FILM SCREENING: "We Were Here" October 30th

Maysles Cinema

GET DOWN Campaign & our event partners

A-Marketing, GMHC, The Lesbian Gay Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, 

LOGO Network and POZ Magazine

Invite You To The

NO MORE STIGMA FILM SERIES

Sex, Sexual Identity, and Sexual Health Awareness

We Were Here

the feature documentary film by David Weissman

and

The GET DOWN Campaign presents

Something About Katie

a documentary short film by Kyle Sweet

Get Down Internship Program 2012

Q&A Discussion with David Weissman, director, We Were Here

Tuesday, October 30^th

6:30pm Reception

7:30pm Screening

Maysles Cinema

343 Malcolm X Boulevard / Lenox Avenue

between 127th and 128th Streets

Suggested Admission Donation $10

ADVANCE TICKETS: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/282088

MORE INFO: http://www.mayslesinstitute.org/cinema/nomorestigma.html

2012 NYC Black Pride Heritage Awards, Wednesday, August 15th at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

NYC Black Pride celebrates 15 years of community awareness.  This year’s pride season will kick-off on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 with a five day celebration that includes “The Black Pride Heritage Awards" which will honor Tony Award winner Hinton Battle, highly acclaimed Director and Producer of Paris Is Burning, Jennie Livingston, Kim Ford, Laurence Pinckney, Ralph Emerson, Lee Daniels, Monica Roberts, Christian Ruart, Kaz Mitchell, Byron Barnes, Tona Brown, Ayana Elliot Christian, Junior LaBeija, Dray Ebony, Derek Murphy Ebony, Kenny Chanel, Selvin Khan, Tree/Jaszi/Jahlove and NY Senator Eric Adams, among others.

In celebration of this incredible milestone, we have expanded our committee of health organizations, local business and community leaders to also include youth organizers and media companies. Lee Soulja, the executive director of NYC Black Pride says, We are striving to be a united community organization and present  quality cultural events.

We want to not only lead by example but also empower our youth to take control of their lives and the future.” Lee Soulja continues, “Let’s be the change we seek!” 

Doors Open at 6:00pm

Red Carpet from 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Welcoming Presentation Starts at 7:15pm

Awards Ceremony Begins at 7:30pm

Closing Remarks & Ending at 9:00pm

A few of our proud sponsors and partners include;

GMAD, Gilead, GO Magazine, GBM News, Harlem United, Circle of Voices Inc. and Scenario USA.

NYC Black Pride will begin on Wednesday August 15, 2012 and run through Sunday August 19, 2012   www.nycblackpride.com or www.facebook.com/nycblackpride.

PLEASE RSVP for this event at NYCBlackPrideAwards.eventbrite.com

ABOUT GMAD

In 1986, Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) was conceptualized in New York City, a result of the vision of founder, The Reverend Charles Angel who embarked on a mission to empower the black gay men. In the many New York neighborhoods, gay black men continued to exist below the radar: Black men were dying in silence from HIV/AIDS because prevention funds did not reach them; Black gay youth were becoming homeless and resorting to violence and prostitution as a result of feelings of isolation, alienation and harassment; Black gay men were suffering from depression and insecurity because they feared coming out and most importantly black gay men felt unsupported by the community at large. Reverend Angel recognized that the need was a hybrid need that was being left unaddressed. Historically, these men had been forced to prioritize their battles as if each was mutually exclusive. They were simply not just black or not just men or not just gay --- they were all three of these things. GMAD stepped in to fill a void and connect the dots. Choosing not the path of least resistance but one of challenge and uncertainty, Reverend Angel and his colleagues took on the role - and the weight - of community activists in order to create parity for the black gay community.

A Celebration of our Sons through Words and Images

OPENING ART RECEPTION

Saturday, July 21, 2012, 5pm - 8pm

A Celebration of our Sons through Words and Images is a group art exhibition by ten visual artists, inspired by author Kahlil Koromantee’s latest book release titled “Message to a Youngblood”, a guide book for young males of African descent, particularly those who society considers at risk. What began as an interest in the book’s illustrations by young artists eventually became a collective desire to not only showcase some of these amazing illustrations, but also invite established artists to share their own amazing images and interpretations of young males of African descent, capturing their determination, creativity, pride, originality, purpose and resilience.


“Young Black males in New York City are in a state of emergency. Unjust stop & frisks by police, warehousing in inner-city schools, and very few training and job opportunities are leading to increased crime and very little hope for many inner-city young men. We are bombarded with negative images and stories of young Black men in the media, so this art exhibition, which includes work by young Black male artists, is an attempt to control our own script, and present these men in a positive light for a change”, says exhibiting photographer Ocean Morisset.


The exhibition, a Celebration of our Sons through Words and Images opens on Saturday July 21, 2012 with an artist reception from 5pm-8pm 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 8th by appt. To schedule an appointment after the opening, contact the Curator, Gregory Mills at (212) 749-5298

SKINNY the movie Premieres in NYC this weekend

FILMMAKER PATRIK-IAN POLK OF

“PUNKS” AND “NOAH’S ARC”

NEW YORK CITY OPENING OF NEW INDIE FILM

“THE SKINNY” AT THE FAISON FIREHOUSE THEATER ON FRIDAY, JUNE 8TH

The highly anticipated NYC premiere of THE SKINNY, the third feature film from Patrik-Ian Polk (PUNKS, NOAH’S ARC) will be presented during the First Annual Pride Cultural Series at the Faison Firehouse Theater, 6 Hancock Place, Harlem, NY 10027 opening Friday, June 8th with proceeds benefiting GMAD’s (Gay Men of African Decent) Charles Angel Youth Leadership Academy's 'Stop the BS' campaign- an anti gay-bullying and suicide initiative.

A sharply scripted comedy, THE SKINNY tells the story of four young, black, gay men (Magnus, Sebastian, Kyle, Joey) and their lesbian best friend (Langston), who meet up in New York City one year after their graduation from Brown University. Their plans for a weekend of fun start off well, relaxed in each other’s company as only old friends can be. But old tensions quickly resurface.

Drinking, drugs, hidden desire and the demands of promiscuity put friendship, trust and even lives at risk. In between sharp one-liners and a great soundtrack there’s a few important lessons that these pleasure-seekers must learn for themselves. Written with a real sense of the demands of urban living, these bright and believable characters will remind you of someone you know. Remaining true to his past work, Polk addresses issues in THE SKINNY that face the LGBT community such as date-rape, infidelity, and HIV/AIDS awareness.

The film stars Jussie Smollett (the former child actor of “Mighty Ducks” & “North”, and older brother of well-known actress Jurnee Smollett), Blake Young-Fountain, Anthony Burrell, Shanika Warren-Markland and Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman. Supporting cast includes alumnus of Polk’s past features such as Darryl Stephens (“Noah’s Arc”), Jennia Fredrique (“Noah’s Arc”), Wilson Cruz (“Noah’s Arc”) and Seth Gilliam (“Punks”, “The Wire”, “Oz”, “Teen Wolf”). The cast also includes newcomers Dustin Ross and internet sensation B. Scott.

THE SKINNY’s open-ended NYC run begins Friday, June 8th at the Faison Firehouse Theatre in Harlem (6 Hancock Place, New York, NY 10027) as the featured film of the Firehouse's First Annual Pride Cultural Series.

OPENING WEEKEND's Showtime: 3:30pm | 5:30pm | 7:30pm & 9:30pm

Tickets $15.00 purchased in advance online at Smarttix.com.

For additional details & showtimes go to Skinnythemovie.com.

Inspired In New York Honors PHILLIP BLOCH, CONSTANCE C.R. WHITE & KEVIN LILES

Inspired In New York Honors
PHILLIP BLOCH, CONSTANCE C.R. WHITE & KEVIN LILES
Hosted By CHERYL WILLS – NY1 News
Presenters BEVY SMITH & SANDRA BOOKMAN – ABC7 ANCHOR

PHILLIP BLOCH, acclaimed Television personality, host of “Cause Celeb with Phillip Bloch” on ABC News, CONSTANCE C.R. WHITE, Editor In Chief, Essence Magazine and KEVIN LILES world-renowned music mogul and Founder/CEO of KWL Enterprises are being honored by INSPIRED IN NEW YORK on April 24, 2012 at Tian At The Riverbank in Harlem, NY.  Attendance is by INVITE ONLY.

Phillip Bloch, Constance C.R. White and Kevin Liles were chosen to receive this recognition by the honorable Councilwoman Inez Dickens due to their many years as innovators and trendsetters in the arts media and entertainment industries.  All honorees will receive a proclamation from New York for their contributions.

The crème de la crème of the entertainment industry will be in attendance to support and honor these trendsetters and innovators on their very special day.
Media Sponsor: Uptown Magazine.

Contributing Sponsors: CME Group, Promotional Pro, MEGA Personalities, International Festival Network, Lezplay Radio, and MVC Productions.

RSVP at: http://inspirednyapril2012.eventbrite.com

Birthday Wishes to all you pioneering Aries by Louisa J. Curtis

Bessie Smith born April 15th, 1894, Billie Holiday born April 7th, 1915, Pearl Bailey born March 29th, 1918, and Sarah Vaughan born March 27th, 1924 – all four ladies were pioneer blues singers and all four were Aries!

Bessie Smith 1894 – 1937 & Billie Holiday 1915 - 1959

Pearl Bailey 1918 – 1990 & Sarah Vaughan 1924 - 1990

All these examples of Aries are headstrong, inspirational people who are passionate about what they do. And another thing you may have noticed by now is how similar they all look? They all tend to have large heads, and in particular, prominent foreheads, typical of the hardheaded Aries. The ram butts with its head, does it not? Now I know I’ve mentioned in a previous bulletin that Aries rules over the head, so it’s no big surprise that these people like to wear hats and is why we have the custom for dressing up in our “Easter Bonnets.” The Planet Mars rules our aggressive sign of Aries, and many “Martian” professions also involve wearing hats or protective headgear of some kind, such as the Military, Police, Firemen, and Chefs, yes Chefs – this is no accident (no pun intended!) but Aries can be accident-prone as well, so be sure to read this month’s tips! In fact, I noticed how much clumsier I became as soon as we had moved in to the sign of Aries last month, and even today while I was cleaning the kitchen, I managed to break something!

Back to hats, and although the main celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee don’t take place until June, I wanted to share this timely piece I found in a “People” magazine recently. I thought it was a brilliant story of how her headgear has evolved over the past 60 years, and no, she is not an Aries herself, it was the “hats” that caught my eye! But notice also, that we are talking about her “Diamond Jubilee” and guess what Aries’ stone is – of course it’s the diamond, considered to be the hardest material on earth, a bit like Aries’ head!

A History of the Queen’s Hats from 1953 - 2012

As always we send out Birthday Wishes to all you pioneering Aries!

LaChanze, Will Power, Kamilah Forbes and More live in performance April 30th

EVENT DETAILS: You are cordially invited to attend the Impact Broadway Spring Fundraiser Event Join us for an evening of performances, fun, food and celebration! Hosted By: Kamilah Forbes, Artistic Director Hip Hop Theater Festival Performances By: LaChanze, Tony Award Winner, The Color Purple Alexis Houston, Singer Alls Well Music Will Power, Playwright and Performer Monday, April 30, 2012 at Chocolat Restaurant and Lounge 2217-23 Frederick Douglass Boulevard corner of 120th Street New York 10026 5:00pm Doors Open 5:30pm-7:30pm Reception/Program Festive Attire RSVP to Nicole Judd by April, 23rd Email impactnicole@gmail.com or (718) 703-2260 Ticket: $50 Purchase Tickets online via Paypal link: http://www.impactbroadway.com/fundraising-benefit-reception/ WHAT IS IMPACT BROADWAY? Impact Broadway is a multifaceted youth, audience development program focused on empowering African American and Latino students to become active participants in the theater community. Impact Broadway Co-Founders Donna Walker Kuhne and Cherine Anderson For more information, visit www.impactbroadway.com

City Gym Boys Get A BANGIN' BODY by Charles LaSalle

Meet the City Gym Boys founder Charles LaSalle at the Hueman Bookstore, Harlem, NY on Tuesday, April 3rd at 6:00pm


The go-to guys for urban health and fitness point the way to summer's bangin' body. Charles LaSalle and his City Gym Boys first gained notoriety with their ripped bodies and popular beefcake calendars. But since LaSalle founded the group in 1997, they have made it their mission to mentor urban youth on the lifelong benefits of fitness and exercise. With practical advice on everything from diet to turning household objects into workout tools, "Get a Bangin' Body" explains why pumping iron is passe, and shares a body-weight-only program that anyone-whatever their age, income, or fitness level-can undertake.

Hue-Man Bookstore

2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd
NY, NY 10027
212-665-7400
www.huemanbookstore.com

Inspired In New York Honors Celebrated An Electrifying Evening with Tamara Tunie & Hazel Dukes

Inspired In New York Honors Celebrated An Electrifying Evening with

TAMARA TUNIE & HAZEL DUKES

L to R: Actress, Director & Producer Tamara Tunie and President of the New York State Conference NAACP photos courtesy of Wireimage

TAMARA TUNIE, world renown film, stage and television actress, director and producer, and HAZEL DUKES, President of the New York State Conference NAACP were honored by INSPIRED IN NEW YORK on Tuesday Evening, March 13, 2012 at Tian At The Riverbank in Harlem, NY.

Tamara Tunie and Hazel Dukes were chosen to receive this recognition by the honorable Assemblyman Herman Denny Farrell due to their many years as innovators and trendsetters in the arts and entertainment industries and their philanthropic fight for Human Rights. Both honorees received a proclamation from New York for their contributions.

On behalf of Inspired In New York Series we would like to give a special thanks to Assemblyman Herman D. Farrell and his team Al Taylor and Ernestine Temple. Hazel Dukes and the NAACP, Judge Laura Blackburne, Amy Brownstein, Tamara Tunie, David Weaver and the Community Board 10 members, Avalyn Simon, Sharon Long and the members of the New York Chapter of 100 Black Women, Angelo Ellerbee, Stephanie Courtney and Tai Chunn and his MVC Production Team. The success of last night's event would not be possible without all of your support.

Media Sponsor: Uptown Magazine.

Contributing Sponsors: CME Group, Denim Lounge, Ellique Inc., Lezplay Radio, Blue Limousine Inc., MEGA Personalities, International Festival Network.

GMAD Kickoffs Black History at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture during the organizations 25th Year Celebration

GMAD & Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture Presented:

An Exhibition

GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images

L to R: Kevin Coleman, Bonnie Harrison, Reggie Shuford, George Bellinger Jr., Bishop Zachary Jones & Tokes Osubu

On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, GMAD and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture presented a jubilee exhibition entitled GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images. This exhibition celebrates 25 historic years of GMAD (Gay Men Of African Descent) and will be displayed until August 31, 2012 at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, NY.

Photos courtesy of Alonzo Boldin Photography

With over 300 attendees, the overall theme of the evening was GMAD25 – the Evolution Continues. GMAD is working to improve quality of life within the New York City black gay community by effectively fighting the triple threat of AIDS, homophobia and racism through education, advocacy, health and wellness and social support. Tokes Osubu, GMAD Executive Director started the evenings panel discussion at the exhibition saluting GMAD's history, and announcing the re-launch of the GMAD Membership program. You can become a member of GMAD for $25 go to www.gmad.org and sign up for your card, he invited everyone to pledge and walk with Team GMAD # 2306 during the 27^th Annual NY AIDS Walks on Sunday, May 20^th and as a part of our Stay Connected Campaign the launch of the GMAD OUTSpoken blog coming mid-February headed up by journalist Akim Bryant.

L to R: Senator Bill Perkins, Tokes Osubu & Michael Henry Adams

The crème de la crème of the philanthropic, arts and entertainment industries were in attendance to support and honor these innovators and members of the LGBT community on this very special day. GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images was co-curated by Dr. Kevin McGruder, former Executive Director of GMAD and current Scholar-in-Residence at the Schomburg Center; and Steven G. Fullwood, Project Director for the Black Gay & Lesbian Archive at the Schomburg Center. Senator Bill Perkins presented a proclamation to GMAD along with Michael Henry Adams. Steven G. Fullwood moderated the panel discussion which included: Kevin McGruder, Kevin Coleman, Bonnie Harrison, Reggie Shuford, George Bellinger, Jr., Bishop Zachary Jones & Tokes Osubu.

L to R: Kevin Coleman, Bonnie Harrison, George Bellinger Jr., Bishop Zachary Jones, Reggie Shuford, Tokes Osubu, Kevin McGruder & Steven G. Fullwood

Initial funding of the LGBT Initiative provided by Time Warner Inc., with additional support from M.A.C. AIDS Fund; Arcus Foundation; and Friends of the LGBT Initiative. Special Thanks to: Ann-Marie Nicholson, Editor at the Schomburg Center, Camille Evans of CME Group Inc., Richard E. Pelzer II of MEGA Personalities, Akim Bryant, Troy Longmire, Cordell Cleare, Ebony Scott & David Mayer.

GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images at Schomburg Center on Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture present a jubilee exhibition entitled GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images. This exhibition will celebrate 25 historic years of GMAD on Wednesday, February 1, 2012. Reception 5:30pm with exhibit & panel discussion 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, NY.

Attendance is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

GMAD is working to improve quality of life within the New York City black gay community by effectively fighting the triple threat of AIDS, homophobia and racism through education, advocacy, health and wellness and social support. Tokes Osubu, GMAD Executive Director will lead a panel discussion at the exhibition focusing on history, progress and the future of GMAD and its initiatives affecting and supporting Gay Men Of African Descent here and abroad. www.gmad.org

The crème de la crème of the philanthropic, arts and entertainment industries will be in attendance to support and honor these innovators and members of the LGBT community on their very special day.

GMAD at 25: A History in Words and Images is co-curated by Dr. Kevin McGruder, former Executive Director of GMAD and current Scholar-in-Residence at the Schomburg Center; and Steven G. Fullwood, Project Director for the Black Gay & Lesbian Archive at the Schomburg Center.

Initial funding of the LGBT Initiative provided by Time Warner Inc., with additional support from M.A.C. AIDS Fund; Arcus Foundation; and Friends of the LGBT Initiative.

RSVP: GMAD25.eventbrite.com

HUE MAN BOOK STORE PRESENTS: The Debut Release & Book Signing of “LOVE YOURSELF FIRST”

Marva Allen owner of the historic Hue Mann Bookstore and author Delvon Johnson are proud to present the highly anticipated book release of “Love Yourself First” on January 27, 2012 at Hue Mann Bookstore in Harlem, NY. Attendance is by INVITE ONLY.

Delvon Johnson is a critically acclaimed author from Newark, NJ. His debut novel, Love Yourself First received five stars on Amazon. This fictional piece is a compelling and explosive novel that demonstrates how one’s decisions can often create consequences that you may not be prepared to live with. Critics have compared his writing ability to E. Lynn Harris. In March, the author is slated to commence a ten-city tour to promote the release. www.delvonjohnson.com

The crème de la crème of the literary and entertainment industry will be in attendance to support this release and author Delvon Johnson on this momentous occasion. Publisher: World Audience Publications

Confirmed Attendees Include: Stanley Bennett Clay (actor, director, playwright), James Earl Hardy (award-winning author of the B-Boy Blues fiction series) DJ Baker (host of the longest-running LGBT radio program in America,) Lee Soulja (performance artist and Broadway stage actor), Frank Romano and filmmaker Alan Baxter to name a few.

"DAISY BATES: FIRST LADY OF LITTLE ROCK" PREMIERES IN HARLEM

Saturday, January 14th

Time: 4 - 6 PM
Schomburg Center for

Research in Black Culture

515 Malcolm X Boulevard
New York, NY 10037-1801

Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock tells the story of a seven-year journey by filmmaker Sharon La Cruise to try to unravel the life of a forgotten civil rights activist named Daisy Bates. In 1957, Bates became a household name when she fought for the right of nine black students to attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock,Arkansas. Bates’ public support culminated in a constitutional crisis — pitting a president against a governor and a community against itself.

As head of the Arkansas NAACP, and protector of the nine students, Daisy Bates would achieve instant fame as the drama played out on national television and in newspapers around the world. But that fame would prove fleeting and for her attempts to remain relevant, she would pay a hefty price.

This documentary travels with Daisy Bates on her long and lonely walk from orphaned child to newspaper woman to national Civil Rights figure to her last days in Little Rock.

Bates’ journey, both her triumphs and defeats parallels the ongoing struggle of generations of African Americans who for more than 200 years have challenged America to live up to what it claims to be.

COMING TO PBS on Thursday, February 2, 2012

Malachi Rivers Releases His debut single, Love & Music featuring U.K.'s Own Maria Bentley from His Forthcoming album Stereo Sound Escape

Natural gifts of artistic flare are rarely combined into one and allowed such vivid expressions of individuality as with the unique sound of Emcee, Malachi Rivers music. Behind a lion driven force to live out his dreams is the serene humility of a unique and ubiquitous individual.

Having toured the states and Europe with rising and notable Jazz star Marcus Strickland "Twi-Life" Group as the "God Voice" in support of their acclaimed live recorded album Open Reel Deck, Malachi developed the lyrical chops, musicality, and stage presence to hold down two to three shows a night. Working with such barrier breaking talent as Grammy Award winning rapper Cee-Knowledge aka Doodlebug of the Legendary Hip Hop Group Digable Planets, Spoken Word Star J.Ivy (Kanye West, Jay-Z, John Legend), and two breakthrough producers, Jazz trained female drummer turned producer JoVia Armstrong and House/Techno head Brandon Durrette, Malachi's debut album Stereo Sound Escapeembodies musicality, love, lyricism, and the privilege to hear music that crosses borders and not just the charts.

Born Greg Owens, Jr. In Prince George's County, Maryland, a suburb of Washington D.C., Malachi started from humble beginnings with a young mother and step-father who raised him to be a very spiritually aware, confident, and disciplined individual. "Growing up I saw it all drugs, abuse, you name it! However, when I heard music, especially Hip Hop, like Tribe, Digable Planets, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, and Arrested Development it was my escape. I started to feel like there was more to life than some of the things I saw. That's why I took on the name Malachi which means "my messenger" because I wanted to use music as away to get a message across. The last name Rivers came about because I wanted the message to flow like a river, sometimes its rough sometimes its smooth."

Malachi, began to take his love for music seriously auditioning and being accepted into a prestigious performing arts school in Maryland. Honing his craft vocally, Malachi studied Classical voice. "I was always told I had such a strong voice. I would sing Arias and Negro Spirituals all the time. Let's just say I was the young man who loved singing "Ol' Man River". After graduating Malachi, attended the University of Maryland where he developed an interest in spoken word poetry. Malachi, studied the craft, started a group with a female singer/poet and became one of the DMV's most dominant spoken word performers. Winning Slams, and performing alongside or for many outstanding performers including Saul Williams, Sonia Sanchez, Dick Gregory, and performing at the same spot on a weekly basis as R&B singer Raheem Devaughn.

After the group broke up, Malachi began to do some soul searching. Taking time away from the craft, Malachi enrolled in Broadcasting school, graduated, worked hard as an intern at Radio One in the DMV area and within a few months became the co-host of a talk show on a very new at the time XM Satellite Radio - "The Power". In less than a year Malachi was given his own show on XM Satellite Radio - "The Flow" called The "Nu Soul Lounge". The show played "Neo-Soul" Spoken Word, and "conscience" Hip Hop. Moreover, this was the blessing that got him back on track to his musical path. "I remember being behind the mic interviewing Dougie E. Fresh, and started "spittin" for him, being in a hotel room having a cypher with The Nappy Roots, being in a backstage dressing room rhyme fest with Eve and Beenie Man, vibing with India. Arie, talking to Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, John Legend, Q-Tip, and feeling like I never want this to end. So I left it all and moved to NYC to pursue my dreams as a emcee/poet."

Malachi delved right into the New York scene, with only $103 dollars in his pocket and a dream. Hitting up open mic spots and meeting an array of talent. Performing for a month in a musical at the legendary Nuyorican Poetry Cafe, frequenting the "mother of all open mics" Village Underground, and many other spots. "I remember studying what performers did to captivate an audience. By attending these spots it developed me even more as an artist."

Perhaps, even beyond the open mic scene the world of social media has done wonders for Malachi. "I've always been a person to network, so social media was a cinch for me." Through social media Malachi, met the man who he thanks as giving him the opportunity to perform at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club and to see the world, Jazz star Marcus Strickland. Strickland discovered Malachi on Myspace and sought after his talents for his project. Malachi, was also able to meet U.K. soul singer Maria Bentley, who he has two songs with to date, JoVia the amazing female producer who produced three tracks off his forthcoming albumStereo Sound Escape, including his debut single Love & Music with Maria Bentley, and one of his Hip Hop inspirations Cee-Knowledge aka Doodlebug from Digable Planets, whom has blessed Malachi with a powerful collaboration.

"Working on the album Stereo Sound Escape has been the most rewarding part of my career
so far. To put it quite simply I just didn't give a damn about fitting into any sound. I think the album is more of an introduction of what I have to offer as an artist who uses music and words to convey feelings, versus fitting into any genre. It's all a part of who I am."

Hence, the album's name Stereo Sound Escape. "Traveling the world and performing, I was exposed to different sounds and musical elements. I wanted to be true to the sound that I know I can perform with my heart in it. Not what someone said is hot or the trend right now. I wanted to give myself and my listeners an okay, to step away from what we hear on the radio. If my music charts what a blessing, if it doesn't the blessing is still there because I am doing what I love."

“Through music we are able to find ourselves in some shape or form. We are able to visit a place that has been revealed to everyone. It's a special place that the person in the hood has visited, the rich socialite has nodded her head in, and the poor child looking for food has only imagined. However, it is the one place that we all cross paths, regardless of our life story.”

Malachi Rivers, is what you would call a true artist. As an emcee he is compelling and as a performer engaging. Beyond any musical genre. He performs what is in his heart and that alone is a major hit!

You can check out Malachi's new single, "Love & Music" at:

Soundcloud: Love & Music featuring Maria Bentley - Produced by JoVia

YouTube: Love & Music featuring Maria Bentley - Produced by JoVia

iTunes: Love & Music Featuring Maria Bentley - Produced by JoVia
Amazon: Love & Music Featuring Maria Bentley - Produced by JoVia

Hue-Man Vendor Day on Saturday, December 17th from 10:00AM to 6PM HARLEM

Vendor's Day at Hue-man Bookstore featuring

Artist JUSTIN LEE FULTON's "Clownin' Series"

Looking for Unique Holiday Gift Giving Presents...?

Check Out Vendor's Day

THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17th

SUPPORT NEW YORK CITY's ART COMMUNITY

Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe

2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (Between 124th and 125th Streets)

New York, NY 10027. Tel: 212-665-7400

Event is from Noon to 8PM

Richard E. Pelzer II LOVES Justin Lee Fulton's work.

Inspired In New York Honors Roberta Flack at the Faison Firehouse Theater

Inspired In New York Honors

MONA SCOTT YOUNG, ANTHONY HAMILTON & ROBERTA FLACK

Hosted by: GEORGE FAISON

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011 in Harlem, NY

L to R: Senator Bill Perkins, Ms. Roberta Flack, Mona Scott-Young, George Faison, Jamie Foster Brown, Camille Evans & George Harrell

MONA SCOTT YOUNG owner of Monami Entertainment and former co-owner/president of Violator Management, Anthony Hamilton, American R&B /Soul singer-songwriter and record producer and the legendary songstress, songwriter and musician Roberta Flack were honored by INSPIRED IN NEW YORK at Faison Firehouse Theatre in Harlem, NY. This star studded was INVITE ONLY.

Mona Scott Young, Anthony Hamilton, and Roberta Flack were chosen to be honored by the honorable Assemblyman Keith Wright &Senator Bill Perkins due to their many years as innovators and trendsetters in the Music/Entertainment and Media Industries. All honorees received a proclamation from New York for their contributions in the fields of media, arts and entertainment.

This was Anthony Hamilton's acceptance speech

https://www.onlinefilefolder.com/1suNcC5y9iCExF

The crème de la crème of the entertainment industry will be in attendance to support and honor these trendsetters and innovators on their very special day.

The Faison Firehouse Theater is home to the American Performing Arts Collaborative (APAC), a not-for-profit (501c3) organization co-founded by Tony Award Winner, George Faison in 1997. For more than thirty-five years, George Faison has been a driving force in the theater as well as film, video, television, concert dance, concert staging, television commercials and trade shows. George is internationally recognized as having achieved a preeminent place among the world's most important directors, choreographers and writers is known for his uncompromising pursuit of artistic excellence and the production and nourishment of socially relevant art and artist. He has a keen eye for recognizing emerging talent such as S. Epatha Merkerson, Debbie Allen, Stephanie Mills, Phylicia Rashad, Eartha Robinson, Gary DeLoatch, Shedrack Anderson, Jackee and Hinton Battle among others. www.faisonfirehouse.org

Contributing Sponsors: Chevrolet, Sister 2 Sister Magazine, Sugar Hill Golden Ale, LezPlay Radio, International Festival Network, The Harlem International Street Fair, APAC Inc. CME Group, Promotional Pro & MEGA Management Inc.

Inspired In New York Honors LEN BURNETT & DOUG E. FRESH

Inspired In New York Honors

LEN BURNETT & DOUG E. FRESH

Hosted by: CHERYL WILLS (NY 1 News Anchor)

Event Date: November 15, 2011 in NYC

LEN BURNETT, Co-CEO & Group Publisher of Uptown Media Group & Vibe Lifestyle Network and American rapper, record producer, and beat box legend DOUG E. FRESH are being honored by INSPIRED IN NEW YORK on November 15, 2011 at Tian at the Riverbank in Harlem, NY. Attendance is by INVITE ONLY.

Len Burnett & Doug E. Fresh were both chosen to be honored by The Honorable Senator Bill Perkins due to their many years as innovators and trendsetters in the Music and Publishing Industries. Both honorees will receive a proclamation from New York for their contributions in the fields of media, arts and entertainment.

The crème de la crème of the entertainment industry will be in attendance to support and honor these trendsetters and innovators on their very special day. Special gifts and door prizes courtesy of Seven Brown, Owner of Harlem Skin Clinic www.harlemskinclinic.com and the Power of One Harlem Rewards Card for $1.00 you will be connected & save with the small businesses of Harlem.

For press inquiries and further information contact: camille@cmegrp.com.

RSVP: rsvp@cmegrp.com

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