~ AN AFROCENTRIC GATEKEEPERS PALACE FOR INFORMATION ~


Otta Benga, Formerly Enslaved
The Epitome of a Nubian Knight

Otta Benga, Formerly Enslaved<br>The Epitome of a Nubian Knight

Followers of Nubian Knights Network
"Thanks For The Support Everybody!!!"

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

The REEL Black Same Gender Loving Filmography Resource (A 24/7 ONLINE FILM DATABASE)

The REEL Black Same Gender Loving Filmography Resource (A 24/7 ONLINE FILM DATABASE)
Click The Pic To Access The Film Library Database! (166 Films)
LAST UPDATE: Monday, December 3rd, 2012

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Nhojj Offers New "My Brother" Music Video
As A Gift of Gratitude

                     
Official Website: Nhojj Café - nhojj.com


Nhojj Offers New "My Brother" Music Video as A Gift of Gratitude

With a little help from friends, Nhojj releases "My Brother" - a simple heart felt music video that reaches toward the joy of true friendship - offering thanks to those who helped shape and mold him.

In contrast to his controversial gay marriage "Amazing Grace" video, Nhojj turns his focus to the simple value of friendship with his collaborative "My Brother" released 8/12/12 on YouTube.  At the heart of both music videos lies the gift of affirmation and the celebration of love.

Taken from Nhojj's critically acclaimed 2008 "Soul Comfort" album, "My Brother" features a diverse array of male artists:  poets sean360x and Baron, his classical trained brother Sam Martinborough, Gospel vocals from ButtaFlySoul and Jesse O's R&B stylings.   "My Brother" was released as a single with 2 additional Soul House remixes in August 2011 and is now Nhojj's 3rd music video.


Nhojj writes in his liner notes, "With this song I strive to go beyond the contradictions and disappointments and reach for the good times, the fond memories, the moments of strength and courage. With this song I offer thanks to the fathers... friends... brothers... lovers... sons who helped me be the man I am today."  In this fast paced and highly competitive world where simple values are often ignored or forgotten, "My Brother" seeks to be a reminder of the meaning of brotherhood and friendship.  It shows 5 black males supporting and affirming one another, with special emphasis on the good times and happiness that can result from positive male relationships. 

"The goal of this music video is to show the possibilities that can exist in the realms of friendship between men, and to remind viewers to cherish these special moments.  I hope it provides a warm feeling and sends waves of love to the viewer because love is healing," Nhojj explains.



Performing in the "My Brother" video is writer, director and #1 Reverbnation artist sean360x.  Recipient of the Jacob A. Wieser Writing Award, his work has been featured in the International Fringe Festival - the largest multi-cultural arts festival in North America.  The Voice of Harlem (WHCR 90.3FM) says "His eccentric style, energetic live performances, and conceptual music dazzle critics and audiences alike." Nhojj says  "I'm always in awe of the energy and creative spirit of sean360x.  In the beginning, his company uni aum Entertainment really provided a home for me to grow and develop artistically.  I know I wouldn't be the artist I am without sean360x."

Another member of the "My Brother" ensemble is Def Jam Poet ButtaFlySoul.  "Before I started writing 'Soul Comfort' ButtaFlySoul sat me down and shared some wisdom - he spoke to my mission here on earth and challenged me to reach deeper into my Spirit.  I will never forget that night - he really awakened something special within me." ButtaFlySoul is a writer, director, actor, recording artist, emcee and activist.  He has opened for Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, and Ledisi and toured with Grammy nominated poet Nikki Giovanni in the BET sponsored "Totally You Tour."



Baron is an OUTMusic Award winning electro/hip-hop recording artist and his music has been featured in films like "Finding Me" and "Blueprint."  He met Nhojj in 2003 during the live video taping of "An Intimate Evening with Nhojj," directed by Emmy nominated Bill Cote and they became quick friends. "Baron inspires me because he is always reaching higher, pushing further, and becoming more of who he is.  I've always admired artists who aren't afraid to explore the musical terrain and evolve - I love his new EP "RadioHeart" and I am indebted to him because he connected me with the music supervisor for "Blueprint" and suggested I submit "Love" to be included in the film's soundtrack and the rest, as they say, is history."  Nhojj's music video for the song "Love" climbed to #1 on MTV Music.

The final "My Brother" cast member is Nhojj's brother Sam Martinborough - founder of Mssng Lnks, a Boston based non-profit organization focused on helping aspiring teenage vocalists pursue their dreams, get into college and stay there.  Mssng Lnks provides the financial, logistical, emotional support they need as they pursue vocal or musical training.  "What can I say about my brother… he was the first family member I came out to and he has always been someone I could talk to and whose support I could depend on.  He personifies everything this song and music video means - he is the inspiration" Nhojj reveals.
 
 
"My Brother" was filmed at Studio 80 and JW Recording studios where Nhojj recorded most of the song's vocals.  Nhojj explains, "The recording booth in the music video is the actual booth where I recorded my vocals for "My Brother" so it was great to be able to capture this moment on film with all these men who I admire and love.  Even my co-producer Jon Evans was there behind the mixing board.  The only person that was missing was Jesse O, because of his hectic study schedule.  He wasn't available to film, but we had his support and love, and it is this same support and love we hope to pass along to everyone who watches "My Brother."

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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

17% OFF Marcus Garvey Birthday Sale @
ROD PATRICK RISBROOK Photographic|Imagery
A 3-Day Sale From Friday, August 17th Thru Midnight Sunday, August 19th, 2012

                           
My Official Website:
ROD PATRICK RISBROOK Photographic|Imagery

          
 
















Hey FAM,

Starting Friday, August 17th and running until midnight on Sunday, August 19th, 2012, I am running a 17% OFF Marcus Garvey Birthday Sale on everything @ ROD PATRICK RISBROOK Photographic|Imagery. The only gallery NOT on sale is the ADODI Summer Retreat (Group) Portraits (2012) fundraiser items (for the ADODI Documentary Film Project I am working on for a summer 2013 release). Those are available separately for $45.00 each in a beautiful 11"x17" size.  

Please use coupon code MARC17 at the time of checkout to receive your 17% discount on anything you buy! 
 
For easy navigation of my website, all my Photographic|Imagery are located in two overall collections:

(1) ROD PATRICK RISBROOK: Cross-Sampling Portfolio (11 Galleries)
http://www.rodpatrickrisbrook.
com/cross-sampling-portfolio

(2) More Photographic|Imagery (13 Galleries)
http://www.rodpatrickrisbrook.





com/more-photographic-imagery

As usual you can purchase PRINTS (I've added more new sizes), while if you wish, you can add and purchase MATS (black or white) and FRAMES (12 different colors in metal or wood varieties ) to your shopping cart, too, before you checkout. Additionally, the wall canvas gallery wrap prints, desk stand and wall mount option prints continue to be available.

I'm really (REALLY) HAPPY to announce that  my website has been significantly expanded:
I now offer my photographic|imagery work on GLASS art prints (2 sizes available), ALUMINUM metal art prints (4 sizes available), as well as everyday functional items we use such as kitchen glass cutting boards, stainless steel water bottles (silver), travel mugs, an iPad Folio, an iPhone case, mouse pads, coasters (a set of 4 with a mahogany wood base) and canvas tote-bags... A little somethin' for everybody.

My website is flexible and accepts a number of different currencies and ships around the United States as well as to Canada, the United Kingdom/England, Australia/New Zealand and other countries.






As always THANK YOU to everyone for their support in me. Inline image 3

P.S.> This Saturday, August 18th, 2012 from 5 to 8PM, I will be attending and you can greet me and the other artists live at the closing reception for our Celebrating Our Sons Through Words and Images photo/art exhibit. This event will be festive with spoken word. jazz, African drumming and other goodies. In conjunction with the photo/art exhibit we're calling it RISING HIGH: Youth Talent and Art Showcase (see flyer attached and embedded below).

P.S.S >> Another announcement to be made next week. Stay tuned y'all!



Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah-AH): Cooperative Economics
- "To build and maintain our own stores, shops and
other businesses and to profit from them together".
       


--
ROD (aka BIG ROD)

ROD PATRICK RISBROOK Photographic|Imagery: www.rodpatrickrisbrook.com

RPR

Friday, August 10, 2012

2nd Annual "48 Hours In Harlem"
1 DAY ONLY! August 26th, 2012 @ 7:00PM
The Harlem School of the Arts


Official Website: harlem9.org


Harlem 9
Presents
"48 Hours In Harlem
August 26th, 2012 @ 7:00PM
The Harlem School of the Arts
645 St. Nicholas Avenue
(between 142nd & 143rd Streets)
 
  • 6 Playwrights
  • 6 Directors
  • 18 Actors... Giving Raw Impressions of
  • 6 Provocative Black Plays

The Amen Corner
by James Baldwin

Topdog/Underdog
by Suzan Lori-Parks

A Soldier's Play
by Charles Fuller

Intimate Apparel
by Lynn Nottage

Yellowman
by Dael Orlandersmith

Dairy of a Mad Black Woman
by Tyler Perry


Garlia Cornelius Jones-Lv, Bryan E. Glover, Liberation Theatre Company
E. Michael Lockley. Jonathan McCrory, Soul Productions


Wednesday, August 8, 2012

CALL FOR SUMBMISSIONS:
Your Advice For Young SGL (Same Gender Loving) Males of African Descent
A New Book Project From Kahlil Koromantee





Peace n blessings-- The following is a note from me to some of the ADODI group who recently viewed our Harlem words and images exhibit....

Thank you again for attending our exhibit, Celebrating Our Sons Through Words and Images. The artists and I appreciate your support. I'm especially grateful to those of you who purchased my book.

So you added your name to the list of those who'd like to share their advice to young same gender loving males who are struggling with their sexuality and your advice will be part of my next book project in support of these youth (teens - mid-20s). other SGL men of african descent have already sent in their advice or what I call their 'testimonials'. here are the basics to this idea:


- there'll be a separate chapter for older sgl men of african descent to share their advice on how to become comfortable in one's skin/how they overcame. there's no standard to follow. each grown man is asked to simply write their advice as if they're talking directly to the young bruh. for example, 'i've been where you are now. the hiding, denying, undercover ways until i decided to live authentically..."

- your testimonial can be a few lines or a page-long. some men don't mind their full name and city/country; some men prefer first name and initial with  city/country; and some prefer total anonymity which, in all honesty, defeats the purpose of telling our sons to be totally themselves. so i'm looking for those of you are open about your sexuality which of course is a private, personal matter that I fully understand and respect (I'm meeting the challenge myself, in case you were wondering)

- testimonials are sent directly to me and only me to lifejak[at]aol.com

- each person who sent in their advice will get a chance to read their testimonial before the final print and can change their mind about their words being quoted in the book at any time prior to print

Once again, thank you for the kind reception and support you gave me and I hope you'll still consider sending in your words of wisdom to these young males. Because they're in pain and this next book is just my way of helping them through it. Thank you!   

K. Koromantee


Thursday, August 2, 2012

15% OFF James Baldwin Birthday Sale @
ROD PATRICK RISBROOK Photographic|Imagery
A 4-Day Sale Until Sunday, August 5th, 2012



MY Official Website:
ROD PATRICK RISBROOK Photographic|Imagery



                                     
Hey FAM,
Starting today, August 2nd, I am running a 15% OFF James Baldwin Birthday Sale on everything @ ROD PATRICK RISBROOK Photographic|Imagery. The only gallery NOT on sale is the ADODI Summer Retreat (Group) Portraits (2012) which are fundraiser items (for the ADODI Documentary Film Project I am working on for a summer 2013 release).

This is a 4-day sale that runs until Sunday, August 5th, 2012 @ 12 midnight.
For easy navigation of my website, all my Photographic|Imagery are located in two overall collections:
(1) ROD PATRICK RISBROOK: Cross-Sampling Portfolio (10 Galleries)

(2) More Photographic|Imagery (14 Galleries)




And for my British bruthaz in England, my website translates to accept the British sterling pound! LOL! Inline image 4

As always THANK YOU to everyone for their support in me.


Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah-AH): Cooperative Economics
- "To build and maintain our own stores, shops and
other businesses and to profit from them together".

        

--
ROD (aka BIG ROD)

ROD PATRICK RISBROOK Photographic|Imagery: www.rodpatrickrisbrook.com

RPR

Soul of Brooklyn Block Party
Co-hosted by THPAC
Saturday, August 4th, 2012 / 12 Noon - 6PM
Brooklyn, New York City



Soul of Brooklyn Block Party - Co-hosted by THPAC
Saturday, August 4th, 2012 / 12 Noon - 6PM 
Brooklyn, New York City

THPAC is co-hosting a block party with Soul of BK.
Please come out and enjoy!!!!
Alex Smith, Jr.
Executive Chairman
Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC)
900 Fulton St.
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718/875-9710
www.thelmahill.com
 
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support new and existing programming.
http://www.thelmahill.com/viewer/home/donations.asd/vts/design005

Friday, July 27, 2012

Celebrating Our Sons Through Words & Images
Artist Talk and Book Discussion
Sunday, August 5th, 2012 (3PM - 6PM)
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building
Harlem, New York City

                              
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Gregory Mills, Curator
(212) 749- 5298
iamaa@pipeline.com

Artists Discuss Their Images and Words On the Plight of Young Males of African Descent


NEW YORK, NY. - July 27, 2012--CUNY Advisor Kahlil Koromantee, M.A., and Author of Message to A Youngblood will lead a discussion of his help guide for young men of African Descent and about the group art exhibition Celebrating of our Sons through Words and Images, profiled in the July 24th edition of the New York Daily News. Artists Sean Arts, Terry Beverly, Jimbe’ Carroll, Pavan Carter, Lisa Dubois, Chris Evans, Antwan Minter, Ocean Morisset, Rod Patrick Risbrook, and Samuel Walker will be on hand to discuss their photographs and drawings currently on view at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Gallery in Harlem. The discussion also aims to stir cross-generational community dialogue about the lives of young Black men living in New York City.

Author Kahlil Koromantee says,  “The only platform our sons feel free to express themselves is through Hip-Hop and Rap music. This is problematic because of the limited opportunities for these young males to be heard, so they act out in ways that command attention, although not in the most productive ways. We need to begin the dialogue, not with one another, but with the youth themselves. We need to establish trust with them because at this point they've lost confidence in the grown-ups. They understand the symbolism behind having a first Black U.S. President, but don't necessarily share the same excitement when the unemployment rate for them especially continues to be a national crisis. They have much to say to their parents, educators and community youth advocates. And this is the very purpose of the book; to encourage honest conversation between us and our boys, ultimately regaining their trust as we find new and more effective ways in communicating."

"Young Black men face a greater chance of being unemployed, incarcerated or killed," says exhibiting photographer, Ocean Morisset. "And while the stats are sobering and the odds for achievement seem insurmountable, we’re here to provide hope through our art, as well as hold these young men up in a positive light.”

The Artist Talk and Book Discussion for Celebrating Our Sons Through Words and Images is on Sunday August 5th, 2012 from 3pm to 6pm at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Art Gallery located on the 2nd floor at 163 West 125th Street, east of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. The exhibition is on view through August 18th by appointment. To schedule an appointment, contact the Curator, Gregory Mills at (212) 749-5298

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TO ENTER THE STATE OFFICE BUILDING