Message to Our Sons

Message to our Sons: With Focus and Determination, we can accomplish great things in life.

Harlem, New York--Artist Talk and Book Discussion Sun. Aug. 5, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     Media Contact:

Gregory Mills, Curator

(212) 749- 5298

iamaa@pipeline.com

Artists Discuss Their Images and Words On the Plight of Young Males of African Descent

NEW YORK, NY. - July 27, 2012--CUNY Advisor Kahlil Koromantee, M.A., and Author of Message to A Youngblood will lead a discussion of his help guide for young men of African Descent and about the group art exhibition Celebrating of our Sons through Words and Images, profiled in the July 24th edition of the New York Daily News. Artists Sean Arts, Terry Beverly, Jimbe’ Carroll, Pavan Carter, Lisa Dubois, Chris Evans, Antwan Minter, Ocean Morisset, Rod Patrick Risbrook, and Samuel Walker will be on hand to discuss their photographs and drawings currently on view at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Gallery in Harlem. The discussion also aims to stir cross-generational community dialogue about the lives of young Black men living in New York City.

Author Kahlil Koromantee says,  “The only platform our sons feel free to express themselves is through Hip-Hop and Rap music. This is problematic because of the limited opportunities for these young males to be heard, so they act out in ways that command attention, although not in the most productive ways. We need to begin the dialogue, not with one another, but with the youth themselves. We need to establish trust with them because at this point they've lost confidence in the grown-ups. They understand the symbolism behind having a first Black U.S. President, but don't necessarily share the same excitement when the unemployment rate for them especially continues to be a national crisis. They have much to say to their parents, educators and community youth advocates. And this is the very purpose of the book; to encourage honest conversation between us and our boys, ultimately regaining their trust as we find new and more effective ways in communicating."

"Young Black men face a greater chance of being unemployed, incarcerated or killed," says exhibiting photographer, Ocean Morisset. "And while the stats are sobering and the odds for achievement seem insurmountable, we’re here to provide hope through our art, as well as hold these young men up in a positive light.”

The Artist Talk and Book Discussion for Celebrating Our Sons Through Words and Images is on Sunday August 5th, 2012 from 3pm to 6pm at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Art Gallery located on the 2nd floor at 163 West 125th street, east of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. The exhibition is on view through August 18th by appointment. To schedule an appointment, contact the Curator, Gregory Mills at (212) 749-5298

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All of life is in the bubbles, 2012

From the series photographed on the152nd street block party today.

Hump day haiku

a soft, wet kiss on the lips

eyes that undress the soul

slowly

a burst of delight

a breathless interlude

a calm after the storm

it's only wednesday

What a difference a year makes

I wanted some images taken of me (besides creating self-portraits ), to commemorate the one year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis and to celebrate being cancer (and chemo) free. Photographer and friend Carl Merkin photographed me in Washington Square Park. (I can now say I've been shot with a Leica :))

Four months since my final chemotherapy and my hair is growing back too! It's not my dreadlocks, but I kinda like whatever it's doing. :)

'.

I wanted to include my friend and fellow warrior Mohammad Ayan, who that very morning transitioned to another world.

It feels good to be cancer free, and to see myself smiling. This very time last year, I was in a very dark place. 

an outer view, of an inner peace

The power within, is never without.

ipad2 self-portrait.