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Invisible Heroes: Not Your Normal Black History Month Program on Feb. 21 in Phoenix

Coretta Scott King once said, “I appeal to everybody who believes in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream to make room at the table of brother and sisterhood for lesbians and gay people.”  LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) African-Americans have been everywhere in our history though often they go unseen.  From politicians to poets, authors to activists, the stories of these heroes go unmentioned and forgotten because oftentimes we see their contributions as insignificant.
 
Invisible Heroes will resurrect some of these forgotten heroes.  You will not see these individuals mentioned at other Black History month programs but their stories are important and their stories should be honored.  This month we will shine the spotlight on several of these stories.
 
UGIMA (United Gay Informed Men of African-descent) is honored to present Invisible Heroes, an event that will honor LGBT African-Americans in history. The program will be held at the Mt. of Olives Lutheran church on February 21 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM.
 
For additional information please feel free to visit the UGIMA website at wix.com/ugimaphx/ugima or contact us at 602-845-9720 or ugimaphx@gmail.com.

 

Arizona Alliance of Black School Educators Night with the Phoenix Suns on March 12 - Sign Up Now

Arizona Alliance of Black School Educators (AABSE) Night with the Phoenix Suns!

Monday, March 12, 2012, 7:00 pm (4:45 pm early game entry)

US Airways Center, 201 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 

Phoenix Suns vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Join the AABSE for a Night Out with the Phoenix Suns. Participants will receive discounted tickets, a free Suns gift, and early game access at 4:45 pm to watch player warm-ups. AABSE has reserved limited seating in the following arena areas:

Club Annexus $65.00 (regularly $89.75)

Lower Level $45.00 (regularly $79.75)

Upper Level $25.00 (regularly $48.75)

Upper level $20.00 (regularly $29.75)

For more information, click on the following link to obtain an event flyer/order form:

http://www.azabse.org/apps/documents/

Bonus Opportunity

Purchase your tickets by Feb. 13, 2012 for an opportunity to win 2 free tickets (est. value $180.00) to a future Phoenix Suns game in Club Annexus. This V.I.P lower level experience includes dining for 2 (est. value $70.00)!

Go to www.usairwayscenter.com/arena/welcome/annexus/ for information about Club Annexus.

Call Lisa at 602.379.7528 or Zel at 602.369.0337 to order tickets.

For more information, e-mail info@azabse.org.

2012 A. Wade Smith Memorial Lecture on Race Relations Features Tim Wise on Apr. 17 at ASU Tempe

2012 A. Wade Smith Lecture on Race Relations
Featuring Tim Wise, leading anti-racist writer and activist

Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 6 p.m. lecture followed by booksigning
Neeb Hall, ASU Tempe campus

*There are no tickets for the event and no RSVP is required.  Seating is limited and doors will open at 5:30 p.m.*

Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and educators in the United States. Recently named one of “25 Visionaries Who are Changing Your World,” by Utne Reader, Wise has spoken in 49 states, on over 600 college campuses, and to community groups across the nation. He has also lectured internationally in Canada and Bermuda on issues of comparative racism, race and education, racism and religion, and racism in the labor market.

Wise is the author of five books, including White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son; Affirmative Action: Racial Preference in Black and White; Speaking Treason Fluently: Anti-Racist Reflections From an Angry White Male; Between Barack and a Hard Place: Racism and White Denial in the Age of Obama, and his latest, Colorblind: The Rise of Post-Racial Politics and the Retreat from Racial Equity.

He received the 2001 British Diversity Award for best feature essay on race issues, and his writings have appeared in dozens of popular, professional and scholarly journals.

Wise has provided anti-racism training to teachers nationwide, and has conducted trainings with physicians and medical industry professionals on how to combat racial inequities in health care. He has also trained corporate, government, entertainment, military and law enforcement officials on methods for dismantling racism in their institutions, and has served as a consultant for plaintiff’s attorneys in federal discrimination cases in New York and Washington State.
 
Support the A. Wade Smith Memorial Lecture
ASU seeks to increase the lecture series endowment to a level that will sustain it in perpetuity. To support the lecture with an individual or corporate donation, you can make a contribution online through the college's giving page. Be sure College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the A. Wade Smith Memorial Lecture are selected in the drop down boxes.

Additionally, you can contact Matthew Whitaker or call (480) 965-0636.

For more information about the lecture series, please call (480) 965-6397 or e-mail clasevents@asu.edu.

 

Humanities Lecture Series, "Race, Politics and Art" Presented by Vernon Burt on Feb. 16 in Downtown Phoenix

Humanities Lecture Series, "Race, Politics and Art"
Presented by Vernon Burt

Vernon Burt dreamed of having an NBA career. But like his oil paintings, his life has taken on many layers. Burt's presentation of “Race, Politics and Art” takes place on 6:30 p.m., Feb. 16, at the Nursing Innovation Building Two, 550 N. Third St., Phoenix, Innovation Auditorium, room 110.

The lecture commences this year's spring 2012 Humanities Lecture Series, a part of the ASU Project Humanities and coincides with Black History Month. It is free and open to the public.

“Art has always been a part of humanity and race simply gives it a different viewpoint,” Burt said. “My life experiences have always been very eclectic and it reflects in my work.”

Burt, who grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, was a star guard at Benedictine High School and pinned all of his hopes on becoming a professional basketball player. While at the late "Pistol" Pete Maravich basketball camp in Pennsylvania, Burt was singled out by the legendary college and NBA player.

"I was fortunate enough to not only meet my idol but to develop a close personal relationship with him," he said. "Pete always said I should have something to fall back on after basketball is over."

Those dreams were dashed when he discovered his abilities weren't good enough for the pro ranks, and he left California State College before the start of his sophomore year. He grew depressed over the next few years and the disappointment fueled his alcohol consumption, which became full blown when he entered the Cleveland Heights Police Department in 1979.

After 10 years on the police force, Burt was promoted to homicide detective where he excelled despite losing his battle with the bottle. Burt finally decided to get help and through a 12-step recovery program, he turned his life around. Burt quit his job, got married, and decided on a fresh start. He and his bride pulled out a map of the country, placed it on a coffee table, and pitched pennies where it might be interesting to live. The last penny landed on Phoenix, and the two found a home in Gilbert.

Burt and his wife, Francisca, found employment, but he said his life lacked a certain passion. That is, until his wife suggested he rekindle his love for painting. While on the police force, Burt had studied art for a few years at the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Then the words of his idol came back to him.

"It hit me – painting is what I should be doing," he said. "That was the one thing I should fall back on because it made me happy."

Burt specializes in oil, airbrush, and acrylic paintings and has made a name for himself in local art circles for his work on Buffalo Soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen, and black cowboys. His work has been displayed in several Valley art galleries and sells for up to $1,000 a painting.

This lecture is part of the ASU Project Humanities.

 

Distinguished Author bell hooks at ASU Tempe Campus on Feb. 13; ASU West Campus on Feb. 14

Race and Gender: Reimagining the Past
Monday, February 13, 7-8:30 p.m.
Katzin Concert Hall, Music Building, ASU Tempe Campus

bell hooks, distinguished author and public scholar, presents the keynote address followed by a Q&A session as part of the Project Humanities Spring 2012 kickoff week. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited; doors open at 6:30 p.m.

A Conversation with bell hooks: The Help, the Book and the Movie
Tuesday, February 14, 3-4:30 p.m.
La Sala C Lecture Hall, University Center Building, ASU West Campus
As part of the Project Humanities Spring 2012 kickoff week, bell hooks stops by West campus to deliver a talk about The Help, the book-turned-Oscar nominated film. This event is free and open to the public; seating is limited.

African American Men of Arizona State University to Host Dr. Molefi Asante During Carter G. Woodson Lecture Series on Feb. 28

Submitted by the African American Men of Arizona State University

The Carter G. Woodson Lecture Series is open to the ASU community and surrounding areas.

This year we are honored to host Dr. Molefi Asante.

African American Men of Arizona State University brings National presenters to head the lecture series designed to educate, stimulate, and develop the minds of our African American Men and Women.

The lecture series aims to connect African/African American history to contemporary issues. This event is free to the community and will be held February 28 on the Arizona State University campus at Old Main at 7pm. 

For more information, please call Emeka A. Ikegwuonu, Coordinator for African American Men of Arizona State University, at (480) 727-8390.

 

 

Black Alliance for Just Immigration's Justice Film Series in Phoenix Spotlights Perspectives on Civil Rights Movement

Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) presents the Justice Film Series celebrating Black History Month.

With formats ranging from documentary to feature film, the Justice Film series aims to examine diverse perspectives on the Civil Rights era and raise awareness of the stories that are lesser known in America’s history. Screenings will take place each Friday during the month of February at 6:30pm, followed by a moderated group discussion led by members of the BAJI Phoenix Advisory Committee and invited community leaders. Admission is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

“We feel it is important to Celebrate Black History Month with the Justice Film series in order to educate and remind people of the legacy of struggle, triumph and perseverance in the fight for freedom, justice and equality," said Opal Tometi, BAJI National Organizer. "Especially in light of economic and social injustice prevalent today and the growing movement in response, it is a great opportunity to inform the way we move forward.”

Featured Films

Citizen King - Friday, February 3 at Puente Movement, 1306 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix

This documentary explores the last five years in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life by drawing on the personal recollections and eyewitness accounts of friends, movement associates, journalists, law enforcement officers, and historians, to illuminate this little-known chapter in the story of America's most important and influential moral leader.

Freedom Riders - Friday February 10 at A.E. England Building, 424 N. Central Ave., Phoenix

From May until November 1961, more than 400 black and white Americans risked their lives—many enduring savage beatings and imprisonment—for simply traveling together on buses and trains as they journeyed through the Deep South. Deliberately violating Jim Crow laws, the Freedom Riders met with bitter racism and mob violence along the way testing their belief in nonviolent activism and resulting in the murder of three individuals.

Black Power Mixtape - Friday February 17 at A.E. England Building, 424 N. Central Ave., Phoenix

Footage shot by a group of Swedish journalists documenting the Black Power Movement in the United States is edited together with contemporary commentary from activists, academics, and pop culture icons such as Harry Belafonte and Erykah Badu to give a unique snapshot of the era.

Night Catches Us - Friday February 24 at Puente Movement, 1306 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix

Fictional drama set in 1976. Complex political and emotional forces are set in motion when a young man returns to the race-torn Philadelphia neighborhood where he came of age during the Black Power movement. Starring Anthony Mackie and Kerry Washington.

BAJI presents the Justice Film Series with support from Puente Movement, Downtown Phoenix Civic Space Collaboration, Arizona State University Black Graduate Student Association, Fair Trade Café and Starbucks.  The Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) is an education and advocacy group comprised of African Americans and black immigrants from Africa, Latin American and the Caribbean. BAJI engages African Americans and other communities in dialogue that leads to actions that challenge U.S. immigration policy and the underlying issues of race, racism and economic inequity that frame it.

 

 

For Love, Not Money: Spike Lee Mentors Students at Arizona State University

By Heather Jackson, PhxSoul.com Correspondent

Walking out in exclusive blue Spiz’ike New York Knicks Jordans, fitted under a Royal Blue New York giants puff vest with a blue cap that slightly hid those notorious glasses we associate him with, he was repping hard for his city so you knew exactly who was in the building: Spike Lee.

Although he was laid back he made no attempt to begin his speech with the same tone; instead, he came in heavy.

“Last time I was here the New York Giants won the Super Bowl … ya’ll didn’t host it because you were the last to honor the MLK holiday,” Lee sincerely joked referencing Arizona’s stubborn evolution in politics for monetary gain.

Warming up the crowd with his uproar of jokes, Lee began to tell his life story and the events that led up to the success that he has become.

“I was a C- student up until I figured out I wanted to be a filmmaker,” Lee reveals.

From Slavery to Freedom, Education is Key

“Don’t clap for that,” Lee said stopping the crowd as they tried to clap after he shared his former satisfactory grade average. He began to stress how important education is by referencing the most painful part of Black History: slavery.

“Our ancestors were smart enough to know that education was the key out of bondage,” he reminded the audience at Gammage.

As he painfully looked into the silenced audience, he began to rattle off statistics like, “It’s cheaper to send a black man to college than put them behind bars” and only “50 percent of black men are graduating college.”

Escaping these horrifying statistics, Lee made his point clear about why it was not okay to applaud a C- average or mediocrity within a student’s performance.

His grade average shifted however, from a C- to A+ after the life changing summer of 1977. During that year, the then bored and young Lee took his friend’s camera and began recording. After that summer the Morehouse man enrolled in Clark Atlanta’s school of Mass Communication where he met the professor that encouraged him to turn all that he shot over the summer into a film. He said his professor even stayed up to three to four hours helping him edit the film.

“If you are blessed with the influence of a great teacher the impact is immeasurable,” Lee stated.

But this was not the only major force behind his career. His grandmother helped to pay for his entire stay at Morehouse, New York University’s Graduate School, and funded his film “She’s Gotta Have It.”

He said that he respected his grandmother so much that he felt that if she did not support his dreams he really would not have pursued it.

“Parents kill more dreams than anybody,” Lee proclaims evoking cheers and an applause from the audience.

Although this was not his case, he said that so many parents want their children to pursue a career with money versus what they are passionate about. He painted a depressing picture of someone who has to wake up everyday to go to a job they hate all because it pays good and pays the bills.

“I say my prayers every night because I get to wake up and do what I love. I have fun doing what I do,” he said excitedly.

The State of Black America

One thing that troubles him is the new generation of black-on-black crime: hate & name-calling.

“Oreo, white-girl, sell-out,” are the names he begins to recite that leave him puzzled as to why some blacks are ridiculed for being smart and A-students.

“We didn’t ostracize you for being smart,” Lee says strongly referencing his generation, “that has changed.”

At the conclusion of his oral autobiography, he took questions and answers from the audience. The session was moderated former Black and African Coalition (BAC) advisor Lasana Hotep.

The questions ranged from career advice to where he got his cool Jordans he was rocking on stage. He was reluctant to reveal the key to his treasure box of Jordans but was more than willing to voice his opinion of Red Tails and Tyler Perry films.

“Remember George Lucas funded it, after taking it to Hollywood who said they did not know how to market a black film,” Lee begins, “that is commendable.”

As for Tyler Perry films, “Black cinema is not defined by Tyler Perry. You cannot deny he has a huge backing. The trick is how do we get views for films that show a positive black experience.”

Funded by Undergraduate Student Government and BAC, Spike Lee was selected to speak at Arizona State University to kick off Black History Month. Spike Lee has finished a film called “Red Hook Summer” that is set to debut this summer.

ASU Student Seeking Black Males for Study on Experiences at Predominately White College Institutions

Submitted by Jennifer Robinson, ASU Graduate Student

Jennifer Robinson, a graduate student working under the direction of Drs. Judith Martin and Eric Margolis in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University, is conducting a research study to explore the experiences of first-generation, African American male students at predominantly White institutions who have reached undergraduate graduation status or are in their final stages of undergraduate work with the intent to graduate. 

Robinson is recruiting African American males who are willing to participate in an interview to openly discuss their college experiences at a predominantly White institution.

To participate in this study, you must be a first-generation African American male student between the ages of 21 and 30 who has attended a predominantly White institution within the last five (5) years. Additionally, participants should self-identify as Black or African American.

Please contact the researcher if further clarification is needed to see if you qualify for this study.

Participation in this study is voluntary. 

If you have any questions concerning the research study, please e-mail jcrobin2@asu.edu.

Northwest Black History Committee to Host Black History Celebration & Festival on Feb. 25 in Peoria

The Northwest Black History Committee (NBHC) is a community-based organization comprised of business persons, clergy, military, students and citizens of all racial and cultural backgrounds.

The NBHC showcases the rich cultural heritage of African Americans and works with schools, West Valley municipalities and other organizations to bring much needed art, cultural information and education to the citizens of Arizona.

In 2012, please mark your calendars as the NBHC will be hosting the following community events.

February 25

Black History Celebration and Festival, the daylong festival in Peoria features: live music, vendors, free kids zone, free boot camp by a professional Personal Trainer, something for the entire family.  Special performances by national recording artists; Elaine Stepter and Fel Davis also Soul Power, Pete Pearson and others.  Free admission and parking.

April 21

Multicultural Music Festival: Live music including Jazz, Tijuana, Pop, Gospel, Rap, Hip Hop, vendors, car show and sports. The festival takes place 12-9PM at the beautiful 14-acre Gateway Park in El Mirage, AZ. Free Admission and parking. 

For more information on all events listed above, please visit www.aznbhc.org or call 623-204-0959.

Event information is subject to change without notice.

The Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation Celebrates Another Sold-Out Pageant, Crowns Five Queens

The Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation Celebrates Another Sold-Out Pageant, Themed “Black Girls Rock in AZ” Culminating in the Crowning of Five New Queens! In 2009, The Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation created the Little Miss Black AZ Pageant, in total throughout three pageant systems: Little Miss, Teen, and Miss Competitions, more than $15,000 in scholarships and prizes have been awarded to over 100 contestants since 2008.

In celebration of over 120 contestants in the Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Pageant system, the pageant presented a Red Carpet Experience before this year’s pageant. The Red Carpet Experience, decked with local and statewide media, gave the contestants, who were all vying for one of five crowns, to make their mark known in this year’s pageant!

The theme for the pageant was "Black Girls Rock,” with colors blue, silver and red dominating the night at the Indian Steele Park Memorial Hall in Phoenix. The 34 young ladies competed in the following categories: Interview (Teens Only), Personal Introduction, Casual Wear Modeling, Formal Wear and On Stage Question and Answer. The esteemed panel of judges had a very hard time choosing just one winner for each division!

The pageant was divided into 5 divisions:

• Toddler Miss ages 3-4 was won by 3-year-old Phoenix Crawley whose favorite color is pink
• Tiny Miss ages 5-7 was won by 7-year-old Mariah Hall who loves to dance
• Little Miss ages 8-9 who was won by 9-year-old Cherrelle Thurman who enjoys singing
• Junior Miss ages 10-12 was won by 12-year-old Ayanna Conway who also loves to dance
• Teen Miss ages 13-17 was won by 16-year-old Angelique Jones who enjoys ice skating and volunteering

Competition was strong and resulted in a host of ties! Contestants won awards in various categories including: Miss Photogenic, Prettiest Smile, and People’s Choice to name a few. Every little princess participated in a princess crowning ceremony where they were each given a rose and tiara.

The pageant was hosted by the lovely and talented Courtney Livingston, 2011 Miss Black Arizona. Co-Hosts for the evening were Tremaine Jasper, Mr. PhxSoul.com and comedian, E-Tweed. 

Highlights of the evening included: the opening number where the young contestants showed the audience who really ran the world, a talent competition which included dance routines, monologues, and beautiful serenades, a remarkable dance performance by 2010 Miss Black Teen Arizona, Chelsea Anderson, and a special queen farewell ceremony led by  the Arizona State director, Jasmine Crowe. Prizes for the winners include: a savings bond, custom rhinestone sash and crown, a fashion photo shoot, and  cash prizes! Over the next year, the new queens will participate in several local and state events and fulfill a year of service to the state of Arizona.

Pictures and the official pageant DVD are now on sale and can be purchased at www.missblackarizona.com.

The Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation would like to thank the following for all of their support: Rare Essence Studio, Balaros Phase II Hair Salon, PHXSoul.com, Design Essentials Hair Care, BlackCelebrityGiving.com, The Write Up Newspaper, Courtney Livingston, E-Tweed, Tremaine Jasper, Chelsea Anderson, our pageant escorts and all of our volunteers, sponsors, judges, staff, and, most importantly, the 2011 Little Miss and Teen Black Arizona Contestants!

About the Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation
The Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation was developed to promote cultural, social, and leadership status on a state and national level within the African-American community. The Pageant provides a forum for today's African-American woman and girl to express their viewpoints, talents, and accomplishments to audiences. The Miss Black Arizona Pageant is a community-driven organization that is committed to addressing important issues in the African-American community, such as health and education. The organization seeks to reach the masses through the Pageant and to celebrate scholastic achievement of young Black women. MBAZ believes and stresses that education is the key to lifelong success and empowerment. The Miss Black Arizona Pageant promotes education and leadership by providing scholarship opportunities to its winners. The Pageant also promotes self-confidence and the importance of giving back to others. It is our mission to provide educational opportunities to outstanding young women of color and to develop the whole woman through achieving excellence in mind, body, and spirit. All reigning queens are available for interviews, event hosting, and business appearances. For more information on how you or your company can get involved with the Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation, please visit www.missblackarizona.com, e-mail info@missblackarizona.com, or kindly contact (602) 535-1291.

Roosevelt School District Names Dr. Jacqueline Jackson as Superintendent

The Roosevelt School District Governing Board has named Dr. Jacqueline Jackson as the new Superintendent of the Roosevelt Elementary School District.

Dr. Jackson has her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. In addition, Dr. Jackson holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision from Arizona State University, West Campus, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Chicago State University. Her previous experience includes Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at Roosevelt and eight years as a Principal in the Washington Elementary School District.

“My parents were two of the first African-American Shell Oil service station franchisees in the Chicago area. They operated four Shell stations in the late sixties, in addition to a used car dealership,” said Dr. Jackson. “My parents taught me that hard work leads to personal success. That was a valuable life lesson.”

“I was quite lucky to grow up with many loving, excellent adult role models in my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles,” said Dr. Jackson. “It is well-known that children will follow the lead of the important adults in their lives.”

Dr. Jackson added that no other job can give you the kind of satisfaction you can get from working in a public school organization.

“No other job can help to mold a future generation of competent, successful, contributing adults,” said Dr. Jackson. “That is the nature of the important work that we do! That is the nature of a public school system.”

Prostate Cancer Project at Arizona State University Seeking Minority Participants

Are you:

• An African American/Black and Latino/Hispanic male?
• In a committed relationship with a female partner?
• Treated for Prostate Cancer within the last 5 years?

If you answered yes to all three questions and are willing to share your experiences, the Prostate Cancer Project at Arizona State University at the Downtown Phoenix campus invites your participation.

Through your participation, the Prostate Cancer Project hopes to:

• Learn more about experiences of couples facing prostate cancer.
• Learn about how these couples manage day-to-day life.
• Learn about the health, activities, and attitudes/opinions of these couples.

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer as well as their female partners will receive compensation for participating in a one-on-one interview.

WHAT IS THIS PROJECT’S PURPOSE?

• To learn from African American/Black, Latino/Hispanic and Caucasian/White men and their female partners about the impact of prostate cancer on their lives.
• To learn how to develop effective prostate cancer education and related programs for African American/Black, Latino/Hispanic and Caucasian/White men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their female partners.

For more information, please call 602-496-1239 (Aging and Behavioral Health Projects) and ask for Prostate Cancer Couples Project.

This project is supported by the National Cancer Institute.

NBC Nightly News Spotlights ASU's COMPUGIRLS Program, Professor Kimberly A. Scott

Congratulations to the COMPUGIRLS program and Dr. Kimberly A. Scott, Associate Professor at Arizona State University, for being featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams on May 9.

Scott is the Executive Director of COMPUGIRLS.

Scott founded COMPUGIRLS at ASU after launching a similar program at Hofstra University. The program gives 13- to 18-year-old girls from under-resourced districts in the Phoenix area the training to apply technology tools to community or social issues. Funded with grants from NSF and the Arizona Community Foundation, the program has served 200 girls since 2007.

It was also great to see my girl Eshe Pickett featured in the video too!

And don't PhxSoul.com didn't tell you about COMPUGIRLS! We've had the program listed on our "Mentoring, Leadership Programs and Activities for Black Youth in the Phoenix Area" article for three years!

Carver Museum Continues Dedication to Literary Community, Holds Second Annual Celebration of Black Authors

Submitted by DaVaun Sanders @davaunwrites

The Second Annual Celebration of Black Authors took place this weekend at the historic Carver Museum and Cultural Center in downtown Phoenix. The event allowed area authors the opportunity to showcase their literary works and also recognizing youth finalists of the Young Writers United  Program.

While the turnout was somewhat less than last year's gathering, The Celebration still provided an excellent meeting of the minds and opportunity for the African American literary community to foster connections. The Carver Museum will continue to host as the board implements programming intended to enrich and unify the community.

"I can't think of a better place that symbolizes the African American experience of old, the African American experience of now, and the African American experience that has yet to be written," said Alonzo Jones, Associate Dean of Students at Arizona State University and master of ceremonies for the event.

The keynote address for the evening was given by none other than Yvonne Rose of Amber Communications Group, Inc. The publishing company hosts several imprints and is a definitive leader in African American publishing and self publishing since ACGI's founding in 1998 by her husband, Tony Rose.

"We share one experience, and we all have a story to tell," said Rose. She reminded attendees of Black progress in the literary realm, painting a picture that included Nikki Giovanni's first self published book of poetry in 1968 as well as President Obama's memoir, "Dreams of My Father." Rose autographed her most recent title, "Ageless Beauty," after her keynote. "We all have the ability to dream. But let's keep our dreams intact and our minds open and let those beautiful, colorful ideas continue to flow forever."

For aspiring authors, Rose had encouraging words. "I want you all to visualize something. I remember the smell of my first book when it arrived from the printer, and the sheer joy of seeing that book in print," she said. "There is nothing like the pride that authors feel when we sign the book of someone who admires our work, and wants to add it to their personal collection."

"Writing is how we are able to guide the culture and intellect of our community, especially the youth. Today more than any other time I think we are a literate society. We have more rapping, more texting, more 'speechifying' today," said Rod Ambrose, Carver Museum Board Member and part of the Programming Committee for the Black Author Celebration. "I don't know if there's ever been a time more literary than today.

"We need Black young people to write about us in the Southwest," Ambrose observed. "Not the south, not back east, or the Midwest; where we already have a lot of density in terms of history and population. We need to encapsulate our lifestyles and put them in expression. That's what I'm looking for with these kind of events."

Yvonne Rose is doing her part to further the cause for increasing the literary community for African Americans in Arizona, as Amber Communications Group is partnering with the Arizona Expo to present the 2011 Phoenix Book Fair later this year. With the efforts of local businesses, supporters of Black authorship and community initiatives such as the Carver's Celebration of Black Authors, new writers will certainly be encouraged to develop in the metro Phoenix area.

Here is additional information for authors with web presence:

• Janice Jones, http://janicejonesliteraryworks.com/
• Donald Tucker, http://www.dontuckerbooks.com/
• Teresa Taylor, http://skyisthelimitthebook.com/ 
• Jackie Muhammad, My Day in Your Sun
• Sebastian J. Payton, Fourth Grade: My Formative Years