wants to hear about how their use of the "N" word denigrates their racial self-esteem (and passes it along to their children). It's not as though this is racial self-hatred. This is a hip form of camaraderie. It must be. They see usage of this word affirmed by music videos and popular films. No one even gives a hoot about recycling (which is the law). Why should they? Hasn't it always been easier to just throw the empty liquor bottles and cans out the window? Surely, it's better to do this than to risk everyone in one's building noticing the overwhelming number of vodka bottles in the recycle can. By throwing trash out the windows it's easier to wallow in the denial that no one knows what building residents have drinking problems. Right?

HAPPY KWANZAA! Day Four (4): December 29th Habari Gani? Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah-AH): Cooperative Economics

Today, December 29th,
is the Fourth Day of Kwanzaa!




The Fourth Principle of Kwanzaa is:

Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah-AH): Cooperative Economics



- To build and maintain our own stores, shops and
other businesses and to profit from them together.
(Light The Middle Red Candle on the Left) 

Traditional Greeting: "Habari Gani?"
(Translation: "What's the Word?" or "What's the News?")
Response on December 29th: "Ujamaa!"


Find a meaningful way to instill Ujamaa in your life today,
and in the coming year.

HAPPY KWANZAA!

Kwanzaa Libations -- powered by eHow.com

Running Time: 2 Min, 48 Sec

Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: Ujamaa -- powered by eHow.com

4TH KWANZAA PRINCIPLE: UJAMAA (COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS)
Running Time: 1 Min, 19 Sec

The Black Candle: A KWANZAA Celebration DVD

HAPPY KWANZAA! Day Three (3): December 28th Habari Gani? Ujima (oo-JEE-mah): Collective Work and Responsibility

Today, December 28th,
is the Third Day of Kwanzaa!




The Third Principle of Kwanzaa is:
Ujima (oo-JEE-mah): Collective Work and Responsibility




- To build and maintain our community together
and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems
and to solve them together.
(Light The Farthest Green Candle On The Right) 

Traditional Greeting: "Habari Gani?"
(Translation: "What's the Word?" or "What's the News?")
Response on December 28th: "Ujima!"


Find a meaningful way to instill Ujima in your life today,
and in the coming year.

HAPPY KWANZAA!

Kwanzaa Plants, Books and Gifts -- powered by eHow.com

Running Time: 2 Min, 12 Sec

Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: Ujima -- powered by eHow.com
3RD PRINCIPLE: UJIMA (COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY)Running Time: 1 Min, 23 Sec



The Black Candle: A KWANZAA Celebration DVD

HAPPY KWANZAA! Day Two (2): December 27th Habari Gani? Kujichagulia (koo-GEE-chah-GOO-lee-AH): Self-Determination

Today, December 27th,
is the Second Day of Kwanzaa!

The Second Principle of Kwanzaa is:

Kujichagulia (koo-GEE-chah-GOO-lee-AH): Self-Determination

- To define ourselves, name ourselves,
create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
(Light The Farthest Red Candle On The Left)


Traditional Greeting: "Habari Gani?"
(Translation: "What's the Word?" or "What's the News?")
Response on December 27th: "Kujichagulia!"


Find a meaningful way to instill Kujichagulia in your life today,
and in the coming year.

HAPPY KWANZAA!

Kwanzaa Symbols -- powered by eHow.com

KWANZAA SYMBOLS
Running Time: 1 Min, 59 Sec

Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: Kujichagulia
-- powered by eHow.com

2ND PRINCIPLE: KUJICHAGULIA (SELF-DETERMINATION)
Running Time: 1 min, 08 sec

The Black Candle: A KWANZAA Celebration DVD

HAPPY KWANZAA!Day One (1): December 26th Habari Gani? Umoja (oo-MO-jah): Unity

Today, December 26th,
is the First Day of Kwanzaa!

The First Principle of Kwanzaa is:

Umoja (oo-MO-jah): Unity


- To strive for and maintain unity in the
family, community, nation and race.
(Light The Black Candle)



Traditional Greeting: "Habari Gani?"
(Translation: "What's the Word?" or "What's the News?")
Response on December 26th: "Umoja!"

Find a meaningful way to instill Umoja your life today,
and in the coming year.

HAPPY KWANZAA!

Kwanzaa History -- powered by eHow.com
KWANZAA HISTORY
Running Time: 1 min, 09 sec

Myths About Kwanzaa -- powered by eHow.com
MYTHS ABOUT KWANZAA
Running Time: 2 min, 14 sec

Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja -- powered by eHow.com
1ST PRINCIPLE: UMOJA (UNITY)
Running Time: 1 min, 32 sec



The Black Candle: A KWANZAA Celebration DVD

AmASSI-NY and BMX-NY PresentsKWANZAA: A 7th Annual CelebrationSunday, December 27th, 2009 @ 5:00PMHarlem, New York City, USA!!

HEALTH. CULTURE. AFFIRMATION.

An Africentric Communal and Cultural Affirmation
For Family and Friends

Co-Present

Click To Enlarge




KWANZAA

A 7th Annual Celebration

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

5:00PM

730 Riverside Drive
(Entrance on 150th Street)
Suite 9E
Harlem, New York 10031

GOOGLE MAP

DIRECTIONS: #1 train to 145th Street or M4 / M5 Bus to 149th Street
CONTACT INFO --> Ph: 212/283-0219 / E-mail: BlackMensXchangeNY[at]gmail.com
WEBSITES: www.AmASSI.com — www.BMXNY.org

What is KWANZAA?

KWANZAA is a unique African Diasporic celebration with a focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. KWANZAA is neither political, nor religious, and despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute for Christmas. It is simply a time of reaffirming people of the African Diaspora, their ancestors and culture. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili, has gained tremendous acceptance. Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga.

Kwanzaa consists of seven Kwanzaa Principles (Nguzo Saba) and should be put into practice every day, and not just celebrated for 7 days and then forgotten about:

The Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles)

Day 1 (December 26th)
Umoja (oo-MO-jah): Unity


Day 2 (December 27th)
Kujichagulia (koo-gee-chaH-goo-LEE-ah): Self-Determination


Day 3 (December 28th)
Ujima (oo-JEE-mah): Collective Work and Responsibility


Day 4 (December 29th)
Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah-AH): Cooperative Economics


Day 5 (December 30th)
Nia (NEE-ah): Purpose


Day 6 (December 31st)
Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah): Creativity


Day 7 (January 1st)
Imani (ee-MAH-nee): Faith


The Official KWANZAA Website

About BMX-NY...

Founded as an instrument of healing and empowerment, the Black Men’s Xchange-New York (BMX-NY) offers advocacy and affirmation. We celebrate the uniqueness and power of same-gender-loving (homosexual, bisexual and transgendered) African descended men; employing critical thinking, diversity and cultural affirmation while encouraging self-determination through self-identification.

Log on at www.BMXNY.org



About AmASSI...

AmASSI is a non-profit, community based health, wellness and cultural affirmation center. AmASSI is an acronym for the African American Advocacy, Support-Services & Survival Institute. We provide preventive health for HIV/AIDS, STDs, cancer, diabetes, etc., psychological and therapeutic assistance and math and literacy tutoring, skills building opportunities and empowerment. At the AmASSI Center, community members are culturally respected and affirmed, and all services are free and low cost.

AmASSI is an award winning organization that, since 1993, has provided healing to over 10,000 primarily African American and Latino men, women, and children in the South Central Los Angeles neighborhoods of Inglewood, West Adams, Crenshaw, Baldwin Hills, Leimert Park, and Adams-La Brea. Although AmASSI’s programs have a cultural emphasis on African Americans, and a substantial number of Spanish speaking staff, people of other ancestries (e.g., Asian, Native-American and European) often seek AmASSI’s services and are warmly embraced.

Log on at www.AmASSI.com