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 BLOOM Summer Dance Party was a really nice follow up to the BLOOM Spring Dance Party (though the spring party in my mind sets the standard for any future BLOOM party to be beaten and certainly other parties by other promoters can't hold a candle to BLOOM.The BLOOM party series is really outside the box and because I believe and attempt to live pan-Africanism as best I can, there's nothing else out there like these Africentric parties. ROOTS, BABY, ROOTS!!!So, the following pics aren't the best because I was using my Nokia N900 Mobile Internet Device (MIB) so I had to be creative with my blog title hence "abstract". Despite the blurring motion of the pics there's some nice art here which leans toward the abstract realm of spirit.Hope you like the pics....
All Photos
Copyright © 2010 ROD PATRICK RISBROOK
BIG.ROD02[at]GMAIL.COM
BLOOM Summer Dance Party 2010:
Children of The Sun
PART I:
The Beautiful Ones >The Go-Go Boy Solos
My Friend Ernest Took A Picture of ME (BIG ROD)Giving One of The Dancers A $1
Body Paint, Baby!!






Baby! This Boy Had Some Booty! Trust! The Pics Do No Justice!BLOOM Summer Dance Party 2010:
Children of The Sun
PART II:
An African Child Rises From The Earth To The Sun
This was one of the best, if not the best, showcase of the evening in my opinion. You really had to be there to appreciate performance of art...

Beautiful...
Stunning Performance
THIS IS THE SHOT, BABY!! WHOA!!!!!






BLOOM Summer Dance Party 2010:
Children of The Sun
PART III:
The Beautiful Ones >The Go-Go Boys Sexy Duet









BLOOM Summer Dance Party 2010:
Children of The Sun
PART IV:
The African Beat Of The Drummers










BLOOM Summer Dance Party 2010:
Children of The Sun
PART V:
A Masked Presence Like Grace Jones




Olu, The Brainchild Behind The BLOOM Party SeriesGets a Surprise HAPPY BIRTHDAY From His PartnerWith A Birthday Candle Cake, A KISS And LOVE From The Crowd
Chanting Stevie Wonder's "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"All Photos
Copyright © 2010 ROD PATRICK RISBROOK
BIG.ROD02[at]GMAIL.COM
Greetings from The Brotherhood Of ADODI:We invite all
same-gender loving men of African descent
to join us in the gathering for our
24th annual summer retreat:“Approaching Silver:
Renewing the ADODI Spirit”
As we look forward to the 25th Annual Retreat in 2011, we felt it was only fitting to pause and reflect on the history of an organization which was started and sustained by SGL Brothers of Color. We are a people who believe in the concept of Sankofa; we should never go forward without looking back, and going back to reclaim what we may have forgotten so that the future can be assured. This retreat is designed to explore the 24 year legacy of our fellowship. Through workshops, African inspired rituals, daily affirmations, sharing our stories and other activities we will:- Revisit the ideals of the founders;
- Examine the changing face and needs of our community;
- Explore the diasporic nature of our membership;
- Discuss new directions for the future of ADODI nationally and locally
We will be exploring not only the theme, but our history as individuals, our relationships as a community, and our responsibility as ADODI Brothers. We look forward to welcoming you on this adventure of celebrating our past and solidifying our future.Yours in the Spirit of ADODI,The 2010 Retreat Planning Committee
Registration Fee Information
If paid in full by April 14th, 2010 $450.00If paid in full by June 1st, 2010 $500.00After June 1st, 2010 $550.00Please complete, detach and mail the registration form with your payment to:ADODI National
P.O. Box 60501Chicago, Illinois 60660-0501+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If you need a registration form youcan download a PDF (Adobe Acrobat) version from the Nubian Knights Network YahooGrouplocated under the FILES section here;or email ME (ROD) at BIG.ROD02[at]GMAIL.COMwill the subject line clearly statingADODI Summer Retreat Registration Form Request
so that I know I'm NOT receiving SPAM or a VIRUS
from an unknown email address,
and I'll email you the form.
THANKS!ROD+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Starting March 15, You may register online at www.ADODIonline.com using a credit card, paypal or still opt to mail a check. If you opt to mail a check it must be postmarked by the April 14th deadline to receive the early registration price.
A service charge is added to online registrations.
Online pricing is below:If paid in full by April 14th, 2010 $465.00If paid in full by June 1st, 2010 $515.00After June 1st, 2010 $570.00 Pricing includes:- Round trip transportation from Detroit Metro International Airport, and downtown Detroit.
- Dinner Wednesday; 3 meals Thursday, Friday and Saturday; brunch Sunday.
- Double occupancy rooms.
- All retreat materials and a retreat t-shirt are also included.
Partial payments may be made at any time, however to receive the early registration fee the full price has to be paid by the deadline listed above.Full retreat fee payments made after July 1st
must be made in the form of cashier's check or money order.(NO PERSONAL CHECKS ACCEPTED AFTER JULY 1ST).Deposits and registrations are transferable but NON-REFUNDABLE.
Limited scholarships are available
to those who qualify for up to $225.00.
To request a scholarship application contact:Paul Smith:
paulmsmith@yahoo.com954.537.4848What To Bring:
- Casual attire including comfortable shoes, workout clothing and swimwear.
- Personal toiletries, medication, a beach towel, insect repellent, a flashlight.
- A plain white T-Shirt or white African garment with no logo's, colors or colored stitching for the Tribute to the Ancestors.
- African drums and bells.
- Musical instruments, pre-recorded or sheet music, poetry, costume(s) or other accessories if you wish to participate in the Talent Sharing.
- A desire to let yourself participate in a community of men who wish to affirm and accept you just as you are.
- A desire to affirm and accept others.
- Your spiritual gifts and the desire to explore/share them.
- Music, DVD’s, board games, card games.
What NOT To Bring:
- Large sums of money or expensive jewelry.
- Illegal drugs
- Alcoholic beverages
Neither ADODI National
nor Colombiere Retreat & Conference Center
can assume responsibility for lost or stolen articles.This is a drug and alcohol free weekend.For more information please contact:Westley Gillard.......917/428-4809Vincent Bates.......508/755-1145Clarence Brown (Registration).......773/643-8265Larry Rogers (Online Registration).......773/274-4093Rickie Green (Workshops).......443/803-6909Yes Jihad (Homestays).......734/846-6545Email: info[at]adodionline.comEmail: BIG.ROD02[at]GMAIL.COM
Colombiere Conference & Retreat Center is nestled on 420 acres of mature pines and hardwoods in Clarkston, MI. less than an hour drive from Detroit. Conference attendees avoid the distractions of the city and surround themselves with acres of towering pines, oaks and walking trails. Gardens and pathways are open invitations for quiet walks.The gymnasium is located on the 2nd floor and is set up for volleyball, basketball or badminton, but is also available for general exercising. We also features an out-door heated pool. Pool activity is not supervised by a lifeguard, and towels are not provided. Overnight accommodations are available in dormitory style rooms for a maximum of 150 people depending on the use of the rooms. Bed linens and towels are provided.
SAVE THE DATE! EARLY PLANNING
ADODI's SILVER AGE 25TH ANNIVERSARY & ANNUAL
SUMMER RETREAT
White Eagle Conference Center
Hamilton, New York
July 20th - 24th, 2011