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

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

"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