Fire & Ink III: Cotillion Writers Festival, Writers ConferenceFor SGL People of African DescentOctober 8-11th, 2009 in Austin, Texas

“Mixing ‘page’ and ‘stage’ poets with fiction writers, filmmakers, playwrights, journalists and academics at all stages of their careers, the groundbreaking Fire & Ink: A Writers Festival for GLBT People of African Descent, held in Chicago in 2002, helped introduce a wide range of writers to each other and their work in ways previous, mainly non-black writers’ gatherings and small literary salons could not match.”

–“Out No Doubt,” Black Issues Book Review

In 2009, Fire & Ink III: Cotillion will bring together hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender writers of African descent whose work spans the genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, multimedia arts and performance arts. Join writers, readers, thinkers, scholars, editors, publishers, curators, audio and visual artists, students, teachers, media professionals and art lovers from around the country to:

CREATE a body of writers dedicated to reversing negative trends in cultural, literary and artistic marketplaces, while creating more positive, powerful arenas for those expressions.

TEACH, inspire and encourage each other while creating lasting alliances.

DISCUSS the position and importance of Black LGBT literature, culture and artistic expression in the context of national and world literature and artwork.

DEVELOP and implement strategies to encourage universities, libraries, mainstream and independent bookstores and other venues to integrate more LGBT literature and artwork created by writers of African descent within and outside of traditional curricula and offerings.

PLAN, share and implement professional and artistic opportunities.

OTHER COUNTRIESA Monthly Black SGL Writing Workshop Saturday, September 12th, 2009 6PM - 9PM (NYC)

Man, I LOVE this picture!. Vintage and Elegant...

- ROD

Rodney Dildy, David Warren Frechette, Colin Robinson,
Carlos Raúl Segura & Donald Woods of "Other Countries", 1987

The first September 2009
"Other Countries" Monthly Writing Workshop will be:

Date & Time:
Saturday, September 12th from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location:
The LGBT Community Services Center
208 West 13th Street
(between 7th & 8th Avenues)
Room 102
New York, NY 10011

GOOGLE MAP

If you plan to present work on September 12th:

• please confirm with Kevin McGruder by Thursday, September 10th at kevmcgr[at]pipeline.com
• bring 8-10 copies of your work for distribution.

For those interested, we will go out to dinner afterward at a nearby restaurant.

Below are guidelines for the workshop.

Other Countries Writing Workshop Discussion/Critique Guidelines

The Other Countries Writing Workshop is a peer-facilitated workshop. In order to ensure a supportive atmosphere and to encourage constructive criticism of work please keep the following in mind:

• Before reading their work, writers should introduce it by telling about the FAP (Focus, Audience, and Purpose) for the piece as well as its genre. They should think of specific questions they want answered by the workshop, e.g. “Is this ready for submission to literary journals?” “Does this first chapter pull you into my novel’s story?” “Does this character seem too cardboard or cliché?”
• The moderator will facilitate the discussion/critique of the work
• Participants should:
  

- avoid cross talk between other participants while a comment is being made
- address both positives and negatives in the work;
- avoid extraneous “amen-ing” (repeating the comments) of previous speakers;
- avoid personal commentary of the writer and others;
- provide suggestions for further development of the work, etc.

We welcome contributions to defray room rental costs. Checks or money orders can be made payable to Other Countries and sent to:

Other Countries
345 West 145th Street, Suite 12B2
New York, NY 10031-5323

PRESS RELEASE: The Future, The Nation’s Latest Media OutletAnd Network For The Black SGL Community

thefutureforward.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:
Nathan Seven Scott, President
nathansevenscott[at]gmail.com

Cornelius Jones Jr., Vice-President
iamlifejones[at]gmail.com
The Future

The Future Announces The Official Launch of the New Website – www.TheFutureForward.net

New York, NY — August 31, 2009 — The Future, the nation’s latest media outlet and network for the black LGBT community, today announced plans to officially launch their new website on Tuesday, September 1st .

The decision to make TheFutureForward.net available on the world wide web was made by The Future’s President, Nathan Seven Scott and Vice-President, Cornelius Jones Jr., after receiving numerous requests during the past few years of the lack of media communication and connection in the black LGBT community. “We wanted to create a space were people could express themselves while voicing their opinions. The Future’s team have done a lot of soul-searching to make sure this was the right decision,” says Nathan Seven Scott, President of The Future. “We recognize the risk we are taking with this leap but have faith that it is the best decision for us, as well as adding another voice for the community as a whole. Currently, there are not many network titles available on a national or international level and we believe strongly that The Future will be filling a much-needed niche.”

Originally established as an events company for nightlife party goers in New York City in March 2009, The Future expanded its position and created a network which included the social media networks they were already apart of to include all major global cities. “Word spread quickly about our network” says Cornelius Jones Jr., Vice President of The Future, “and we found ourselves growing at a very rapid pace to accommodate special events like; Why Am I Single to Greet the Press and filming The Future TV, We Are The Media. We started promoting our original context weekly like ; Dishin’ with Dwight, The MEGA World of Lil Mogul, Arts, Advocacy + Wellness with Cornelius Jones Jr. and Notes from Nathan with a successful following.”

In preparation for its national network launch, The Future have formed alliances with media partners from all around the global to give us a clear view of the world with a COLORFUL eye. Contributors by: Giovanni Centurione, Nathan James, Tweet This with Drama Dupree, Hayward Aaron, BoysandClothes.com, BlackGayGossip.com, International News from Karanja Gacuca & Antoine B. Craigwell of GBMNews.com, Made in Brazil and JC Report, Special Features by Lonnell Williams; In Our Ear with Doo Dirty Show, Better Days Radio and The Pride Cast ; destination finders VIPListers.com and ZenBiz Travel and special editorial photo journalist Dexstar G | The Peoples Photographer. “As individuals, we both have a lot of personal integrity and wanted to make our network’s national debut with real credibility,” says Jones. “Whatever our circulation and viewership are, we want our advertisers to know that we have been honest from the start.”

The Future will debut online, as well as begins the season of original programming scene on The Future TV. The Future will market itself and make several appearances at select PRIDE festivals and special events in 2010 to promote the network and build its viewership base throughout the world.

About The Future
Based in New York City, The Future is a new multi-media company targeting the Black LGBT consumer. The Future’s mission is to be leaders in the community by informing people around the world about whom we are and then empowering, entertaining, and engaging these people so that they may face the challenges of today’s society. We do this by reflecting a spotlight on stories about us that will encourage others to seek respect from a diverse and complex world. We are targeting the diverse interests within Black LGBT culture spanning entertainment, news, social networking, business, travel, fashion and sports.

Richard E. Pelzer II
President and Founder
MEGA Management Inc

Website: www.MEGAManagementInc.com
Blog: http://thefutureforward.blogspot.com/2009/08/every-tuesday-with-lil-mogul.html
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lilmogul
Social Site: www.myspace.com/Think_MEGA_Now | Face Book - Rick Pelzer
In partnership with MEGA Dream and Catch A Dream Entertainment Inc
MEGA Management Inc is proud to celebrate 15 Years in business in 2009

The West Indian American Day ParadeCelebrating Today's Event With PicsFrom The Valut of 2007

Nah, I didn't go this year's West Indian American Day Parade. By default I'm not a fan of any parade in general and standing around for hours. And the way the NYPD handles parades in general, I feel like corralled cattle with all the barricades and you can' go this way or that way, etc. etc.

Anyway, I did wanna say I did go 2 years ago (2007) after a huge absence since I was a teenager. I'm glad I did go! The two reasons were to come and support diverse cultures in the African Diaspora, and because I wanted to get some pictures of all the amazing and incredible costumes and outfits which always brim with beautiful bright colors!!

So, even though I didn't go to the 42nd annual event today on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, I wanted to go into the vault and share some pics from 2007.

Lush Colors

African Queen!!!

The Indian Outfits
Were My Absolute Favorite From 2007

One of the City Gym Boys

City Gym Boys

You can see my photo album with many more pics with music here: ROD's 2007 West Indian American Day Parade Pics

UPDATE: Wednesday, September 9th, 2009):
My homeboy and next door Internet neighbor Ocean Morisset (BrothaLuv Cafe) posted this year's parade pics for all to see. Check it: West Indian Day Parade, Brooklyn 2009


Be qool y'all!

ROD (aka BIG ROD)

A Candid Debate On Black Manhood, Same Gender Love & Civil Rights: Fact & Fiction Summer 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia

A Candid Debate On Black Manhood, Same Gender Love & Civil Rights: Fact & Fiction

A Summer 2009 debate in Atlanta, Georgia on homosexuality in Black communities, Civil Rights and attitudes behind Black resistance to affirming homosexuals, and some breakthroughs on the issue.

Join The Audre Lorde Project In Our NewTranslator Training ProjectApplication Deadline: September 15th, 2009 (NYC)

Are you fluent in English and Spanish? Are you already an informal translator in your family, community and/or workplace? Would you like to earn extra income as a translator in community-based organizations?

Join the Audre Lorde Project
in our new Translator Training Project
Application Deadline: September 15, 2009

What is the Translator Training Project?

One of our natural resources is that many of us are multilingual and have been translating for friends, family, neighbors and coworkers as needed. The Translator Training Project seeks to provide opportunities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming immigrants of color who are already informal community translators to gain greater skills in interpretation/translation. The program includes two all day trainings on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4 which will focus on sharpening translations skills. There are a limited number of $100 stipends available for this training. After completion of the training participants will also be expected to volunteer some time providing translation for ALP events.

Can I be one of the translators in this program? Yes, if you:

• Were born outside of the U.S. People born in Puerto Rico and Hawaii are eligible to apply.
• Identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans, Gender Non-Conforming, queer, or not heterosexual/ straight
• Identify as a person of color – including African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, Caribbean, Indigenous / First Nations, and/or Pacific Islander
• Are fluent in more than one language including English and Spanish

What are the next steps?

• After filling out the info below, we will call you for a follow-up conversation and to answer any questions
• If you wish to participate in the program, but do not need a stipend please note this on your application. While stipends are limited there will be space for some non-stipend participants.

The Translator Training Project seeks to provide opportunities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming immigrants of color who are already informal community translators to:

• gain greater skills in interpretation/translation
• learn resources and strategies to use translation to generate income
• better understand how to make our community spaces more accessible
• share knowledge about health, social and community resources
• share resources on translating health, sexuality and gender issues




What is the Audre Lorde Project?

ALP is a community organizing center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans, and Gender Non-Conforming (LGBTSTGNC) People of Color (POC) in New York City. We currently have organizing projects addressing economic justice in the Trans community, increasing safety and decreasing police violence in Brooklyn, and building resources and power in immigrant communities. We also have a resource center and coordinate a network of over 30 LGBTST POC organizations. You can check out our web site for more details: www.alp.org

APPLICATION

Name:

Phone:
Are there times that we should not call you?

Email:

Were you born outside of the U.S.?

Do you identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans, Gender Non Conforming, queer, and/ or not heterosexual/ straight?

Do you identify as a Person of Color (of African, Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, Caribbean, and/or Indigenous Descent) ?

Which languages are you fluent in?


Why do you want to be part of this program?


Do you want to participate in this program without the stipend?

Please return this information by September 15, 2009. If you have any questions, contact Lolan Sevilla at 718.596.0342 x.13 or lsevilla[at]alp.org.

Collette Carter (718) 596-0342 ext. 17 ccarter[at]alp.org www.alp.org




Join the Audre Lorde Project Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=47712849504

Coney Island Knights: The Fireworks and The MoonFriday, September 4th, 2009

Coney Island Knight Sky Fireworks
Captured Using The CACTUS Wireless Shutter Release

Remember that CACTUS Wireless Shutter Release accessory that I blogged about last month in August 2009? Well, this blog entry is the reason why I bought the CACTUS Wireless Shutter Release and had that bad boy air mailed to me straight from Hong Kong ($35 duckets with shipping included!).

CACTUS Wireless Shutter Release Accessory

When you're shooting fireworks the camera has to be on a tripod for steady shots. Otherwise you'll create "camera shake" if you hold the camera in your hand; although, this is okay ONLY if you want to create some blurred fancy or avant garde type shots or something. So, it helps if you have a wired or wireless shutter release accessory attached to the camera to fire off the camera shutter and prevent absolute camera movement.

Anyway, the following pics are my first crack at shooting fireworks last night (Friday) and I was in a nervous mode at first and then in an excited pumped up zone while shooting. The instant feedback you get in seeing the pictures with digital camera technology cannot be understated!! You see the results of your work and can make adjustments, if necessary.

The only crazy thing in my head before the shoot was worrying about some of these stupid ass police officers breaking balls about shooting pictures with a tripod. I actually have some documentation I carry in all my different camera bags that state the rights of photographers with tripods. If you're a photo enthusiast or greater check out: The Photographer's Rights - You can download the PDF and print it out.

And the other thing I was mildly worried about was holding the trigger for the camera shutter which has an antenna sticking out. In these post-911 days in New York City you never know with police officers and them thinking you gonna blow shit up - like there's shit to blow up in da hood of south Brooklyn??? And you know it hasn't been safe for a Black man in Amerikkka as it is for 400+ years!!

Moving along, for you photography buffs out there, I used a Nikon D200 DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera with a 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 zoom lens (this lens is discontinued by Nikon by the way, and it's the primary lens I use and LOVE A LOT!). A fast lens (f/2.8) is not important in this type of shooting because generally you would be shooting at an aperture of f/8 or f11 (better depth of field) and a speed of ISO 100. The fireworks are so bright that you wouldn't need a fast lens shooting wide open (largest aperture) or having to shoot at a higher ISO speed which can introduce grain.

So the CACTUS Wireless Shutter Release performed perfectly under its first job. Man, I LOVE this little guy! LOL! I think I did pretty DAMN well for my first time!! I read an Internet article called How to Photograph Fireworks Displays and it was really and truly instrumental and teaching me the trade (no pun intended, LOL!) before I even got out there.

And for you guys keeping track of things from the Catcus blog entry I wrote, I finally went to my local Radio Shack this past Thursday and bought some black velcro (they call it hook-and-loop fasteners - why this is I have no idea. It's a dumb name!) for $3.49. You get a 4-piece strip (sounds like a KFC order ) with both male and female sides. Now the velcro matches/camouflages perfectly with the black color body of my camera instead of the white velcro I previously used.

So... have FUN looking at the pretty pictures below. I know I had the ultimate FUN shooting them. Be qool, y'all!

ROD