Three Things I Already Love About New York City

It’s been officially two months since this individual named Roque Caston has moved to living his life in New York City. That person is me.

I first want to say that there is no city like New York City. Even though it’s been two months, I feel like I married the city in record breaking time. I went through the emotional love-hate relationships that the average New Yorker has with this city. I fought through and it just proved that I’m here to stay in the city.

So because of my love for this city, I like to share three things I like about New York. This is through the eyes of a New York rookie.

Walking Equals Exploring

You can never get bored of this city. Because of the fact that it’s a big city, there are so many things you can explore around this city. I remember getting tired of one particular side of the city and wanted to explore more. Then once I started walking up a few more blocks and onto a new Avenue, I found myself being inspired by the city again. So even though you get tired of one section of the city, there are plenty more explorations you can do. A friend of mine still surprises me that he knows every single borough of New York and he’s only twenty-eight years old.

The Diverse Citizens

I’m not afraid to admit that I sometimes spy on people. When I’m walking down the street and I hear someone having an interesting conversation on their phone, I get as close as I can to listen. I even look at the ones sitting down and see how they interact with each other. From lawyers in their business suits to the casual family having a slice of pizza at the park, I’m so intrigued at the variety of characters that are living in this city. It’s like a sitcom episode on every block, no matter if it’s good or bad.

Pizza, Pasta, And Bread

I couldn’t resist talking about this. I love Italian food and I’m so glad New York City is extreme with those foods too. I love those one dollar pizza shops that you see on a block every now and then. I love to see the variety of marinara sauces on display at grocery stories. And finally, I love The Bread Factory. They sure as hell make some of the best bread I’ve ever had in my life. This is probably one of the main reasons why I’m staying in New York City forever.

I can’t express enough how happy I am to be living in the city of my dreams. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. Now that we’re here, I’m happy to be here. Time to explore more! Go New York City!

A Smile For The Aspiring Actress

Yesterday, I was walking towards Bryant Park to get to the Mid-Manhattan Library in order to get some work done. It was a day full of meetings and bookings. Going to this library was a time when I could finally have some time for myself before I return to my rock 'n' roll world. I love being a fun person, but there are moments when I need some alone time. This party monster right here needs his pizza, sweet tea, and a chair before he gets back out there again.

Three blocks away, my focus was interrupted by a female talking loudly on her phone behind me. I was doing my best to ignore her, but the constant loud outbursts made it hard for me to ignore this female. I got a little nosy and began listening to her phone conversation. I had enough time to waste listening to this female going through her moment on the phone.

Listening carefully to her, I began to realize that she was an aspiring actress who just found out she got the part in an upcoming sitcom. She got so excited she called her best friend, which was the person she was on the phone with at that moment. Her best friend was the first person she wanted to call after she got off the phone with the casting director.

She was expressing to her friend how she got the job and how she was going to continue working on building a relationship with the casting director. That way, it will possibly lead to more work in television at the moment. She wants to do films and theater as well, but she is gearing towards television mostly.

She eventually ended her phone conversation and skipped into Bryant Park to resume her life as an actress on the ride.

As I saw her dance away into the park, I couldn't help but to smile for her. I was so excited that she got news that she was given the chance to do what she wants to do, especially in New York City where you're facing tons of competition in the acting field. That fact alone made me think of how much she had to work for that role in the upcoming sitcom.

Looking at her made me think of myself. I have a smile on my face because I'm finally here. I'm in New York City following my dreams of becoming a successful, critically acclaimed writer, blogger, and journalist. I've thought about this dream for a long time. Now that I'm here and I'm actually doing it at twenty years old. There's no feeling like it.

So I'm happy for that actress because it reminds me of why I'm here and why I'm always smiling. I hope everyone else is smiling for that actress and themselves. If you're living the life you want to live then I know you're smiling.

GMAD25 Barefoot Wines Lounge

We are pleased to announce that Barefoot Wines is sponsoring the GMAD Lounge at  the New York City GLBT Travel Expo.  The GMAD25  - Barefoot Wines Lounge will be open from Noon to 5pm.  You are cordially invited to join us at the Gay & Lesbian Center, admission is FREE.

RSVP: GMAD25 Barefoot Wines Lounge on Saturday, May 5th from Noon - 5pm

 

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. 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.

Founded in 1986, Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey introduced Barefoot Cellars wines. "We loved the name and the concept of being barefoot and living the carefree lifestyle," stated Harvey. They launched the brand with two varietals, Barefoot California Cabernet Sauvignon and Barefoot California Sauvignon Blanc, both in the 1.5 Liter size. In early 1992, Barefoot Chardonnay was added to the Barefoot repertoire and Barefoot White Zinfandel in late 1993. The wines were recognized by awards, acclaimed wine writers and repeat customers. "We couldn't keep up with the demand which meant that it was time to grow the staff and add more 'Barefooters' to our team!

 

New York City GLBT Travel Expo

May 5, 2012

The LGBT Center

Sponsored by:

Amtrak ®

Barefoot Wines

Best Gay Cities

Copa Airlines

Delta Air Lines

GMAD25

Greater Miami CVB

IGLTA

FunMaps

Edge Media Network

GLBT Travel Store

H2 Internet Service

MEGA Personalities

Next Magazine

NYC up and Out

Palm Springs Cocktail Challenge

Philadelphia QFEST

QUEERTimes

TAG Approved Accommodations

Windy City Media

Vermont Hosts VIP Lounge at the NYC GLBT Travel Expo - Saturday, May 5, 2012

We are pleased to announce that the Vermont Department of Tourism will host a special VIP Lounge at the New York City GLBT Travel Expo to be held May 5, 2012 at the LGBT Center on 13^th Street in Manhattan. The lounge will be for the media, exhibitors and sponsors of the event and other leading members of the lgbt travel industry.

“Last year, Megan Smith, the Commissioner of Tourism, personally hosted the lounge. By doing so, Vermont is making a statement that they have become one of the great gay destinations” said Steve Levenberg, show producer. “We are thrilled to have them back.”

Featured at the Suite will be Vermont cheese and wines and other culinary treats.

NYC GLBT Travel Expo

May 5, 2012

The LGBT Center

208 W. 13 St.

New York, New York 10011

Noon to 5 pm.

The NYC GLBT Travel Expo is sponsored by:

Amtrak®

Best Gay Cities

Delta Air Lines

Edge Media Network

GLBT Travel Store

Greater Miami CVB

H2Internet Services

IGLTA

MEGA Personalities

Next Magazine

NYC up and Out

Zenbiz Travel

Palm Springs Cocktail Challenge

TAG Approve Accommodations

FunMaps

Please visit our website www.glbttravelexpo.com

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

Discover the World of Malcolm Harris - "Mister GoLightly"

Malcolm Harris is a New York based fashion designer, creative activist, humanitarian and Huffington Post Blogger.

Though he thrives on being a jack-of-all-trades, Malcolm's primary purpose is to live his life as a vehicle for social change. Malcolm's creative passions for fashion, art, music, along with the extensive and diverse global social network he has spent years building and cultivating are all means to support one simple aspiration -- to make the world a better and more beautiful place. Keeping these priorities balanced is an every day struggle, creating ongoing conflict and drama in Malcolm's life.

Patrik-Ian Polk's THE SKINNY- Official Teaser Trailer

THE SKINNY, the new feature film from writer/director Patrik-Ian Polk, tells the story of five Brown University classmates reuniting in the Big Apple for a weekend of sin and fun.

The 5th Annual Harlem International Street Fair this Saturday

Faison Firehouse Theatre and APAC Present

The 5^th Annual International Street Fair
Saturday July 23, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Faison Firehouse Theatre in association with The American Performing Arts Collaborative (APAC) invite you to celebrate the 5^th Annual Harlem International Street Fair Saturday July 23rd from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

During the event, 124th Street between Morningside and St. Nicholas Aves. will be closed off from traffic. The day will be jammed packed with events ranging from live performances, talent shows, and street vendors from local businesses.

International Jazz, R&B Recording Artist and Harlem Native Alyson Williams will host fair this year. Last year’s event brought some 2000 people throughout the day sharing in the fair with highlight of Gayle King line dancing with the Respect Project Kids. This year Faison expects more than 3,000 people to attend the event. The impetus for the street fair is to showcase all the talent and opportunities in the neighborhood in a very organic setting.

The fair is the brainstorm of George Faison, world renowned choreographer who won a Tony award for The Wiz in 1975 and an Emmy award for The Josephine Baker Story in 1991. In 1997 he co-founded the American Performing Arts Collaborative, and the Faison Firehouse Theatre. Faison has worked with such 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

Words from Dr. Maya Angelou

Harlem World Magazine will be the media sponsor, and the Firehouse’s planning partners include: Lotus Music and Dance, HAI, Scotty’s Antiques, Ryan Health Center, Hue-Man Bookstore, New Light Baptist Church, Mannie Wilson Senior Towers, HSCA Harlem School of the Arts, The Respect Project, United House of Prayer Brass Band, Church of Master and Take A Bow Performing Arts Group. Invited guests include New York City Council member Inez Dickens, New York State Senator Bill Perkins, R&B singer Alyson Williams and a host of other celebrities, officials, and community churches and organizations.

Words from George Faison

THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER AS A VENDOR

For more information about the event, registering as a vendor or talent applications please contact Tad Schnugg at (212) 665-7716 or Tschnugg@faisonfirehouse.org.

For more information on the Faison Firehouse Theater click here

Photos:

Top Right: George Faison, Alyson Williams & Charles Rangel

Bottom Left: George Faison & Gayle King

Byron Lars Beauty Mark 2011 Fall Fashion Presentation at Lincoln Center

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On the evening of Friday, February 11, 2011 Byron Lars Beauty Mark once again reinvent the perception of classic Americana by presenting the fall 2011 fashion collection in a luxe Stanley H. Kaplan penthouse turned lush forest overlooking Lincoln Center. The celebration of “Native Americana”, set in a surreal recreation of the great outdoors (indoors) as featured in a collection's photo-essay. A slide show projection of these images was prominently featured on one wall of the space. One image captured the wilds of the 120th floor of an office building where Buffalo run free on its' expansive square footage against a backdrop of big sky framed in pane glass.

Guests were transported to a forest in the sky brimming with trees and all manner of greenery. While standing on brown leaves, 20 models showcased feminine and chic outerwear like silver glazed cocoon coats, tweed jackets and even belted trenches.

Refined and feminine, the daytime separates ranged from peplum sheaths to mock turtlenecks and brocade mix panel skirts. Lace was used creatively as a print livening up the front of flared dresses and trench coats the entire collection was graceful presented all at once. Dramatic makeup and accessories juxtaposed the wearable ready-to-wear pieces. Headpieces with brightly hued feathers and elaborate beaded necklaces added personality to each look.

The makeup look, created by L’Oreal, resembled traditional tribal paint with a white line across the face and colorful lips. Hair by Mizani USA was soft in loose undos and braided ponytails.

At the southern end of this wood land oasis facing a wall of glass was a flood of natural light, offering sanctuary from the darkness of the tents below as well as a beautiful setting for (show weary) guests to have a relaxed and interactive experience with the clothes and each other while milling about and viewing it at there own pace. Photo: Anika Noni Rose & Byron Lars

The event took place over a span of three hours, so guests could come and go as they please within that window of time and enjoyed the bar that served mineral water and featured Moet & Chandon Champagne. The event was produced by MEGA Management Inc.

Inspired musical hybrids of native ceremonial chants and electronica rhythms charged the room with melodic verve, only to be heightened by the primal beats of a live Native Drummer. To review the entire fall 2011 collection got to www.ByronLarsBeautyMark.com and follow us on Facebook at Byron Lars Beauty Mark.

Leading Black Pastor Eulogizes Slain Ugandan Gay Rights Advocate David Kato

One of the leading African American ministers in the country stood in his pulpit to eulogize Ugandan gay advocate, David Kato, who was murdered after having a death threat against him published on the front page of a local newspaper. The Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, head pastor of the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, announced to the 150 people gathered at the memorial service on Monday, February 7, 2011, that he was “beginning the conversation” to engage Black church leaders to save the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender leaders such as David Kato.

"Tonight we make an important first step in bridging the chasm that separates gay & straight people in the church," Butts proclaimed. "This discussion on human sexuality should have happened a long time ago and if it had maybe Kato's and many many other's lives would have been saved."

Frank Mugisha, Executive Director of Sexual Minorities of Uganda, who worked closely with David, said, "Being here tonight inspires me and gives me strength to carry on David's work advocating for gays and lesbians, bailing them out of jail, providing financial support and protection. Before coming here I did not know that a religious leader could stand up freely and support gays and lesbians. In Uganda when a pastor did that he was excommunicated."

Uganda has been under international scrutiny as it continues to consider a law that would included the death penalty for gay people. Conservative Evangelicals have been documented spreading anti-gay sentiment to Uganda so that Ugandan LGBT people are now having to flee their homes due to threats and persecution.

"So long as these laws remain in force millions of people will continue to live their lives under the threat of arrest and in some cases even execution. These laws legitimize homophobia by giving it a government sanctioned seal of approval,” said Charles Radcliffe. "Our first challenge has to be the decriminalization of homosexuality." Mr. Radcliffe is the chief of global issues for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

New York City Speaker Christine C. Quinn, in a written statement read by a representative, called Kato's death "a reminder that every single individual has the power to promote equality and stand up against injustices both near and far.”

Pastor Joseph A. Tolton, Pastor of Rehoboth Temple and organizer of the service, praised Dr. Butts for his leadership in this critical moment. “The gay and lesbian African American community had a historic homecoming in this memorial service for David Kato. We found ourselves welcomed home to the cradle of the Black Church. We are clear that we all walk under the banner of love where our community will work together and not allow ourselves to be divided because of sexual orientation or gender identity. This is our first step in a long journey.”

The service, reminiscent of those held for the many martyrs who paid the ultimate price for freedom in the US, included a solitary portrait of Kato bearing the words "Demand Justice" positioned in the front of the church. Local church choirs and a featured solo from violinist Juliette Jones brought the gathered community to their feet with tears in their eyes. The memorial was one of two memorials held in New York City just two weeks after Kato was murdered in his home in Uganda. His death captured international attention and yesterday's memorial will certainly carry forward the discussion of homophobia in Uganda, the United States and the 70 countries that still imprison or execute gay and transgender people.

PRINCE DONATES $1.5 MILLION TO THREE LOCAL HARLEM CHARITIES

Bleu Magazine Reports

Prince is continuing his mission to pay it forward and pave the way for the next generation to attain greatness. The seven-time Grammy award winner gave a $1 million line of credit to the Harlem Children's Zone and $250,000 each to the Uptown Dance Academy and the American Ballet Theatre .The lines of credit allow Prince to remain involved in and know the needs of the organizations as they draw on the funds to grow and accomplish their missions.

The announcement came yesterday during a press conference that Bleu attended at Madison Square Garden in NYC featuring Harlem Children's Zone's President and CEO Geoffrey Canada and 30 students from the community-based educational organization. The same night Prince concluded the first leg of his phenomenally successful "Welcome 2 America" tour, one of the highest grossing recent tours in the country.

Harlem is Nowhere

A Journey to the Mecca of Black America

by Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts

For a century Harlem has been celebrated as the capital of black America, a thriving center of cultural achievement and political action. At a crucial moment in Harlem's history, as gentrification encroaches, Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts untangles the myth and meaning of Harlem's legacy. Examining the epic Harlem of official history and the personal Harlem that begins at her front door, Rhodes-Pitts introduces us to a wide variety of characters, past and present. At the heart of their stories, and her own, is the hope carried over many generations, hope that Harlem would be the ground from which blacks fully entered America's democracy.


Rhodes-Pitts is a brilliant new voice who, like other significant chroniclers of places-Joan Didion on California, or Jamaica Kincaid on Antigua-captures the very essence of her subject.

Alyson Williams sings The Blues at world famous Sugar Bar

Check out the new show Every Tuesday with Alyson Williams' "Nuttin but the Blues" at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The show is amazing!!! Alyson is introduced by owner Nick Ashford who stops by each table to greet the guests and then he introduced the Back Alley Players.

This is my first time hearing Alyson singing a cabaret of all blues numbers. It was a wonderful evening with the bonus contributions of Ms. Valerie Simpson if you are lucky and she is in town. Great place for out of town friends and family. A wonderful holiday treat that you will really enjoy!

Video courtesy of Zenbiz Travel

DIE FREE A Heroic Family History by Cheryl Wills

In January, Bascom Hill Publishing Group is thrilled to publish Cheryl Wills’ first book, DIE FREE: A Heroic Family History (Bascom Hill Publishing Group, January 3, 2011), a true-story of the television journalist’s remarkable family journey from slavery to freedom in America.

As the nation marks the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War in 2011, Cheryl is hopeful that her great-great-great grandfather Sandy Wills’ courageous stint in that Great will be remembered along with the other 200,000 members of the United States Colored Troops. In Civil War anniversaries past, black soldiers have been largely ignored.

DIE FREE is packed with powerful personal stories, many of which are obtained from the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Cheryl’s exhaustive research, with the help a genealogist and the popular website ancestry.com, unearths a history that defies common stereotypes about the antebellum and reconstruction periods in the United States. For example, Cheryl’s great-great-great grandparents, Sandy and Emma Wills, remained friendly with their former slave owners and even married in their house. In DIE FREE Cheryl also uncovers how the federal government routinely discriminated against black Civil War veterans and their widows when they applied for pensions. Documents reveal a disturbing pattern of injustice as veterans were required to answer humiliating questions about their skin color and forced to hire legal representation.

This fascinating thread of American history is set against a backdrop of Cheryl’s father, a courageous army paratrooper who served during the Vietnam era and later joined the ranks of the New York City Fire Department. As the first African-American who integrated the oldest firehouse in the city, Engine 1, the author digs deep and shares how her father died at the age of 38 – without ever knowing his family’s distinguished Civil War legacy.

DIE FREE is a call to action for all Americans to ‘uncover your past to empower your future.’ Cheryl Wills demonstrates that you can be emboldened by the courage of your ancestors and walk confidently in the direction of your dreams. After reading the pages of this uplifting book, you’ll learn that the debt for your freedom and prosperity has already been paid.

“Die Free is a compelling American story. As Cheryl Wills traces the life of her forefathers and foremothers, she traces a critical part of American history that puts in perspective where we have come from to get to where we are.”

-Rev. Al Sharpton

“Ancestry.com is proud the Cheryl Wills used our comprehensive website to make such a fascinating discovery. Die Free is a perfect example of why we do what we do!”

-Loretto “Lou” Dennis Szucs, V.P., Ancestry.com

“The stories are so deeply engaging that readers will quickly realize that in telling her personal story, Cheryl Wills is also telling ours”

-Warrington Hudlin, Pres., Black Filmmaker Foundation

“Die Free is a significant contribution to the body of literature that traces the experiences and family heritage of Africans in the diaspora, a journey that is all too familiar.”

-Sidique Abou-Bakarr Wai, President and National

Spokesperson, United African Congress

“The discovery of Cheryl’s great-great-great grandfather has been a fortuitous and unexpected find---tracking down slavery ancestry is never easy as slaves were treated as property, brought and sold, and rarely referred to by name.”

-Craig Rice, Association of Professional Genealogists

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cheryl Wills, longtime news anchor for Time Warner Cable’s New York 1 News featured regularly on the Huffington Post, holds a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the renowned S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She was awarded in 2005 with an honorary doctorate from New York College of Health Professions and honored in 2010 as a broadcast legend in a regional campaign for McDonalds. Wills has moderated events broadcast on C-SPAN, is a nationally known public speaker, and has played herself in several big-screen movies.

DIE FREE

A Heroic Family History

By Cheryl Wills

978-1-935098-40-9*24.95*207 pages

On Sale January 3, 2011