Adodi Retreat 2007

Out of the six hundred and ten photos I snapped at this year's Adodi Retreat, the first one below would be sufficient enough to tell the whole story of the Adodi Retreat as I experienced it. Brotherhood. The brotherhood shared, coupled with the serene, landscaped property of the black-owned Pocono Hillside (Poconohillside.com) Inn provided me (and ninety other SGL men of color) a weekend of infinite beauty and peace.

These few photos below reflect the warmth, love and spirituality of the weekend. Open your heart as I did when I shot these pictures. Tell me what you feel...

Thanks for a great retreat!
--Ocean & Bill

"Catching your LIFE!"--Soul Summit Music Fest 2007

That's exactly what happens at the annual Soul Summit Music Festival in Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn-- You 'Catch your LIFE!' This summer jam knows no color nor sexual orientation. In true ol' skool house form, it's a free for all, and all that is required is positive energy. This classic party, the second of four, is strictly for House Music Heads...especially for those who love to DANCE! From about 4pm-9:30pm the sounds of DJ Sadik thump through the speakers and radiate through your soul. Even if you don't dance, you can't help but be affected by the high energy (and sheer SEXINESS) of the mostly nubian crowd. I notice this year, more SGL men of color and couples come out and hit the dance floor. In years past, I remember Bill and I being the first SGL dancers to hit the dance floor, crumbling the ice for others to follow suit.

I always enjoying photographing the event but I also love dancing! Bill and I LOVED house music, so I had to represent! In between photographing, I danced and twirled with TEN complete strangers, both men and women, straight and gay. I just kept moving from one to the next, to the next, to the next...I danced for both Bill and myself. And I saw Bill too! There was a butterfly out all day flapping it's beautiful orange wings to the raunchy beats. I know Bill was with me. :-)

Below are some photos from the event. Enjoy, and see you on August 5th and August 12th for the last two parties!





















































Till the next one...

BMX and GMAD Unite For a Night of Poetry

On Friday night in a show of unity, BMX-NY (Black Men's Xchange) held their meeting at GMAD (Gay Men of African Descent) in Harlem, NY for a night that was billed as a "Youth Poetry Slam". With about forty brothers and a sprinkling of sisters present, it was clear to me that black sgl men from different organizations and walks of life can come together to celebrate our own, and honor our youth, withoutout animosity and a clashing of organizational missions. This is how we build community. I was happy to be one amongst many.

Though this was a Youth Poetry Slam, the floor was open to men of ALL ages, who wanted to read prepared work, freestyle, or read the work of established poets. While nerves got the best of a couple of poets, all those who went up read moving and passionate work that spoke of love, ambition, and hope. The young brothers especially captured the audiences ear and hearts, and they are to be congratulated for fine performances. The youth are our future, and judging by the caliber of talent on this evening, I know our lives will not be ignored. Whether through the arts, business, or other positive ventures, these young brothers and many others will let the world know that we lived and we loved.

Below are some highlights in pictures from the GMAD Youth Poetry Slam. I didn't get the names of all the poets, so if anyone has them, post them to me and I'll insert it. Enjoy!

A straight-identified poet.


Author Ken Jones


John T. Brown




Mesmerized audience members listen on


Poet "Juicy" and GMAD Youth Director Kyle Doyle


Tommy Thompson




Justice


Audience members


Jalani





Anthony Jenkins


Applause for Anthony


Audience


William Santos


Applause for William


The winners of the $100, $50, and door prize.


Winners congratulate each other