Services Offered: Manuscript Editor Dissertation Editor Literacy Consultant Literary Event Planner Creator of Paint the ATL Purple Email Blast: Cultural Events of Interest to Metro Atlanta African Americans ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________  Imani Literary GroupMust Read at least ONE of the Selections to Attend an Imani Meeting! Imani celebrated 19th Anniversary at NBTF--- the National Black Theatre Festival-Held biennially, NBTF attracts more than 65,000 people during the six-day event. NBTF celebrated its 10th anniversary in 1999. Festival highlights will include the Opening Night Gala, Readers' Theatre of New Works/Plays, the Youth/Celebrity Project, International Colloquia, International Vendor's Market, Fringe, Workshops and Seminars, and of course,over200 theatrical performances. More than 50 celebrities of stage, screen and television attend--.and look forward to attending again July 29-August 3, 2013! www.nbtf.org _____________________________________________________________________________   Imani's 2011 Top Three Reads Wife of the Gods—Kwei Quartey The Other Wes Moore—Wes Moore 32 Candles: A Novel—Ernessa T. Carter _____________________________________________________________________________   Saturday, February 25, 2012—PMImani Literary Group discusses Lorene Cary's Price of a Child & If Sons, Then Heirs at Sheri's ------RSVP by February 22, 2012 _____________________________________________________________________________ Wednesday, February 1-Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Sponsored by the Black Caucus of NCTE and NCTE In February 2012, you may hold an African American Read-In event any day of the month. Schools, churches, libraries, bookstores, community and professional organizations, and interested citizens are urged to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by hosting and coordinating Read-Ins in their communities. Hosting a Read-In can be as simple as bringing together friends to share a book, or as elaborate as arranging public readings and media presentations that feature professional African American writers. To be counted as participants, simply: Select books authored by African Americans; Hold your event during the month of February; and Report your results by submitting the 2012 African American Read-In Report Card. The Read-In has been endorsed by the International Reading Association. Over a million readers of all ethnic groups from the United States, the District of Columbia, the West Indies, African countries, and more have participated. The goal is to make the celebration of African American literacy a traditional part of Black History Month activities. Download an African American Read-In Packet: http://www.ncte.org/action/aari/packetinfo
You can print the PDF version of the African American Read-In packet by clicking the link below. It includes a News Release, Host Invitation, and information on how to submit the Report Card. _____________________________________________________________________________ The Black History Month Reading Relaywill be among the activities throughout Gwinnett County. Each Saturday during February, AlphaKappaAlpha Sorority and Kappa AlphaPsi Fraternity members, as well as some of the youth that they mentor, will read books which focus on Black Historyat various Gwinnett County Librariesto honor the many contributions and achievements of African Americans, past and present, while promoting literacy. All ages welcome. For more information, ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________  Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 7PM—8PM Best-selling Author Bernice McFadden returns to Metro Atlanta with a new book, Gathering of Waters, a deeply engrossing tale narrated by the town of Money, Mississippi—a site both significant and infamous in our collective story as a nation. Money is personified in this haunting story, which chronicles its troubled history following the arrival of the Hilson and Bryant families. "The rich text is shaped by the African American storytelling tradition and layered with significant American histories. Recalling the woven spirituality of Toni Morrison's Beloved, this work will appeal to readers of mystic literature."--Library Journal. At the Decatur Library--215 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA 30030. 404.370.8450, ext 225 _____________________________________________________________________________ You asked for us, you got us! Authors...all...the...time. No more waiting for a year to hear from your favorite author. Now you have us inside this amazing new experience where reading meets the brave new digital world. As a reader, you will enjoy fresh, exciting chapters every month as we reveal our stories to you one chapter at a time. You will travel with us on our writing journeys and watch our novels come to life on paper...and beyond. Each month the authors will offer you something behind the pages - whether it's a live interview with your favorite character or an ask-the-author-anything session, on this website It's more than just the story. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________  A 2011 Nobel Prize Winner!In 2002, during Liberia’s civil war, Gbowee encouraged women to protest, including withholding sex from their husbands until the end of the war. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10th Annual National Book Club Conference 2012 in South Africa. nationalbookclubconference.com 2011--First Ever Panel on Children's Literature  Featuring: Evelyn Coleman, L Divine and Stephanie Perry Moore ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________  Auburn Avenue Research Library101 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, GA-30303 404-730-4001 All Exhibits and Most EVENTS--FREE & Open to Public ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________  Thursday, January 5, 2012—Saturday, March 31, 2012From King to Obama–DuBois and Back Again: Reflections on Race, Nation and African American InternationalismArt Exhibit--an art exhibition by J.R. Phillips. This exhibition envisions the collisions of art and politics, unpacking the racial and socio-historical politics, by focusing on the artistic interactions between the African Diaspora and mainland China in the 20th and 21st centuries. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Thursday, January 23, 2012—Friday, March 23, 2012
The Southern Way: Grits, Gals, and Glory Art Exhibit--a fine art exhibition of vibrant paintings utilizing multiple mediums, developed by renowned artist Shanequa Gay. The paintings celebrate the love, traditions, hospitality, and tranquility of Southern women through themes of spirituality, family, and music. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________  Thursday, March 1st – Sunday, April 29th She Reads, She Writes Photographic Exhibit--In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Auburn Avenue Research Library will host the exhibit, She Reads, by renowned photographer Sue Ross. This exhibit will feature photographic portraits of some of the most compelling and inspiring African American female authors across various genres. Ross is an artist and cultural worker using the medium of photography to document the social, political and cultural experiences of the African American community.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________  Sunday, March 4, 3-5PM-Celebrating Jamaica’s 50 AnniversarywithAuthor Gillian Royes at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, Free--REGISTRATION REQUIRED--The Goat Woman of Largo Bay begins the detective series featuring Shad, a bartender in a fishing village in Jamaica, who is the community problem solver and right hand of Eric, an American who owns the bar and a hotel left in ruins by a hurricane. When Shad sees movement on the island offshore, he thinks it’s just a goat. But it turns out to be Simone, an American who has run away from her professional and personal life in the U.S., an intriguing woman who captures Eric's heart. Always keeping his ear to the ground, Shad discovers that a gunshot heard near Simone’s place late one night isn’t exactly friendly fire, but tied to a plot to harm Simone and ultimately manipulate local elections. But why does someone want to harm Simone? And what does she have to do with the elections? Only Shad can find out. An irresistible character is born in The Goat Woman of Largo Bay and Royes wonderfully blends suspense and the soul of the islands in this smart debut. Free and open to the public--presented by NBAF Department of Education and Public Programs. For more information contact Dr. Collette Hopkins at chopkins@nbaf.org _____________________________________________________________________________ Saturday, March 24th -2PM  If Sons, then Heirs, Lorene CaryAuthor’s Discussion and Book Signing--In collaboration with NBAF (presenters of the National Black Arts Festival), the Auburn Avenue Research Library will host renowned author, educator and social activist Lorene Cary who will discuss her latest novel If Sons, then Heirs, which follows Rayne Needham South to ancestral land in jeopardy—and into a savage, hidden history that he must not only discover, but also heal. This story illuminates the powerful untold story of black land ownership and its tragic loss. ____________________________________________________________________________ February 24-March 28 --Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God--Celebrate this seminal work from the American literary canon with live theater, conversations and more this season from The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, 44 Charlton Street in SoHo, New York City. Tickets and information at The Greene Space-- http://thegreenespace.org/zoraFriday, February 24--7PM--I, Too, Sing America: Langston & Zora’s Unsung Collaboration-- Host Terrance McKnight explores the music of the era through the lens of Langston Hughes and his close, if controversial relationship with Zora Neale Hurston. Wednesday, February 29 –1PM and Thursday, March 1 –7PM--Their Eyes Were Watching God: A Radio Drama.Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson Starring Brandon Dirdon, Phylicia Rashad, Roslyn Ruff, Leslie Uggams and others. Radio drama adapted by Arthur Yorinks. Wednesday, March 14—6PM--A Literary Salon Mix and mingle and enjoy readings from Their Eyes Were Watching God by poet and actor Carl Hancock Rux.
Wednesday, March 28—7PM--Women Writers on the Horizon: A Conversation with Alice Walker, Sonia Sanchez and Ruby Dee, moderated by Zora's niece, Lucy Anne Hurston. _____________________________________________________________________________ March 29-April 1, 2012 hosted at/by Medgar Evers College 11th National Black Writers' Conference "The Impact of Migration, Popular Culture and the National Environment in the Literature of Black Writers |
As a retired educator, I have made a lifelong commitment of teaching students how to read well, think independently & write exceptionally.  I developed a course titled Contemporary African American Literature and initiated the Black Film Festival (still part of the summer program) at the NC Governor’s School West at Salem College Campus, Winston-Salem, NC. For sixteen summers, I introduced gifted teens to various works written by contemporary African American authors. A decade later during the summer of 2008, I entered the classroom, as a student writer and fellow in the Kennesaw Mountain Writing Project which trains teachers as literacy consultants for other educators.Literary Event Planner--I created and facilitated “The Creek Loves to Read” Literary Festival at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross, GA; yearly, hosting twenty plus authors, poets, journalists and storytellers—connecting these lovers of the literature with young readers and aspiring writers in the Meadowcreek community. Literacy Consultant--I have participated on literacy panels and conducted literary workshops at conferences, at churches and for civic organizations in Metro Atlanta; at Ft. Meade, Maryland; and in the NC Triad. I often attend book club conferences and literary festivals for I absolutely enjoy supporting and encouraging the writers who give us the best they have to offer. Cultural Events of Interest to Metro Atlanta African Americans Email Blast-- Fourteen years ago I began compiling and disseminating (first as a handout, then via email) a monthly list of Cultural Events of Interest to Metro Atlanta Black Folks—What to Do, Where to Go and What to See in the ATL--- I send a monthly email blast to over 2000 recipients. This, I do as a labor of love to promote the cultural events that are of interest to Metro Atlantans. Color Me Purple Literary Services is located I welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver to you the best service in the literary industry that I can give. Contact me about pricing. ayr _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Just for You . . . _______________________________________________________________________________________ . Hammonds House Museum--503 Peeples Street, SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. 404-612-0500  Tuesday, February 21` at 6:30PM—Wine & Words--An up close and personalconversation with Authors Bernice McFadden & Nelson George discussing their latest novels. Your R.S.V.P is requested - Admission Choices $15 - Admission FREE with Pre-purchase of book ($15 savings).$10 - Admission RSVP / general. $5 - Admission RSVP / members of Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Hammonds House Museum. FREE Admission for Persons Who Join or Renew a Membership to HHM. For additional information, call 404-753-8315 www.writtenmag.com VISIT THE HAMMONDS HOUSE: Established in 1988 as an institution of artistic and cultural magnitude, the more than 10,000 people who attend Hammonds House Museum annually experience the opportunity to gain a wider understanding of the contributions that diverse artists of African descent make to world culture. Lectures/symposia, workshops, demonstrations, panel discussions, youth programming and special events educate, expose and nurture appreciation for the visual and related arts. _______________________________________________________________________________________ Thru March 4, 2012  Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment examines the rich history and cultural significance of the legendary Harlem theater, tracing the story from its origins as a segregated burlesque hall to its starring role at the epicenter of African American entertainment and American popular culture. The Apollo was one of the first theaters in New York—and the country—to fully integrate, welcoming traditionally African American, Hispanic and local immigrant populations in the audience, as well as headlining uniquely talented entertainers who found it difficult to gain entrance to other venues of similar size and resources. Mon-Sat, 10am-5:30pm. Sun: 12pm-5:30pm. Admission: $16.50(adults) $13(seniors, 65 and students 13 and up) $11 for youth, 4 to 12. (Free Parking) Atlanta History Center - 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd NW- Atlanta 30305. 404-814-4000 __________________________________________________________________________________________________ From October 15, 2011 -- April 29, 2012 -at the High Museum--Reserve your tickets now-- Picasso to Warhol, plan your student tours, learn about professional development opportunities, and network with colleagues. Visit the High Shop during the event and get 20% off your purchase. Find out more at www.high.org/ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  In Theaters NOW--Limited Release-- Pariah_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  February 7 - 26, 2012--A Puppetry Musical Ruth and the Green Book--Adapted and Directed by Jon Ludwig--Based on the book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey, with illustrations by Floyd Cooper—ADV Tickets recommended--Show tickets include Museum admission: $25/$15 Members--BUY ONE//GET ONE FREE ON Sundays WITH code WSB Recommended for ages 9+. Downstairs Theater. Showtimes: •Tues-Thurs: 11am•Fri: 11am & 7:30pm•Sat: 3pm & 7:30pm•Sun: 5pm. "This story touches on a little-known moment in American history with elegance, compassion and humanity." --Kirkus Reviews Chronicling a relatively unknown chapter in Civil Rights history, Ruth and the Green Book follows an African American family as they travel from Chicago to Alabama in the Jim Crow South of the 1950s. After being turned away from hotels, gas stations and restaurants, 8-year-old Ruth and her parents are introduced to "The Green Book," a pivotal publication conceived as a response to the humiliation and violence experienced by African Americans while travelling. With this guide, Ruth's family, like many others, learned where they would be welcome. Using an innovative combination of puppetry and animated projections inspired by the book's evocative illustrations, this collaboration between Artistic Director Jon Ludwig and author Calvin Alexander Ramsey celebrates this great book that helped pave the direction to an America where everyone is welcome- Atlanta Center for Puppetry Arts—1404 Spring Street NW Atlanta, GA, conveniently located in Midtown at the corner of Spring and 18th Street.. www.puppet.org (404) 873-3391. _______________________________________________________________________________________ February 9 ~ 26-(Feb 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26) A Raisin in the SunThis groundbreaking play, set on Chicago's Southside during the 1950's, revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the African-American Younger family. The tensions and prejudice they face form this seminal American drama. Sacrifice, trust and love among the family and their heroic struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a searing and timeless document of hope and inspiration. This play as been on Broadway multiple times, a movie with Sidney Poitier, and two made-for-TV movies. Southside Theatre Guild--20 West Campbellton Street, Fairburn, GA. Phone: (770) 969-0956. _______________________________________________________________________________________  February 17-March -4, 2012 at Atlanta Lyric Theater at the Strand Theater Marietta Ain’t Misbehavin'-- Music by Thomas “Fats” Waller – Ain’t Misbehavin’, a Tony Award-winning celebration of the music of Thomas “Fats” Waller. An ensemble of energetic and irresistible performers and the hottest jazz band in town will bring down the house with a musical parade of thirty of Waller’s greatest hits. A joyously creative songwriter of the 1920s and 30s, Fats Waller penned over 400 songs in his career – many of which have entered the classic repertoire of jazz standards that are still being performed today. Ain’t Misbehavin’ pays tribute to his legacy and music, and includes the ever popular songs: “The Jitterbug Waltz,” “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” “‘T’Ain’t Nobody’s Biz-ness If I Do,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Find Out What They Like,” and “Your Feets Too Big.” Presented by the Atlanta Lyric Theatre at the Strand Theatre--117 North Park Square--Marietta, GA, 30060, 404-377-9948, Tickets $38.55 at http://atlantalyrictheatre.com _______________________________________________________________________________________ February 24-26, 2012 at Southwest Arts Center Theatre New African Grove Theater presents  Pill Hill by Samuel L. KelleySet in Chicago in the volatile time period between 1973 and 1983, Samuel L. Kelley's Pill Hill simmers with the energy of six African-American mill workers searching for an elusive American Dream. Beneath the bleak bravado of the six friends' lives lies a sense of loss, detachment, and resentment. We meet people who never have a chance for advancement and others who progress but are besieged by questions of guilt and responsibility. Those who succeed in "Pill Hill" pay a severe price, although some steadfastly refuse to acknowledge the consequences--at Southwest Arts Center--915 New Hope Rd--Atlanta, GA 30331. Show Times: Friday, February 24th 8PM, Saturday, February 25th 2PM/8PM, Sunday, February 26th 2PM. As a special bonus to the New African Grove family group rate for this show is 'Buy One, Get One Free! Tickets are $30 dollars, but if you purchase 2 tickets (or any multiple of 2) at a time the second is reduced to $0 at check out time. This is an effective rate of $15 per ticket. You must buy in groups of multiples of 2 to get this discount-- All tickets subject to $3.00 service fee:http://newafricangrove.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=437205 This show is only playing one weekend. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________  The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture exists to present, preserve and promote African American art, culture and history for the education and enlightenment of all -at Levine Center for the Arts--551 South Tryon Street--Charlotte, NC 28202. 704-547- 3700________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  Hosea Feed the Hungry Afemo and Elisabeth Omilami at 404 755 3353 Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless Care Center--now accepting clothes and shoes at HFTH Care Center--1035 Donnelly Ave,Atlanta, GA 30310 (404) 755-3353 _______________________________________________________________________________________ Atlanta Dream Win Eastern Conference for Second Year! Atlanta Dream Sat- May 19-Atlanta Dream @ Indiana Fever -7PM Fri –May 25-Atlanta Dream vs New York Liberty- 7:30PM Sun-May 27-Atlanta Dream vs Indiana Fever-3PM Thu-May 31-Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury-7PM Join the Dream Nation & order tickets for the 2012 Season! |
