Troy Johnson's eNewsletter from aalbc.com

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This month’s eNewsletter is sponsored by Jacqueline E. Luckett Passing Love is the story of two women from two different worlds, both dealing with lost love, secrets and betrayal in the magical city of Paris. People Magazine described Luckett’s sophomore novel, Passing Love as “beautifully written and filled with vibrant scenes of Paris in its Jazz Age and today.” Essence Magazine’s selected Searching for Tina Turner as the January 2010 book-of-the-month selection. The novel follows a divorced woman’s journey to self by way of France. What comes through for the main character is the inspiration of Tina Turner’s personal story: everything we need to move forward in our lives is already within us. Read more about Ms. Luckett. The Spring 2014 Power List Best Selling Books The Power List, the quarterly compilation of best-selling books written or read by African Americans, released its Spring 2014 list today. The Power List is a joint project of AALBC.com, Cushcity.com and Mosaicbooks.com, three Web sites which have promoted African-American literature for more than 15 years. Read more about the spring bestsellers list. Book Reviews Things I Should Have Told My Daughter: Lies, Lessons & Love Affairs by Pearl Cleage Beginning in 1970, Pearl kept a detailed diary of her intimate insights about her day-to-day life. And like a lot of sisters, she had her concerns about the patriarchal attitudes of leaders which left females feeling marginalized. For example, on March 27, 1970, she mused, “What a revolution. Stokely [Carmichael] said the place of the woman in the revolution should be prone.” So, it is no surprise that Pearl, would eventually tire of such sexist subjugation, and reject being relegated to second-class status in favor of a path of self-fulfillment. Her ensuing transformation into a feminist writer juggling marriage and motherhood is the subject of Things I Should Have Told My Daughter. Kabu Kabu By Nnedi Okorafor American-Nigerian author Nnedi Okorakor’s first short fiction collection, Kabu Kabu, takes the reader by surprise, with its heady mix of fantasy, science fiction elements, and regional folklore and myths. One thing the author does is to keep the culture, history and traditions of Nigeria up front, while stressing the challenges and obstacles faced by women and her people worldwide. For those who only know the classics written by the master Nigerian scribe Chinua Achebe, there is a wealth of writers from the area, such as Elechi Amadi, Sefi Atta, and two of my favorites, Buchi Emecheta and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Add Nnedi Okorafor to this esteemed group. Gift of Truth By Robert Fleming There are literary craftsmen who spend a lifetime writing in one particular genre, and there are others who possess a creative and literary zeal, which allows them to expand their interests and their writing styles. Robert Fleming is an author who is an esteem member of the latter group. The author has written two books, Gift of Faith, and its sequel, Gift of Truth, both Christian novels. Any reader would do well to read Gift of Faith first, before launching into the second book in the series, Gift of Truth. In the debut novel, it explores the growing faith development of a young pastor after the traumatic loss of his wife and two children. Repeatedly, Rev. Clint Winwood’s faith is shaken as he questions God’s love and purpose for him. As the pastor offers his guidance to others overwhelmed in their own spiritual crises, readers bear witness to his stunning spiritual transformation. Tales of a Jailhouse Librarian: Challenging the Juvenile Justice System One Book at a Time by Marybeth Zeman Part memoir, part social commentary, Zeman addresses pertinent social issues affecting African-Americans and young people of color through their stories, which she tells in short vignettes. Like Diquan, 17, who needs comfort and direction after he learns that his 16-year-old brother was shot and killed. “The only reason Diquan had outlived him—he was in jail.” Riveting and well written; Tales of a Jailhouse Librarian is compelling, engaging and insightful. Zeman wisely makes her point by simply telling the stories of the boys she counsels and reminding us that part of being young is making mistakes. In so doing, she makes a good argument about education instead of incarceration. “Jail isn’t always the best solution. One million dollars invested in incarceration reduces 350 crimes; one million dollars invested in education reduces 600 crimes.” The Myth of Race/The Reality of Racism: Critical Essays by Mahmoud El-Kati Defining racism as “prejudice plus power,” the author sees it as “largely an institutional phenomenon” based on “aggression, domination and greed.” However, he warns that it can also be observed on the individual level in a variety of everyday social “habits, nuances and traits,” like in a condescending look or a halfhearted handshake. Nevertheless determined to eradicate the false notion of “race,” Professor El-Kati assails it as a superstition no less ridiculous than the belief in witches that once led to innocent women being burned at the stake. For, he would argue that it is patently farcical to associate a host of negative stereotypes with black skin ranging from criminality to laziness. Related Articles Only 54 Black Owned Bookstores Remain in America This is a follow up to an article Death of the Black Owned, Independent, Bookstore, we originally published in March of 2012. The article highlighted the fact the we had lost 66% of our Black owned bookstores over the previous decade. Two years later almost half of the stores still open in 2012 have closed. If you believe in the importance of bookstores, which are dedicated to books by or about people of African descent, go out of your way to support one. Do we want to see an America where the ONLY place Black books can be purchased is from Amazon? Do we really want Amazon to have that responsibility—all by themselves? New York Publishing’s Black Pack The Black Pack Party is an annual gathering of publishing industry professionals, and it is held during Book Expo America. This year's party will be on May 29, 2014, in New York City. Carol Smith-Passariello described the first Black Pack Party in an article originally published inBlack Issues Book Review magazine in 2001. The Decline of Conscious Hip-Hop is a Myth Hip-Hop has been co-opted (SeeMacklemore) and the emcee who speaks truth to power are basically muzzled (Lupe, Talib, Pharoah Monche, Jean Grae). Speaking of Jean Grae the removal of the female voice coincided with the removal of the conscious emcees. In the late 80s early 90s, Queen Latifah dropped Unity, Ms Melody was a part of BDP and MC Lyte made strong songs that were lyrically incredible. On the West Coast Yo Yo started the IBWC movement and empowered young girls. Since then, we have Trina and Nikki Minaj. No one even knows who Jean Grae is. It’s sad and unfortunate that we allowed mainstream to do this to the music by continuing to tune in instead of tuning out and forcing change. Videos & Interviews BookTV’s coverage of the National Black Writers Conference's Panel Discussions Watch writers, Jeffery Renard Allen, Ayana Mathis, Leonard Pitts, Jr., Steve Cannon, David Henderson, Ishmael Reed, Askia Toure, Raquel Cepeda, Zakes Mda, Emily Raboteau, Gillian Royes, W. Paul Coates, Troy Johnson, Ayesha Pande, Latoya Smith, Dianne Glave, Tracye Lynn McQuirter, Lauret Savoy, William Jelani Cobb, Obery Hendricks, Marc Lamont Hill, and Michele Wallace discuss a variety of issues important to Black writers. Subscribe to AALBC.com's YouTube Channel. Taraji P. Henson The “From the Rough” Interview On the big screen, she starred in the #1 box office hit Think Like a Man, as well as in its upcoming sequel, Think Like a Man, Too. And in September, she’ll be starring opposite Idris Elba in No Good Deed. Here, she talks about her new film, From the Rough (Open Apr 25, 2014), an inspirational biopic where she portrays Catana Starks, the African-American trailblazer who became the first female to coach an NCAA Division-1 men’s team when she accepted the reins of the golf squad at Tennessee State. Literary Living Video 2006 African American Pavilion at BEA This video shows highlights of the African American Pavilion at Book Expo America (BEA) from 2006. BEA is the country’s largest trade show for the publishing industry. The African American Pavilion at BookExpo America was founded in 2004 by Tony Rose, Niani Colom, and Adrienne Ingrum. Sadly, the African American Pavilion is no longer part of BEA. Film Reviews Belle (4 stars out of 4) Born in the West Indies in 1761, Dido Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) was the product of the taboo union of Mary Belle, an African slave, and John Lindsay (Matthew Goode), a British ship captain. Upon Mary’s death, the concerned father brought his 8 year-old daughter to England to see whether his well-heeled aunt and uncle might be willing to take her in. Directed by Amma Assante, the riveting historical drama continues the recent cinematic trend of reexamining race from the black perspective, ala Django Unchained, The Retrieval and Oscar-winner 12 Years a Slave (In Theaters: May 2, 2014 Limited). From the Rough (2.5 stars out of 4) Catana Starks (Taraji P. Henson) was serving as the female swim coach at Tennessee State University (TSU), when she learned that the school’s Athletic Director, Kendrick Paulsen, Jr. (Henry Simmons), was planning to form a golf team. Since golf had always been her first love, she approached him about becoming the new squad’s head coach. Her first hurdle, however, was convincing him that despite being female, she’d be able to field and manage an all-male squad. Second, she’d have to fill the roster with some promising prospects (In Theaters: Apr 25, 2014 Wide). Tanzania: A Journey Within (4 stars out of 4) After finishing high school, Venance Ndibalema made the most of an opportunity to leave Tanzania to study physics and philosophy at the University of Miami. Now, he’s ready to visit his homeland for the first time in years, a trip likely to prove traumatic, given the changes both he and the country have undergone during the interim. Accompanying him on the eventful return to Dar es Salaam is Kristen Kenney, a fellow Miami alumnus who’s never been to Africa. A child of privilege, she must brace herself for the culture shock involved in adjusting to modest accommodations sans most of the modern conveniences she’s always taken for granted (In Theaters: Apr 25, 2014 Limited Release). A Haunted House 2 (1 star out of 4) A Haunted House, an irreverent spoof of Paranormal Activity, co-starred Marlon Wayans and Essence Atkins as Malcolm and Kisha, a couple whose home was invaded by demonic forces. Along the way, Kisha, became possessed by the devil and turned on exasperated Malcolm, despite an exorcism performed by a priest (Cedric the Entertainer). All of the above are back for A Haunted House 2, a jaw-dropping sequel which ups the ante in terms of gratuitous gore, sexuality, nudity, profanity and use of the N-word. Nevertheless, the review-proof teensploitation flick is apt to appeal to the same folks who made the original such a runaway hit (In Theaters: Apr 18, 2014). Book & Film Recommendations All Our Names by Dinaw Mengestu Mengestu, is a recipient of the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35 award, The New Yorker’s 20 Under 40 award, and a 2012 MacArthur Foundation genius grant. All Our Names is the story of two young men who come of age during an African revolution, drawn from the safe confines of the university campus into the intensifying clamor of the streets outside. But as the line between idealism and violence becomes increasingly blurred, the friends are driven apart—one into the deepest peril, as the movement gathers inexorable force, and the other into the safety of exile in the American Midwest. There, pretending to be an exchange student, he falls in love with a social worker and settles into small-town life. Yet this idyll is inescapably darkened by the secrets of his past: the acts he committed and the work he left unfinished. Most of all, he is haunted by the beloved friend he left behind, the charismatic leader who first guided him to revolution and then sacrificed everything to ensure his freedom (Knopf, March 4, 2014). 'Til the Well Runs Dry by Lauren Francis-Sharma A glorious and moving multi-generational, multicultural saga that begins in the 1940s and sweeps through the 1960’s in Trinidad and the United States Lauren Francis-Sharma's 'Til the Well Runs Dry opens in a seaside village in the north of Trinidad where young Marcia Garcia, a gifted and smart-mouthed 16-year-old seamstress, lives alone, raising two small boys and guarding a family secret. When she meets Farouk Karam, an ambitious young policeman (so taken with Marcia that he elicits the help of a tea-brewing obeah woman to guarantee her ardor), the risks and rewards in Marcia’s life amplify forever (Henry Holt and Co., April 22, 2014) Team Seven: A Novel by Marcus Burke Team Seven is an autobiographically tinged coming-of-age family drama with an undeniably authentic feel for place, language, and character. As Andre Battel, a native of Milton, a town south of Boston, ages from age eight through his teenage years, he grows away from his Jamaican family, discovers genuine prowess on the basketball court, and eventually falls into dealing drugs for the local street gang, Team Seven. But when Andre and his crew fall behind on payments, dire and violent consequences await. The story is told primarily through Andre's voice, but we also see the point of view of his mother, Ruby, a hardworking medical secretary; his older sister, Nina; his mostly-not-there and typically drunk-and-high father, Eddy, a halfhearted reggae musician; and Reggie and Smoke, the kingpin of competing drug crews (Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, April 8, 2014). Willow by Tonya Cherie Hegamin In 1848, an educated slave girl faces an inconceivable choice — between bondage and freedom, family and love. On one side of the Mason-Dixon Line lives fifteen-year-old Willow, her master’s favorite servant. She’s been taught to read and has learned to write. She believes her master is good to her and fears the rebel slave runaways. On the other side of the line is seventeen-year-old Cato, a black man, free born. It’s his personal mission to sneak as many fugitive slaves to freedom as he can. Willow’s and Cato’s lives are about to intersect, with life-changing consequences for both of them. Tonya Cherie Hegamin’s moving coming-of-age story is a poignant meditation on the many ways a person can be enslaved, and the force of will needed to be truly emancipated (Candlewick Press, February 11, 2014). The Jones Men by Vern E. Smith (40th Anniversary Edition) Detroit, 1974 to become the King, you have to take the crown. It won't be given up lightly. Heroin kingpin, Willis McDaniel, has been wearing that particular piece of jewelry for far too long, and youngblood, Lennie Jack, thinks it would really good on his head. When a junkie tells Jack about a big delivery, the young Vietnam vet makes his move. Feeling his empire crumble, McDaniel puts the word out to find whoever's responsible. The hunt is on, the battle is engaged, and the streets of Detroit run red with blood. In 1974 Vern E. Smith debut novel, The Jones Men, was heralded as "a large accomplishment in the art of fiction" by the New York Times, The Jones Men went on to be nominated for an Edgar Award and became a New York Times Notable Book (Rosarium Publishing, May 5, 2014). The Prodigal Son by Kimberla Lawson Roby The latest book in the Reverend Curtis Black series. After dropping out of Harvard to be with his girlfriend Racquel and their new baby, Matthew Black discovers that fatherhood isn't what he expected. His relationship with Racquel has become strained, and while he wants to be a good husband, he soon finds himself attracted to another woman. Meanwhile, Curtis and Charlotte are having their own problems. Curtis's long-lost-son Dillon has settled into their household and Charlotte feels he's trying to take Matthew's place in Curtis's heart. She is determined to get Dillon out of the house, but doing so won't be as easy as she thinks. Dillon quickly figures out what Charlotte is up to and launches his own plan to turn Curtis against her (Grand Central Publishing, May 13, 2014). A Wanted Woman by Eric Jerome Dickey The twenty-first novel from New York Times bestselling author Eric Jerome Dickey, a steamy thriller set in tropical Barbados She is a woman of a thousand faces, an assassin who could be anyone, anywhere. The Trinidad contract was supposed to be simple: to make a living man become a dead man. When the job goes bad under the watchful eye of a bank security camera, there is nowhere for agent MX-401, known as Reaper, to hide from the fearsome local warlords, the Laventille Killers (Dutton Adult, April 15, 2014). Anybody’s Daughter by Pamela Samuels Young Anybody’s Daughter, won the 2014 NAACP Image Award for Fiction. Thirteen-year-old Brianna Walker is ecstatic. She's about to sneak off to meet her first real boyfriend--a boyfriend she met on Facebook. But Brianna is in for a horrifying surprise because her boyfriend doesn't exist. Instead, she's hurled her into the shocking world of human sex trafficking. Brianna's Uncle Dre, a man with his own criminal past, is not content to rely on police to bring his niece home. He scours the dark corners of Los Angeles determined to end this nightmare. The woman he loves, attorney Angela Evans, knows the dangers faced by sexually exploited children because she represents them. Angela lends both her moral support and professional resources, but Dre ultimately comes up with a daring plan that puts many lives in danger, including his own. But will he find Brianna before it's too late? Goldman House Publishing (October 27, 2013) Sankofa (1993) - A film by Haile Gerima Sanfoka is a 1993 film by Haile Gerima that was a best-selling DVD on AALBC.com for 2013. Sanfoka tells the story of Mona, a contemporary model, who is possessed by spirits lingering in the Cape Coast Castle in Ghana and travels to the past, where, as a house servant called Shola she is constantly abused by the slave master. Nunu, an African-born field hand, and Shango, Sholas West Indian Lover, continuously rebel against the slave system. For Nunu this means direct conflict with her son, a mulatto who benefits from the system as a head slave. Inspired by Nunu and Shangos determination to defy the system, Shola finally takes her fate into her own hands. Twelve Years a Slave Solomon Northup’s Odyssey (1984) It is fascinating, though not surprising, with all the talk about Steve McQueen’s adaptation Solomon Northup’s memoir, there was virtually no mention of Gordon Parks 1984 adaption. Park’s made for TV version originally aired on PBS in 1984. His version was made with a completely different sensibility. Rather than a stark display of sheer brutality, seen in McQueen’s film. Park’s version, thought less true to the book was was really about the power of love, and in many was was a superior adaptation. If you have seen the 2013 version of Twelve Years a Slave but have not seen the 1984 version, or read the book, I strong recommend you do both. Up Coming Events Dayton Book Festival - Saturday, May 3, 2014, Dayton, OH For the fifth consecutive year, hundreds of book lovers will convene at the Dayton Book Expo. The all-day event includes panel discussions for aspiring authors, activities for children in the Kidz Zone and book signings! The Featured Author is William Fredrick Cooper The event is free and open to public. Authors Charlotte L. Brown, LaTonya Branham and Valerie J. Lewis Coleman founded the Dayton Book Expo in 2009 to connect avid book lovers with local and national bestselling authors. The First Annual Sacramento Black Book Festival takes place June 6 - 8, 2014 at the Historic Center of Oak Park. The featured authors include Dr. Maulana Karenga, the creator of Kwanzaa; Victoria Rowell, actress on The Young and the Restless; Professor Eugene B. Redmond, author/editor of 25 volumes of poetry, Denise Nicholas, primarily know for starring in the TV sitcom,Room 222; Paul Carter Harrison, Obie award-winning playwright; Carlos Moore, biographer of Fela Kuti; and William Strickland founder of the Institute of the Black world a Black think tank. There will be over 80 other authors participating as well. Visit sacramentoblackbookfair.com for more information. The 2014 Calabash International Literary Festival - May 30 to Jun 1 2014 The mission of the Calabash International Literary Festival Trust is to transform the literary arts in the Caribbean by being the region's best-managed producer of workshops, seminars and performances. We will achieve these goals by focusing on our audiences, managing our budget, creating a community of supporters in the media, government, business, the performing arts, philanthropic organizations and publishing, and by becoming the festival of choice for the world's most gifted authors. The Blogger Week UnConference - May 3, 2014 10 am-4 pm, Silver Spring, MD Blogger Week™ 2014 is a multicultural festival of bloggers, journalists and social media mavens hosted by Black Bloggers Connect. Coming April 28th – May 3rd, Blogger Week™ features four days of online festivities and two days of in-person events including: Twitter parties, Google Hangouts, workshops, panels, and networking events. The Blogger Week UnConference will feature hot-topic discussions and breakout sessions to promote innovation, creativity and success for bloggers and social media mavens. Book Expo America - May 29 to 31, 2014, New York, NY Check out the Where Are the People of Color in Children's Books? panel which will be held, Saturday, May 31, 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Join Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, founder of The African American Children’s Book Project, who will lead a conversation where industry professional’s will share their insight and knowledge of The State of African American Children’s Books its past, and present and solutions to its future. Join in this deep dive with: Patrik Henry Bass, author & Book Editor Essence Magazine; Tonya Bolden, author of many books, including, Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America; Regina Brooks, author, and Literary Agent, at Serendipity Literary Agency; Bernette Ford, author and CEO of Color-Bridge, LLC; Wade Hudson, President, Just Us Books; Troy Johnson, Founder of AALBC.Com; and Harlyn Pacheco, CEo of Qlovi Edit 1st — Manuscript Editing Services How a Book Goes from Writer to Reader in Traditional Publishing? ▪ The writer writes a novel or a nonfiction book proposal. ▪ The writer queries a literary agent with a query letter about his novel or his nonfiction book. ▪ The agent expresses interest and asks to see the entire novel or the completed nonfiction book proposal. ▪ The agent likes the work and agrees to represent the writer. ▪ The agent pitches the work to several book editors. ▪ Visit Edit 1st to read the remaining steps in the process. Contact Edit 1st for all your manuscript editing needs. Power to the Author - Your Book Cover on the AALBC.com Homepage and Other Popular Pages Place your book cover on the AALBC.com homepage and many other popular AALBC.com webpages for only $125 for 31 full days. This type of placement will include your name, book title, and acknowledgement of sponsorship. Dear Marvin, If not you, then who? Who will support and uplift the platforms whose mission is to promote Black literature? We are continually losing bookstores, websites, and coverage in magazines and newspapers. AALBC.com is one of a few remaining platforms dedicated to celebrating Black literature. In order to continue our work, and to improve our offerings, we need your support. Please consider purchasing or renewing your subscription to AALBC.com monthly eNewsletter—less than a dollar an issue. Also, if you’ve read something, in our eNewsletter, that you enjoyed or felt was important please share it with others. Again, if you donʼt do this it will not be done? We are responsible for ensuring the depth and breadth of our stories are told and recorded. If you are interested in providing more substantial support through website sponsorship please contact Troy Johnson. Peace, Troy Johnson, Founder and Webmaster

WAKE UP EVERYBODY - Original Version (Teddy Pendergrass, Harold Melvin &...

Philadelphia Diary: One Day in the Life of Marvin X

Monday turned out to be Rehearsal Day. The first rehearsal was with my favorite Philly musicians, Elliott Bey and Alexander El, who performed with me on the DVD Live in Philly at Warm Daddies. Others on this DVD were the superman from Sun Ra's Arkestra, Marshall Allen, also Sun Ra strongman Danny Thompson, along with now ancestor Rufus Harley.

Elliott Bey picked me up, first, to connect with Sonia Sanchez. I lost her number so we went to her house. Her son Morani greeted me and told me Sonia was out of town but would be coming in within the hour. Her gave me her number and I departed. I knew better than to called Sonia within the hour or anytime today, let her rest. I already know she is tired--she's a workaholic and is always tired, God bless the Queen of BAM.

Since Sonia wasn't home, we made our way to Alexander El's house. "Salaam, Mo," El said to Elliott. El and I embraced, not having seen each other since the Warm Daddies's gig. We went inside and socialized. I didn't realize Alexander was a painter as well, with a room full of his paintings. After a couple of drinks, Elliott said let's do some music, so we went downstairs where is trap drums were and he and Elliott warmed up, then called on me to join in. There was a one woman audience, so I played to her. Elliott was upset because the way the piano was facing the wall, he could not see Alexander or me. I told him to be bad like Monk: turned around to face us and play the piano backwards. Marvin X you a crazy motherfucka. Felipe Luciano of the Last Poets said the same about me at NYU's tribute to ancestors Jayne Cortez and Amiri Baraka. Marvin X is a Motherfucka, he said. Kind words from a student at a theological seminary.

We started going through my poetry. Then Elliott asked me to do a story. I said, ok, motherfucka,

you want a story, huh? I got one faya ass. I looked through my Parables and Fables and found Parable of the Real Woman. I read it to Pam, our audience of one. She loved it.

It got hot in the house. The morning was cool so I had on a wool shirt. I asked Alexander if he had a shirt to fit me, since he is a tall, slim brother.He got me a shirt that I could put on but couldn't button. We continued with several more poems until we all were exhausted and I had to sit outside on the punch to cool off. It was a great rehearsal and gave me chance to see how my poetry works with their music. We were satisfied and ready to do a gig. I told them to accompany me on Thursday, May 1, at Maurice Henderson's Black Arts Week where I will be the Special Guest. Depending on his acting talent, we think a musical drama about Teddy Pendergrass starring George Foxx will be a hit. Who will write the play?

Marvin X is Special Guest at  the Philadelphia Black Poetry Honors Ceremony, May 1st.

May 1st Philadelphia Black Poetry Honors Ceremony and Performance and TV taping at the Rotunda Theatre, 4014 Walnut Street on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.

Please check to see if your name has been listed as an honoree or presenter. You should also check out the website of NATIONAL BLACK  AUTHORS TOUR (www.nationalblackauthorstour.com) and if you would like to have your biography listed please email it to loismoses@yahoo.com with a subject line of "include my biography on the NBAT website."

The All ACCESS pass will also include free entrance to the Reception/party at Azure Lounge, 15th & South Street, 9pm-11pm and open bar is from 10pm - 11pm.  the entrance code is Moe Reecee.

Elliott and I departed Alexander's and he took me home so I could get ready to attend another rehearsal with Alfie Pollitt, pianist who has agreed to be the BAM 27 City Tour music director. He is music director for George Fox, a singer who is doing the tunes of Teddy Pendergrass. Alfie is directing the orchestra. My host, Nisa Ra, picked up Alfie and Sam Reed, a Philly living legend, and headed to George Fox's house in a suburb of Philly.  All Negores or New World Africans don't live in the ghetto. 

George's house was large enough to accommodate the orchestra. Enough said. George was a big tall brother who indeed favored Teddy. And after listening to him and the band rehearse, along with the backup singers, I am convinced George will do well performing Teddy's songs, especially with his band, several of them worked with Teddy, as did Alfie. George convinced us he wouldn't let the musicians drown him out, so he and the band should have a great show for Mother's Day at the Clef Club. 

Marvin X and pianist, music director Alfie Pollitt

Miles Davis - Around The Midnight (1967)

Round Midnight



Monk's gone

I ain't blue

where he's gone

I'm goin too



death is always round

tryin ta steal life

death is always round

tryin ta steal life



if it don't get the husband

it'll get the wife



Monk's gone

but I ain't blue.



--Marvin X

Black Bird Press News & Review: Marvin X Special Guest at Black Arts Week in Philadelphia, May 1st

Black Bird Press News & Review: Marvin X Special Guest at Black Arts Week in Philadelphia, May 1st

Miles Davis - Time After Time (Live 1985)

MALCOLM X JAZZ FESTIVAL IN HONOR OF AMIRI BARAKA, MAY 17, OAKLAND

MARVIN X WILL MC COMMEMORATION FOR HIS FRIEND AMIRI BARAKA THE NEW DATE FOR the AMIRI BARAKA COMMEMORATION is FRIDAY, JUNE 20th, 7pm EastSide Cultural Center 2277 International Blvd, Oakland CA 94606.

SAVE THE DATE: Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival
SAT MAY 17, 11am-6pm, San Antonio Park, Oakland
In Honor of Amiri Baraka

This year we will be celebrating Amiri Baraka

A Life of Unity & Struggle

5:00pm - 6:00pm 
Marvin X and The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir & Arkestra: Tacuma King,
Tarika Lewis, Mechelle LaChaux, Ayodele Nzing, Toreada Mikel, Paradise Jah Love, Genny Lim, Zena Allen, Marshall Trammell, Earl Davis, Kalamu Chache', Avotcja, Linda Johnson

6:00-6:10pm

Dance funeral dirge performed by Latayna Tigner (w/music from Black Arts Archestra)

6:10-6:30

African Dance led by Sister Linda

5:00pm - 6:00pm 

Marvin X and The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir & Arkestra: Tacuma King,
Tarika Lewis, Mechelle LaChaux, Ayodele Nzing, Toreada Mikel, Paradise Jah Love, Genny Lim, Zena Allen, Marshall Trammell, Earl Davis, Kalamu Chache', Avotcja, Linda Johnson

6:30-7:00

2nd line new orleans style procession 

PRESS RELEASE

Eastside Arts Alliance presents the 14th Annual Malcolm X JazzArts Festival on

Sat., May 17, 2014 (11am – 7pm)

San Antonio Park, 18^th Ave. & Foothill Blvd. Oakland, CA

Oakland, CA - Eastside Arts Alliance proudly presents the 14th Annual Malcolm X JazzArts Festival for free on Saturday, May 17, 2014 (11 am – 7pm) at San Antonio Park, Oakland. This unique Oakland-based festival celebrates Malcolm X’s vision to bring together communities of color to work to determine their own destiny. Now a local tradition, Malcolm X JazzArts Fest is one of the only remaining FREE outdoor festivals in Oakland providing a space for the grassroots communities of color to find common ground through a rich legacy of Black music and the evolution of Third World Arts Movements.

The festival’s intention is to bring new audiences to appreciate and support Jazz, an art form birthed out of the African American experience, but that also has resonance and deep meaning for other communities who share parallel experiences of struggle. 

This year's Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival will pay special tribute to the great Afro-American revolutionary poet and activist, AMIRI BARAKA, who recently transitioned to join the ancestors. Mr. Baraka was a great friend and key advisor to EastSide Arts Alliance who over the past two decades performed, led forums, taught workshops, collaborated with musicians and other artists, and even produced and directed a jazz opera at EastSide Cultural Center (The Sisyphus Syndrome). Amiri Baraka, recognized as the Father of the Black Arts Movement in the 60s was a renowned poet and playwright who continually and fearlessly re-examined and re-invented himself. The struggle for Black liberation was at the soul of his journey, and sustained his internationalism. Amiri Baraka's personal and public changes and contributions provide many lessons for us to acknowledge our connection to the breadth of history and the fleeting mortality of our own existence, and to renew our own life's commitment to work for a more just world.

EastSide Cultural Center will present a series of events commemorating Amiri Baraka, including an exhibition on The Black Arts Movement (April-July), the Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival (May 17), and a community commemoration with performances (June 20).

https://www.facebook.com/EastSideArtsAlliance

The day’s dynamic offerings are centered on the Jazz Main Stage with a historic and unforgettable line-up of heavyweight jazz musicians. The featured performers include:

§  The Last Poets (Umar Bin Hassan, Abiodun Oyewole, and Babatunde) with a special poetic tribute to Amiri Baraka

* Poet Marvin X and the Black Arts Movement Poet's Choir and Arkestra

§  Jazz Ensemble led by Howard Wiley & Ms. Faye Carol – performing excerpts from Amiri Baraka’s jazz opera – The Sisyphus Syndrome; also a special tribute to Abbey Lincoln; and performances from Unity Grooves, Eastside Arts Alliance’s Black Music youth ensemble

§  Dance performances by StarChild Dance – highlighting the music of the Harlem Renaissance, Kendra Kimbrough Dance Ensemble, and West African dance and drumming led by Sister Linda & Tacuma.

§  New Orleans style second line tribute procession to Amiri Baraka (the community is invited to bring umbrellas and participate).

§  Speakers, poets, community organizers sharing their thoughts on how Amiri Baraka influences their work.

Other performances and activities include: the Katherine Dunham Dance Stage featuring some of the best Bay Area dancers; the Javad Jahi Soapbox Stage, where community organizers get their message out; the DREAM Courts that features emerging youth artists; the Graf Court an all-city graffiti battle; Kids Zone with arts & crafts, games, and fun for children; Vendor Marketplace, items for sale by creative local artisans; Information Booths by local community-based organizations; and a Food Court that offers local and international cuisine.

Our programs depend on community support. People can visit our website at www.eastsideartsalliance.org to become monthly ROOTS SUPPORTERS. The festival is ALWAYS FREE but DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AND NEEDED!

About Eastside Arts Alliance:

EastSide Arts Alliance (ESAA) is a collective of artists and community organizers of color who live and work in the San Antonio district of East Oakland.  Founded in 1999, our mission is to unite art with activism to work for community empowerment and cultural development, and to build bridges between the disenfranchised, racially and ethnically divided communities that reside in our immediate neighborhood and in the broader East Bay. The founding members of EastSide Arts Alliance have been working in the San Antonio /Fruitvale neighborhoods for over 30 years.

In 2006 ESAA closed escrow on our new and permanent home – The EastSide Cultural Center, located on International Blvd at 23^rd Avenue in the heart of the San Antonio district. The center includes a 150-seat multi-use theater space, sound and visual arts studios, 16 units of affordable rental housing and storefront spaces for community-based non-profits.

Eastside Arts Alliance programs include free after-school arts workshops for youth ages 14-22 (music, dance, theater, visual arts and leadership development), public arts projects, performances, festivals, town hall forums and exhibitions. Our success has been in our longevity and our continued growth in this diverse working-class community.

For more information about the 14^th Annual Malcolm X JazzArts Festival, please contact EastSide Arts Alliance at 510-533-6629 or visitwww.eastsideartsalliance.org.  

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Elena Serrano

EastSide Cultural Center

2277 International Blvd.

Oakland, CA  94606

510-533-6629

www.eastsideartsalliance.org

mailing address:

PO Box 17008

Oakland, CA  94601

Dear Friends of EastSide,

This year's Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival will pay special tribute to the great Afro-American revolutionary poet and activist, AMIRI BARAKA, who recently transitioned to join the ancestors. Amiri was a great friend and key advisor to the ESAA who over the past two decades performed, led forums, taught workshops, collaborated with musicians and other artists, and even produced and directed a jazz opera at EastSide Cultural Center. He was an inspirational teacher who constantly engaged us to critically analyze the function of cultural activism and the social issues of the day. He insisted that Black and all Third World self-determination required 1) a program and conscious mission, 2) organization (collectives, coalitions, united fronts), and 3) independent institution building. We strive to meet those criteria in our cultural work. Baraka, the Father of the Black Arts Movement in the 60s was already a renown poet and playwright who continually and fearlessly re-examined and re-invented himself, his philosophy and leadership role to overcome shortcomings and to move us all forward collectively. The struggle for Black liberation was at the soul of his journey, and sustained his internationalism. Amiri Baraka's personal and public changes and contributions should provide many lessons for us to acknowledge our connection to the breadth of history and the fleeting mortality of our own existence, and to renew our own life's commitment to work for a more just world.

EastSide Cultural Center will present a series of events commemorating Amiri Baraka, including a retrospective exhibition, the Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival, and a community commemoration with performances.

The BAM Poet's Choir and Arkestra is now booking for its 27 City Tour in honor of Amiri Baraka. Call 510-200 4164