AND THIS TOO SHALL PASSA Black Same Gender Loving Sports Experience Penned By E. Lynn Harris

As we, the Black same gender loving community celebrate the accomplishments while mourning the passing of E. Lynn Harris, I'd like to say that the greatest thing I took away from E. Lynn Harris was his third and my most favorite book that he wrote, And This Too Shall Pass (1997). He's the only Black SGL author (to my knowledge) to broach the subject matter of the Black SGL experience and SPORTS (specifically American football) which I LOVE. Man! I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!

It occurred to me at the time I read the book that if I had the dream to ever pursue a career as a lawyer, I'd be in the sports arena in order to help young Black male sports athletes manage their money better. It would have been a great service to help my community of bruthaz manage their money better and I may get to see some of them in their towels in the locker room as a bonus! LOL! ).

Photography Copyright © RASCONRAD

A lot of prospective Black male athletics come from impoverished or low-income backgrounds and then once they obtain a substantial amount of money in lucrative sports contracts they wind up broke after their career is over due to financial mismanagement. The Washington Post (can't find the link right now) did a huge and extensive (like 8 to 10 page) on-line article on the subject matter of NFL sports athletics and their money.

Anyway, even though I have my little Paddleball Saturdays with Da Bruthaz (NYC) sports league at Morningside Park @ 122nd Street in Harlem, NY during the last 5 years, which is intended as an alternative to clubs and bars for fellowship and brotherhood for Black same gender loving men, I am still frustrated at the lack of desire that my circles of Black SGL men have for sports; the exception is like basketball or track and field where bruthaz watch for the eye candy and mostly not truly interested in the sport(s) itself.

Anyway, I say all that to say that E. Lynn Harris penned an inspiring book that I (a Black same gender loving brutha who LOVES sports, lives in New York City and a huge Washington Redskins fan for over 25 years now) could really get into and escape with. Ironically, I remember in past conversations that a lot of Black SGL bruthaz didn't appreciate And This Too Shall Pass as much as I liked the book.

Anyway, I have to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to my good friend Herb for helping me organize the Paddleball Saturdays with Da Bruthaz (NYC) over these last few years. He gave me hope that there a few (if minuscule amount of bruhs) who like vibin' with me on Saturdays with the sport of paddleball.

Oh, well... CHEERS to you E. Lynn! Thanks for creating and crafting a truly inspirational and exceptional Black SGL sports world I could vibe with. Peace, my brutha!

ROD (aka BIG ROD)




UPDATE (Tuesday, July 28th, 2009): I happened to be looking through my book library and found (and forgot!) that E. Lynn signed my copy of AND THIS TOO SHALL PASS from 10 years ago! WOW! I remember waiting on a long line like everyone else during his book signing in a basketball gymnasium (I'm pretty certain that it was at the YMCA on 135th Street in Harlem, NYC, USA!). Take a look below. I wanted to share this! The paper is turning a little brown, though... LOL!

Navy:Murder Charge Filed inBlack Same Gender Loving Seaman's Death

Navy: Murder Charge Filed in SGL Seaman's Death

From: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/23/august-provost-gay-sailor_n_244063.html
Published: 07/23/09 08:26 PM

August Provost, Murdered Black Same Gender Loving Sailor

SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Navy says a sailor has been charged in military court with murder and other offenses in the shooting death of a gay San Diego seaman.

Petty Officer Jonathan Campos of Lancaster, Calif., was charged Thursday in connection to last month's fatal shooting of Seaman August Provost of Houston.

Provost was shot multiple times as he stood guard at Camp Pendleton on June 30. The 29-year-old's family believes the shooting may have been a hate crime. The family says Provost complained of being harassed about his sexuality in the days before his death.

Navy officials have rejected those claims and say there is no record of Provost filing a harassment report.

They say Campos, a 32-year-old gas system technician, is being held at the brig and is cooperating with investigators.

UPDATE (Wednesday, July 29th, 2009):
This article was sent to me and so I'm doing a follow-up with y'all! Click the title below which is hyperlinked.
Family Says Closeted Gay Sailor Killed Provost
DallasVoice.com - The Premier Media Source for LGBT North Texas


UPDATE (Sunday, August 2nd, 2009):
Suspect in Houston Sailor's Death Commits Suicide

Suspect in Houston sailor's death commits suicide
By CINDY GEORGE
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Aug. 1, 2009, 6:25PM

The sailor charged in the June death of a Houston seaman at a San Diego military base committed suicide in custody, authorities said.

Petty Officer Jonathan Campos, 32, was found unresponsive Friday afternoon in his brig cot at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

Campos was alive when he was checked at 11:45 a.m., but was unresponsive when found about 35 minutes later, a military statement said. The apparent cause of death was self-inflicted asphyxiation. He was pronounced dead at 1:15 p.m. Friday.

Campos, of Lancaster, Calif., was accused in the shooting death of August Provost III, a sailor from Houston's Acres Homes neighborhood who was gay. Provost, 29, was killed June 30 while on duty in a guard shack at the Southern California military camp.

After the slaying, Provost's remains were set on fire in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence, Navy officials said.
Arrested for DWI

Last week, Campos was charged with 16 criminal offenses, including murder, unlawfully handling a deceased individual by setting the remains on fire, stealing military property and soliciting a San Diego civilian to kill a fellow sailor. He had been in Navy custody since July 1 and faced a hearing in military court, similar to a grand jury, in the coming weeks.

Provost's family has said other sailors had been harassing him before his death, but the Navy has insisted that there is no evidence the slaying was a hate crime.

Provost and Campos were assigned to the same command, which included about 500 military personnel, but officials have said there is no indication that they had a close association.

Campos had been arrested by police in Imperial Beach, Calif., and charged with driving under the influence about 10 days before military officials say he went on a two-day rampage on the base that involved Provost's death.

Campos also faced charges for using illegal psilocybin mushrooms as well as breaking into another service member's home where $5,400 worth of electronics, jewelry and a .45-caliber pistol was stolen, military officials said.

Campos enlisted in the Navy in December 2001. Provost entered the Navy in March 2008, and reported to Camp Pendleton last September.

JubilationA Cultural Festival For Black SGL FolksNew York CityFriday, July 31st - Sunday, August 2nd, 2009

Jubilation! A cultural festival that commemorates the achievements of the gay and lesbian community of color in New York and surrounding areas. It is a 3-day event that brings together thousands of gay and lesbian New Yorkers of color with folks from across the country to celebrate our unique contributions to this great city. From the young to the old, male and female, black and brown. Jubilation! is an affirmation of who we are as proud New Yorkers and in addition to showcasing incredible talent, is an invitation to supporters and friends to join in our celebration.



Jubilation! was created by a community of like-minded New York based event and nightclub promoters in association with notable New York health advocacy organizations and represent the large diversity of ideas, needs and desires of this melting pot city. We have planned a series of activities to cater to every interest and group with the ultimate goal of community) empowerment through cultural events, educational seminars and health forums. A series of events over the weekend of Friday. July 31st through Sunday, August 2nd include:

Friday, July 31st, 2009:
The Jubilation Meet and Greet
Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture
53 Propsect Park West
Brooklyn, NY
Open to all 21 and over
7PM to 12 Midnight


Saturday, August 1st, 2009:
The Jubilation Block Party Picnic
Block to Be Announced
(See Official Website Link Below For Updates)


Sunday, August 2nd, 2009:
The Jubilation Black Gay Expo
@ The Helen Mills Theater
137-139 West 26th Street
(between 6th and 7th Avenues, NYC)
12 Noon - 8PM, Donations: $5 before 2PM; $10 after
-
AFTER PARTY
Escuelitas
301 West 39th Street
(near corner of 8th Avenue)
9PM - 4AM



For More Detailed Day By Day Information:
Julibation Official Website

7th Annual Fire Island BlackOut (FIBO) 2009A Black Same Gender Loving Beach ExperienceCherry Grove, Fire Island, NYAugust 7th - 9th, 2009

Fire Island BlackOut (FIBO) Official Website

blackˈmanˌkīnd |Photography & Art Paintings Exhibit August 5th-23rd, 2009London, England (UK)

Photography by Rasconrad

-
View Rasconrad's Album

Hey Bruthaz,

OH DAYUM! DAYUM!! DAYUM!!! I wish I could be out there in London for this exhibit! Anyway, just passing it on to my bloke bruthaz out there!!! LOL! LOL!

ROD (aka BIG ROD)

Four very independent artists in one very
independent space.

Artist Charlie Pi returns to the Crypt at St Pancras Church with twenty five new and intriguing portrayals of the black male.

Based in part on traditional stereotypes of the black male such as : the athlete, the shaman, the exotic and the mystery, these paintings shift and twist the stereotypes to create thought-provoking images around the broader areas of : physicality, spirituality and creativity. Titles such as , ‘Rasta and the Bathroom Elk’, ‘Drop the Pineapple’, ‘The higher he climb’, and ‘Olympic Pluckers’, give some idea of Charlie’s creativity and sense of humour.

After the success of last year’s show Charlie Pi has invited three other fiercely independent artists to join him this August. These artists are not ‘fresh from College’ and like Charlie himself produce their art in and for the real world outside of the gallery system, which makes for an immediate and palpable difference in both approach and product.

Beautiful photographs by Trinidadian Performance Poet, RasConrad, ‘I love photographing aspiring black men. There is a power that exudes from them between the ages of 16-35 that I think is unparalleled. Whether it’s his raw anger, deep frustration, hard musculature or innate beauty, the black man is amazing to capture on film at that age.’

Intricate and obsessive painted construct by Bajan Michael Connell. A builder by day Michael uses all the detritus of his job. From shards of mirror to pipe insulation to create semi-abstract wall constructs where every leaf is cut from wood and painted to create magical illusion. ‘I want to bring colour to the streets of London.’

Terence McDonald Humphrey (Montserrat Man)

Founder of 'Trunkstore' a developing independent arts outpost who's ongoing collaborative work includes the ‘No Go Zones Audio Radio Project’ and the emerging ‘Aquarium Project’ will produce a soundscape for the show.

Oh and just a reminder on the exhibition blackˈmanˌkīnd.
Opening Night is Wed 5th Aug, 2009 at the St. Pancras Church Crypt 6:30pm - 8:30pm

FREE ENTRY FREE ENTRY FREE ENTRY FREE ENTRY FREE ENTRY
Exhibition runs 5th -23rd August 2009 Tues – Sun 12.00 - 18.00

Crypt of St .Pancras Church
Euston Road, London, NW1 2BA
020 7388 1461
Nearest Tube: Euston Station

All artists are available for interview.

For more information go to: preview exhibition

Or call : 0208 691 5592 mobile: 44 7940 259 948

Comprehensive Health Insurance

The White House
Washington

Dear Friend,

As you read this, we are closer than ever to passing comprehensive health insurance reform that benefits American families and small businesses. Despite all the back and forth in the news right now, it is important to understand just how far we've come in this challenging process. That's why I'm holding a press conference tonight (Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009) at 8pm ET, and writing to let everyone know where we are, what's ahead, and why health insurance reform is so important.

Let me be clear: although Congress is still debating parts of the legislation we have achieved critical consensus on several key areas:

If you already have health insurance: reform will provide you with more security and stability. It will limit your own out of pocket costs and prevent your insurance company from dropping your coverage if you get too sick. You'll also have affordable insurance options if you lose or change your job. And it will cover preventive care like check-ups and mammograms that save lives and money.

If you don't have health insurance: you will finally have guaranteed access to quality, affordable health care, and you can choose the plan that best suits your family's needs. And no insurance company will be allowed to deny you coverage because of a pre-existing medical condition.

Now, I realize that the last few miles of any race are the hardest to run, but we can't stop now. There's no dispute about it: we cannot control our long-term fiscal health as a nation without health insurance reform. American families and small businesses understand that the health insurance status quo is taking away those things that they value most about health care. The stability and security that comes with knowing that you can get the treatment you need, when you need it. Without reform, we are consigning our children to a future of skyrocketing premiums and crushing deficits.

We have to seize this opportunity and pass health insurance reform this year. You can help by forwarding this email to your family and friends and letting them know what's at stake in this debate.

Thank you,
Barack Obama

P.S. Tune in to tonight's press conference on health insurance reform at 8pm ET on WhiteHouse.gov. (Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009)

Visit
WhiteHouse.gov

19th Annual SGL Dominican Latino Health Fair Picnic 2009