Bloggers & Friends, 2009?

Convo from my Facebook Inbox:

It's probably too late to organize a get-together soon with the end of summer and Labor Day plans in place. But I was thinking about something for early Fall. When it's not too hot, nor too cool. The last one I recall was about three years ago!! Hmmm, the middle weekend of October is looking good.

This would be an update to the original Brunch get-together [A(annual?) Bloggers of Color Dining Extravaganza] organized by photographer, designer and cultural icon Donald Andrew Agarrat.

Love is Patient...

From A Thesis for the Gay and Lesbian Citizens of the State of California News (but really for Queer Folk everywhere):

Love is patient and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but delights in truth. Love always protects, love always trusts. Love always hopes, love always perseveres, and love never ends. Three gifts have been given to us — they are faith, hope and love — and the greatest of these is love. Therefore, make love your aim. — 1st Corinthians, Chapter 13

The often-cited quote above is from today's essay by Los Angeles-based freelance musician, singer, and composer Ken Potter. He was inspired by German theologian and Augustinian monk, Dr. Martin Luther's posting of the “95 Thesis” and argues that now is the time for a well-coordinated response, not just protest. I agree.

Celebrate Loving Day

[ VIA Mombian ] :

Surrounded as I am now by wonderful children and grandchildren, not a day goes by that I don't think of Richard and our love, our right to marry, and how much it meant to me to have that freedom to marry the person precious to me, even if others thought he was the "wrong kind of person" for me to marry. I believe all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry. Government has no business imposing some people's religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people's civil rights.

I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard's and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That's what Loving, and loving, are all about. (emphasis mine)

From Mildred Loving’s statement of June 12, 2007, the 40th anniversary of the decision in Loving vs. Virgnia (striking down laws against inter-racial marriage).

Reminder: Home To Harlem

I won't mention tomorrow/today's 3rd Annual Black Pack Party Mix and Mingle (google the phrase if you're interested), BEA Saturday when the event is held here in NYC. Instead, here's a reminder for an upcoming and very, very worthy cause:

2009 Spring Benefit | Mosaic Literary Magazine

Join us Sunday, June 7, 2-5pm for some wine, food, and art as we celebrate spring and Mosaic. Proceeds will go to benefit Mosaic Literary Magazine and its education programs.

Featuring poet Cheryl Boyce-Taylor
and the photography of Marcia E. Wilson
(Preview video presentation)

Wine · Food · Art

AALBC.com Brownstone Gallery
64 West 119 St
Harlem NY 10026

A Hymn For Alvin Ailey

VIA Facebook:

Black Public Media Matters: A Free Monthyly Film Series Presented by the New York Public Library and National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC)

Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: NYPL, 115th Street Branch
Street: 203 West 115th Street
City: New York, NY
Phone: 2126669393

A tribute to the late Alvin Ailey featuring performances by choreographer/dancer Judith Jameson, and a performance by artist/actress Anna Deveare Smith.

From Harlem to Haiti, Black Public Media Matters is a film series featuring stories about the global black experience. The stories are told through engaging documentaries and vibrant dramas about today's youth, issues and the performing arts.

Home To Harlem

I know it's late notice, but this is a very, very worthy cause:

2009 Spring Benefit | Mosaic Literary Magazine

Join us Sunday, June 7, 2-5pm for some wine, food, and art as we celebrate spring and Mosaic. Proceeds will go to benefit Mosaic Literary Magazine and its education programs.

Featuring poet Cheryl Boyce-Taylor
and the photography of Marcia E. Wilson
(Preview video presentation)

Wine · Food · Art

AALBC.com Brownstone Gallery
64 West 119 St
Harlem NY 10026

Party With A Purpose!

Brooklyn Public Library - Devo presents Brooklyn Vanguard: Party With A Purpose! Thursday, May 14, 2009

Length: 3 hrs 00 mins
Intermission: None
Seating: General Admission
You choose your seats when you get to the theater.

Join the Brooklyn Vanguard, Brooklyn Public Library's young donor group, for a Support Our Shelves Fundraiser. Proceeds will help purchase books and DVDs, and support educational programs at the Clinton Hill Library.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

6:00 - 9:00pm

$40 in Advance
$50 at the Door (cash only)

Franklin Park Bar and Beer Garden
618 St. Johns Place (near Franklin Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 111238

Get your dance on with DJ Cosmo Baker. Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer. Specialty drinks are $5. (Bar is cash only.) Bring your friends and colleagues to help support this worthy cause