NUBIAN KNIGHTS NETWORK

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

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

ROD's Summer Trip To Michigan (2011) - Part I
DAY 1: 1917 American Bistro / Dabl's African Bead Gallery / Ruth Ellis Center

DETROIT! DETROIT! DETROIT!

Say whatever want about the economic climate of the country, and most especially Detroit with the fall of the car industry, BUT BABY, LET ME TELL YOU, THERE IS PLENTY TO CELEBRATE IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN! After having an awesome time at the 25th Annual and Silver Anniversary of the ADODI Summer Retreat in Hamilton, New York, I drove back via Canada (with passport in hand) in our van with some friends to Michigan. I spent the next 7 days, mostly in Detroit, but also in Ann Arbor and Canton, Michigan as well. I had an AWESOME time and wanted to share my adventures and some of the really nice Black businesses that I patronized throughout this summer trip.

So... in my mind there are some compelling reasons to visit Detroit; and if you live in Detroit, there's some places to (re)visit.

I will be posting my trip over multi-part segments.

DAY 1: Monday, July 25th, 2011...

All Photography

Chillin' In The Wee Hours Of Monday Morning
With My Friends Louis, Calvin and Curtis

Curtis' Beautiful Art In The House

My Friend Yes Looking at Michael-Christopher's
Newly Published Coffee Table Book Called
MAN: BLACK
- And YES! The Book Is Available For Sale
At Michael-Christopher's Official Website:
michael-christopher.com

NEXT... later in the afternoon Curtis suggested we go to 1917 American Bistro (aka 1917). I have to tell you: the food was phucking outstanding as well as the customer service...

A Side Wall Mural at 1917. BEAUTIFUL ART!

Click Images To Enlarge

The Manager Brought Out Our Food.
The Blackened Fish, Salmon, Sauteed Spinach
And Smashed (That's What They Call It) Potatoes
Were So, So Good Smiley Teeth.gif

Yes And Calvin Were In "Heat" Over One Of The Waiters.
We Found Out His Name Was Robert...

Yes And Calvin were real serious when they insisted I take pictures of him. They were like, "Get some damn pictures!". He's physically gifted, yet (and in all seriousness) was very attentive to his customers he waited on. A very cute brutha all the way around (no pun intended) and nice personality it seemed...

Okaaaaayyy...!

1917 has 2 floors: the main/ground level was where we ate; later on we went upstairs where there is more seating and an outdoor deck. The decor was really nice. There is beautiful art hanging throughout the establishment...

Yes And Calvin Looking Around
At Some Of The Hanging Artwork

The upstairs area, though open to customers, was being improved and a carpenter brutha was working on what appears to be another bar..

Calvin And Yes At "1917" Upstairs On The Outdoor Deck

GO Visit A Black Business Y'all!

1917 American Bistro
19416 Livernois Avenue
(Between St Martins Avenue and S. Outer Drive)
Detroit, Michigan 48221
313-863-1917
GOOGLE MAP

Official Website:
1917americanbistro.com

&

While In The Car,
I Took A Photo Of These Kids Walking Around In Detroit

Detroit In Known For Their Massive Chains of "Coney Island"
Stores. They Specialize In Hot DOgs...

According to Wikipedia: Coney Island hot dog (also Coney dog or Coney) refers to a natural casing beef hot dog, topped with an all-meat beanless chili, and diced or chopped white onions with one or two strips of yellow mustard. The variety is a fixture in Jackson, Flint, Detroit, and southeastern Michigan. Despite the name, the "Coney Island" preparation style has little direct association with Coney Island, New York itself, beyond a recognition of the birthplace of the original hot dog.

I'm from Coney Island, Brooklyn, and so... WE ARE THE ORIGINAL CONEY ISLAND, Baby! I LOVE YOU Detroit, but you bitin' (aka copying) y'all!

NEXT... we went to Dabl's African Bead Gallery/Mbad Museum. I HAVE NEVER SEEN SO MANY BEADS IN ONE PLACE IN ALL MY LIFE..

MBAD'S African Bead Museum
6559 Grand River Avenue
(between W. Grand Blvd and Dexter Avenue)
Detroit, Michigan 48208
(313) 898-3007
GOOGLE MAPS

Official Website: mbad.org

Bead Gallery Hours: 12pm to 7pm Mon-Sat.

We are a major repository for African artifacts- including sculptures, textiles, pottery, and bead works dating back hundreds of years, from countless cultures throughout Africa.

We also carry the finest selection of beads for sale.

We offer guided tours (by reservation) and have 3 outside Public Art installations:
- Iron Teaching Rocks How To Rust
- The N'Kisi Iron House
- African Language Wall

We look forward to seeing you!

Calvin, Yes and Myself (Not Pictured) Were Greeted By A Brutha
(DAMN! I Forgot His Name - Sorry Bro!) To The Gallery

THIS BRUTHA WITH TH AFRICAN MASK
CAN PLAY FOR PHREAKIN' DRUMS!!!

It Was A Little Tempting To Purchase That
Walking Stick/Cane!
Beautifully Designed/Crafted!!

These Are The Drums Out Back On The Side Of The Building.
The Brutha In The African Mask Playing Them Said
He Positioned Them There On Purpose
Because It Makes The Drum Sounds Travel For Blocks
When The Sound Bounces From The Brick Wall

I Figured It'd Make For An Interesting
& Artistic Self-Portrait Mirror Shot

I LOVE THIS SHOT!!!

This IS A Wall Much Further Out Back
As Part Of The Mbad Museum.
I Thought I Caught The Sun Nicely

A Little Lens Flare Is Good For Ya!

Well, there's only one original "BIG ROD" so I think someone co-opted my name and changed it around. I'll take the flattery...

NEXT... we stopped off at the Ruth Ellis Center. Ruth C. Ellis was a Black same gender loving woman. She was an activist who transitioned and believed to be the oldest SGL sistah at 101 years old.

The center is a safe haven for Black SGL youth in Detroit.

Ruth Ellis Center
(Founded: 1999)
77 Victor Street
Highland Park, Michigan 48203

GOOGLE MAP

Ruth Ellis Center Overview:

The Ruth Ellis Center is one of the nation's three, and the midwest's only agency dedicated to serving homeless LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-atractional, Transgender and Questioning) youth.

The LGBTQ population is overly represented in the runaway and homeless youth population. The needs of these young people include shelter, food, clothing and healthcare and may also include addressing the problems of addiction, alcohol abuse and sexual exploitation. LGBTQ street youth also face the added burden of dealing with internal conflicts and social ostracism.

Official Facebook Page:

Magazine and Pamphlet Resources

Bulletin Board Resources

A Laundry Pantry For The Youth To Wash Their Clothes
And Have Shoe s To Wear

The Kitchen Area

Birthday Remembers For Ruth Ellis

The Computer Center Area

Calvin Reading The Wall Materials

The Youth Created Multiple Murals
On The Side Wall Of The Ruth Ellis Center

And I Thought Only In New York City!
Detroit Has Their Hot Rod Rides, Too!

SEE NEXT
ROD's Summer Trip To Michigan (2011) - Part II
DAY 3: Motown Museum / KICK's 2nd Annual Boat Ride

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

When Love Takes Over: A Celebration of SGL Couples of Color By Darian Aaron

“The love shared between eighteen black same-gender loving couples emerges out of the shadows and into the light. The time has come for black love to be recognized in its totality…and the time is now.”

Barnes & Noble

Border Books

iUniverse

BUY NOW!

When Love Takes Over: A Celebration of SGL Couples of Color exclusively profile eighteen African- American same gender loving couples who are in committed long term relationships. The couples detail how they met, their journey towards self-acceptance, liberation and ultimately how they fell in love and maintain their relationships. All the while defying the myth that two black men are incapable of loving each other for a lifetime.

Darian Aaron is the creator and editor of the urban SGL blog Living Out Loud with Darian. His work has appeared in The Advocate, The Daily Voice, The LA Times, GBM News and CLIK Magazine. He is currently pursuing a degree in journalism at Georgia Perimeter College. When Love Takes Over: A Celebration of SGL Couples of Color is his first book. He resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

I am thrilled to announce that the book that caused my long hiatus from the blog last year is now available for purchase. When Love Takes Over: A Celebration of SGL Couples of Color is based on the popular Coupled Up series from loldarian.com and exclusively profiles eighteen African-American gay couples who are in committed long-term relationships. The couples detail how they met, their journey towards self-acceptance, liberation and ultimately how they fell in love and maintain their relationships. All the while defying the myth that two black men are incapable of loving each other for a lifetime.

The arrival of this book is timely and necessary. The gay and mainstream media has largely ignored black same-gender loving men who have formed nurturing and long-term relationships, even worse; the love shared between these brave men have often been met with hostility from individuals within their own community. But finally, the diversity that exists within both the African-American and gay communities are laid out in the pages of “When Love Takes Over” for the entire world to see.

- Darian

Darian's Blog:
Living Out Loud With Darian

The Wait Is Over: When Love Takes Over: A Celebration of SGL Couples of Color Debuts

Location of Outwrite Bookstore On
GOOGLE MAPS

Coupled Up: Damien & Seanmichael

Friday, August 5, 2011

ALP's 14th Annual Chillin’ & Grillin’
Prospect Park Long Meadow North,
5th Street Entrance
Saturday, August 13th, 2011 (12 Noon - 6PM)

When: Saturday, August 13th, 2011 - 12:00PM - 6:00PM
Where: Prospect Park Long Meadow North, 5th Street Entrance
GOOGLE MAP

ALP's 14th Annual FREE Community Outing & Bar-B-Q!

Bring yourself, your family & your friends. Pack a lunch basket, blanket, beverages & your favorite outdoor games. (NOTE: When packing your favorite beverages, please remember, alcohol is prohibited in all NYC parks). We will provide: BBQ-type foods, salads, side dishes, vegetarian selections, bottled water & ice. Several organized games and activities await you!

Hope to see you there!

*Directions to Picnic site:

The Picnic will be held in Prospect Park, near the Picnic House, in Long Meadow North (the Picnic House is listed on all park maps). The entrance to Long Meadow North is on Prospect Park West & 5th Street. There are 2 ways to get there.

Take the F train to the 7th Ave./9th St. Station. Walk up 9th Street to Prospect Park West and turn left. Walk down Prospect Park West to the 5th St. park entrance.

Take the 2 or 3 train to Grand Army Plaza. When facing the park, Prospect Park West is on the right side of the park. Walk down Prospect Park West to the 5th St. entrance. Expect to walk 6-7 blocks.

Go through the 5th Street park entrance and follow the chalk arrows on the pavement to the picnic site.

Contact: Lolan Sevilla at 212.463.0342 ext. 12, lsevilla[at]alp.org

1st Annual BEDSTUY PRIDE 2011
@ Tompkins Park (Brooklyn, NYC)
Sunday, August 21st, 2011 (12PM - 6PM)

Audre Lorde Project‘s

Safe OUTside the System Collective (SOS)

Presents…

The 1st Annual BEDSTUY PRIDE 2011
Sunday, August 21st, 2011
12PM - 6PM
@
Tompkins Park
(Lafayette Avenue between Marcy & Tompkins Avenues)
GOOGLE MAPS

Official Website: alp.org

Endorse BedStuy Pride

Initiated by the Safe OUTside the System Collective of the Audre Lorde Project, a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two-Spirit, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People of Color Center for Community Organizing.

To endorse BedStuy Pride, send an email to
bedstuypride[at]gmail.com

ENDORSERS IN FORMATION

Brooklyn Men (K)onnect (BMK)

Azucar! – A Queer Latin Dance Party

Lutheran Family Health Center- Project Reach Youth

New York City Anti-Violence Project

Ali Forney Center

Counterpublic NYC

New Yorker For Safe Transit

HIV Prevention Justice Alliance

Pretty Queer.com

Sanctuary for Families- the LGBT Initiative/ Community Law Project

Committee against Anti-Asian Violence (CAAAV)

Brown Girls Burlesque

Marimacho Brooklyn

Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment-Gabriela USA

Come join the Safe OUTside the System Collective of the Audre Lorde Project for our first annual BEDSTUY PRIDE. The Safe OUTside the System (SOS) Collective is an anti-violence program led by and for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans, and Gender Non Conforming (LGBTSTGNC) people of color. We are devoted to challenging hate and police violence by using community based strategies rather than relying on the police.

Why BedStuy Pride?

Bed Stuy Pride 2011 is an opportunity for neighborhood folks to come together and celebrate the fabulous Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two-Spirit, Transgender, and Gender Non-conforming People of Color community in the neighborhood many of us grew up, and currently live in. As an anti-violence community-based collective, SOS feels that one of the best ways to combat violence in our community is to start AT HOME. Bed Stuy Pride 2011 is an opportunity for us to show our community how truly fabulous we are, Brooklyn style!

Sunday, August 21st from 12:00 – 6:00pm (at @ Tompkins Park on Lafayette Avenue between Marcy & Tompkins Avenues) the Audre Lorde Project’s S.O.S. Collective will host the 1st Annual Bed-Stuy Pride to celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two-Spirit, Transgender and Gender-Non-Conforming people of color in the Bed-Stuy community. The day will feature performances, artists, vendors, activities for youth and adults, and more!Bed Stuy Pride 2011 is an opportunity for neighborhood folks to come together and celebrate the fabulous Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two-Spirit, Transgender, and Gender Non-Conforming People of Color community in the neighborhood many of us grew up , and currently, live in. As an anti-violence community-based collective, SOS feels that one of the best ways to combat violence in our community is to start at home. Bed Stuy Pride 2011 is an opportunity for us to show our community how truly fabulous we are, Brooklyn style!

We would love for your organization to support this event!

Become an Endorser!

Endorsers are organizations/ businesses that promote Bed-Stuy Pride through membership, outreach, and online promotion. There is no fee to endorse. Endorsers are placed, as appropriate on media releases/announcements/flyers as a Bed-Stuy Pride 2011 Official Endorser and receive verbal acknowledgement at Bed-Stuy Pride Day Celebration as Official Endorsers.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

BMX National Presents
I AM A MAN: Black Manhood & Sexual Diversity In The Black Community (Forum)
Saturday, July 16th, 2011 @ 2:00PM (NYC)

PRESENTS

I AM A MAN-2 (back)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Anthony Truly
Telephone: 212-928-1957
Email: infinitygroup[at]yahoo.com
Website: BMXNY.org
Download: "I AM A MAN" Public Relations (PDF)

Rev. Al Sharpton, Marc Lamont Hill
and Cleo Manago
to Contribute to Historic Discussion at
Black Manhood & Sexual Diversity Forum in NYC

I AM A MAN Panelists (Banner)

The Black Men's Xchange National Joins Forces
with
The National Action Network and
The Malcolm X Grassroots Movement for

"I AM A MAN:
Black Manhood & Sexual Diversity
In The Black Community" Forum

Rewriting Black Manhood Myths 17 (Anthony Jenkins) - Vertical

Saturday, July 16th, 2011 @ 2:00PM
@ National Action Network

New York, NY - From comedian Tracy Morgan's controversial rant to CNN's Don Lemon's 'coming out', to the historic legalization of same-sex marriage in New York last week - homosexuality is at the forefront of water cooler conversations these days. It is a particularly hot topic within the Black community, given the social, political and cultural ramifications inherit within this community. Where as in previous generations, in order to escape oppression, some very 'light-skinned' Blacks 'passed as White,' today many same gender loving (SGL) men pass as heterosexual, hiding in plain sight, to escape the pain of being regarded as less than "real men."

In response to the brewing controversy around homosexuality and the Black community, the Black Men's Xchange (BMX) National has joined forces with the National Action Network and the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement to present the community forum I AM A MAN: Black Manhood & Sexual Diversity in the Black Community on Saturday, July 16th at 2:00 PM at the National Action Network in New York. The National Action Network is located at 106 W. 145th St. (near Lenox Ave.) Black Men's Xchange National is the nation's oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to promoting healthy self-concept and behavior, cultural affirmation and critical consciousness among same gender loving, gay-identifying and bisexual African-descended males and allies.

I AM A MAN

I AMA MAN (Sanitation)

Recalling the signs carried by Memphis sanitation workers at the strike where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, I AM A MAN is an affirmation of the common struggle of Black men, and a call for the inclusion of the SGL men among the collective. Noting a rash of highly publicized homosexual teen suicides across the country and that the highest incidence of HIV/AIDS in the Black community is still among Black men, most of whom are homosexual and bisexual, Reverend Sharpton cites, "There is absolutely a need to have this discussion."

Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover (11-year Old Suicide) Joseph Jefferson

11-Year Old Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover

(suicide)

(suicide)

Says Cleo Manago, "For generations, the Black community has been so preoccupied with survival in America, or assimilation, we have rarely stepped out of this to figure ourselves out, or rationally address our perceived differences with each other. This forum is one of those rare opportunities on an essential issue."

I AM A MAN (Emery Franklin)

Black Men's Xchange-NY Co-founder, John-Martin Green insists, "This human rights struggle - for diverse Black men to be fully present, respectfully representing our range - can only be won as we muster our courage as a community to face our fears and end misunderstandings that produce unhealthy behaviors and division among us."

I AM A MAN (many demostrate)

Join BMX National and their community partners to jointly build a stronger community, where whether SGL, bisexual or heterosexual, it is safe not to "hide in plain sight" anymore. I AM A MAN: Black Manhood & Sexual Diversity in the Black Community will be a forum dedicated to insuring that all Black people can be respected and affirmed.

For more information go to

http://www.facebook.com/bmxnational

Cleo & Al Sharpton (Breakfast)

AmASSI/BMX Founder Cleo Manago & Reverend Al Sharpton

# # #

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Other Countries: Black Gay Expression
25th Anniversary Celebration at
Summer Solstice - The Legacy Continues
June 25th, 2011 @ 7:30PM (NYC)

Click Image To Enlarge

Other Countries: Black Gay Expression
25th Anniversary Celebration at Summer Solstice
The Legacy Continues

Saturday, June 25th, 2011
7:30PM
LGBT Center
208 West 13th Street
(between 7th & 8th Avenues)
Room 410
New York City
GOOGLE MAPS

Admission is Free
(see attached flyer; feel free to distribute)

Featuring readings and performances of the work
of past and current members of Other Countries
Black gay men's writing collective.
For info contact kevmcgr[at]pipeline.com