“When Rain Falls By Tyora Moody”

 

When Rain Falls is a riveting first novel by author Tyora Moody. Tyora Moody has successfully delivered to her readers an exciting and spirit filled first novel. She has created interesting and believable characters. It is When Rain Falls story line, characters and the author’s craftwomanship that holds her readers attention.  Tyora Moody has taken great care to deliver a well written manuscript.

 Ms. Moody is a Christian and shares her love of God without proselytizing. She has written a novel which will appeal to all audiences, Christians, all communities of faith and the secular community. You do not have to be Christian to enjoy When Rain Falls.

 In today’s economy everyone is mindful of how resources are spent. We hope the literature  we choose or each purchase we make is a wise choice. When Rain Falls is a wise choice.

 When Rain Falls has met my criteria for recommendation. My criteria is a well crafted manuscript. One which captures the readers imagination. The characters are believable. There’s a thought provoking message, which ministers to the spirit. When Rain Falls has met all criteria. I look forward to Tyora Moody’s next novel. Congratulations and well done!

  ©Lorraine Currelley 2012. All Rights Reserved.

“A Choice of Weapons: The New Renaissance Artists” In Celebration of Legendary Photographer Gordon Parks

         

                          “American Girl”- Shante Cozier

“I picked up a camera because it was my choice of weapons against what I hated most about the universe: racism, intolerance, and poeverty. I could have just as easily picked up a knife or a gun, like many of my childhood friends did…. most of whom were murdered or put in prison… but I chose not to go that way. I felt that I could somehow subdue these evils by doing something beautiful that people recognize me by, and thus make a whole different life for myself….”- Gordon Parks, legendary photographer 

Mr. Parks is also known for his work as a  groundbreaking  musician, poet, novelist, journalist and film director(The Learning Tree). His signature piece American Gothic,” is a black and white photograph of a cleaning woman named Ella Watson standing with a mop and broom in each hand, framed by the American flag behind her.

On April 25, 2012 at the 1199SEIU Gallery African Voices and SAVAE partnered to present a stunning and historical exhibit in honor of legendary photographer Gordon Parks  Cenntennial Anniversary “A Choice of Weapons: The New Renaissance Artists”.

Opening greetings were shared from Bonita Savage, 1199SEIU Gallery, Bread & Roses Cultural Project, Carolyn A. Butts, Founder, African Voices,  Jeanette Curtis-Rideau, Board Chairperson, African Voices, Petula Payne, Founder, SAVAE, Inc. and Patrice Payne, SAVAE, Inc. 

Remarks from honorary chairperson Saundra P. Thomas, WABC-TV.

African Voices is celebrating their twentieth year. In honor of this monumental achievement they are presenting a series of events. Under the leadership of Carolyn A. Butts  African Voices has and continues to present innovative cultural and educational events and provide opportunities for the New York City, national and global communities.

“A Choice of Weapons: The New Renaissance Artists: featured 30 artists whose works are inspired by the late, legendary photographer. The exhibit celebrates Mr. Parks’ philosophy that art can be an impetus for change and a transforming experience for both artist and audience. Determined to use his lens to document the beauty of the human spirit, Mr. Parks’ work transcended many boundaries and produced a profound body of art for the world to enjoy.

“Barbie” – Lisa Russell

Featured in this historic exhibit are Opal Palmer-Adisa, Obari Cartman, Bas Clark,  Shante Cozier, Fikisha Cumbo, Renaldo Davidson, Francks Deceus, Shawn Escoffery,  Delphine Fawundu, Kerika Fields, Collette Foumier, Mirlande Jean-Gilles, Clymenza Hawkins, Leroy Henderson, Francelle Jones,  Mireille Liong-A-Kong,  Ka-Son, Builder Levy,  Jasmine Mirrelle, Ocean Morisset, Howard Moss, Tumani Onabiyi, Lolita Parker, Jr., Lisa Russell, Jamel Shabazz, Accra Shepp, Oscar Solis, Marcia Wilson, Mel Wright, and Nathan Yungerberg.

Among all the outstanding works exhibited were Clymenza Hawkins “The Poppy Circle” and “The Guardian”, Mireille Liong-A-Long “Top Locs”, Ocean Morisset “Praising The Lord”, Lisa Russell “Translantic Barbie”, Nathan Yungerberg “Man in Window” and “People in Church”, Mirande Jean-Giles, “Mountain Woman” and Fikisha Cumbo, Mother Illegira Hildargard.”

“Haiti” – Ocean Morissett

The exhibit curators stated, “This was not an easy task. It was difficult choosing from 96 submissions by great artists from as far away as Ghana, West Africa.” “Space prevented the inclusion of all artists.” Artists  in the exhibit represent cities and states including New York City, Spring Valley, Chicago, Miami, Baltimore, Los Angeles and San Franciso. Artists included those exhibiting for the first time and others having showcased in exhibitions worldwide.

“Peaches”-Delphine Fawunda

Thunderous applause followed Poet Laydig Kalibas’ recitation of his  soul wretching and beautiful  poem “Choice of Eyes”, a tribute to Gordon Parks.

We were treated to a special perfomance by the KAPE Band an incredible jazz, soul and R&B band, vocalist Kyle Brown. Kyles’ performance was nothing short of soul stirring. The KAPE Band is definitely a band to keep on your radar! Members, include Brooklyn residents, by way of New Jersey Drew Kresman, Evan Kresman, and Kyle Brown. Currently, The KAPE is embarking on a tour of the East Coast.

Guest comments : Rebecca Miller, “Wonderful seeing everyone together for a joyous occasion.” Anita Beckles, “I love the exhibit.” Attending the exhibit among many others was legendary theater and cultural icon Kojo.

“You know, the camera is not meant just to show misery. You can show things that you like about the universe, things that you hate about the universe. It’s capable of doing both.” – Gordon Parks

The exhibit is open until May 30, 2012 at 1199SEIU Gallery 310 West 43 Street (8th & 9th Avenues). For information call: 212-261-2210, 2211(1199SEIU Gallery),  212-865-2982 (African Voices)or 718-314-0766 (SAVAE).

 To contact and to learn more about:

 African Voices:   www.africanvoices.com or 212-865-2982.

SAVAE, Inc.        718-314-0766

The KAPE Band: thekapemusic@gmail.com.

©Lorraine Currelley 2012.

The Hot Poets Collective Celebrates Their One Year Anniversary with the Publication “OF FIRE, OF IRON” A Poetry Anthology

              The Hot Poets Collective : Jayne, Sabrina, JP, EJ, Cheryl, Liz & Ed (left to right!)

On April 21, 2012 I experienced an exceptional evening of poetry. I had the pleasure of attending The Hot Poets Collective’s  first year anniversary and the debut and book signing of their  newly published poetry anthology OF FIRE, OF IRON.  

 My evening began when I arrived and was greeted warmly by Cheryl Boyce-Taylor. I entered a room filled with  smiling guests chatting and celebrating with food and beverage. I became a part of this  community of jovial strangers and friends. Once the evening began, it did not disappoint. Each poet and poem held audience members from begining to end. Each poem was finely crafted.

 We were taken on a journey of emotions. We ached when JP Howard read her haunting poem about the killing of Trayvon Martin. We laughed with Ed Toney when he read of his wedding night and his alter ego. We were moved by the starling and lovely imagery of the poems of Sabrina Hayeem-Ladani. We laughed aloud when Jayne the former librarian spoke of wanting to be the woman on the train with the tight spandex and long nails. We demanded justice for the wife murdered by her husband and mother in-law after giving birth to a daughter and joined Elizabeth in her compassion for a man who received food after not having eaten in two days. We laughed and smiled as a proud mother Cheryl Boyce-Taylor spoke of her son’s performance at BB King’s and the audience’s response.

The Hot Poets Collective is a diverse group of eight New York based poets who began writing together in April , 2011  in honor of Poetry Herstory/History Month.  Bravo Hot Poets Collective, on your first anniversary and your poetry anthology OF FIRE, OF IRON. Well done! 

Here are some excerpts of poems from The Hot Poets Collective anthology OF FIRE, OF IRON.

E. J. Antonio’s: GENDER APARTHEID

I want the root cellar I hide in to hum

sing me songs the elder women sang to Allah

I want sap of oak bark mixed with mother’s ashes

to sooth the wrongs you say live within my womb

Cheryl Boyce-Taylor: BB KING REVIVAL.

I watched my son imbue them

with his hip hop moonshine

they drunk holy rollers

rising up to touch him

he my boy revival preacher

his flock tin pan soldiers

who had just received the Christ

Sabrina Hayeem-Ladani poem OF LONGING AND BRIDGES

Here the sun sets so late

that I never stay up long enough

to watch its falling. Instead,

I pin wet towels fresh from the washer

to the line outside my window,

my eyes heavy-lidded, body draped over the edge

like an abuela policing the streets.

JP Howard: LOST: A GOODBYE POEM

We

are rage

incoherent

splatter of bloodstain

your unanswered cell phone

mama’s scream and papa’s pride

sweaty scent of your school jersey

forver rewinding that morning

sweet child buried beneath memory: ours.

Elizabeth Lara : BOCA CHICA PICNIC

A man approached us, still unbent

despite his age, one deliberate step

following the next. When we offered him

our food, his face shifted.

Yes, he said, yes. I can still see

how he gripped the bowl.

how he looked at those leftovers

as if he were holding the Host,

how he crossed himself and ate.

Two days, he said, without food.

Jayne A. Pierce: ENA’S BIRTHDAY

There is no order in your absence

the patterns of your speech

echoe in my chest

empty ribs

the gauze bandage

Anton Nimblett: LIVING ROOMS/BROOKLYN

You were right about fathers

and sons. About grown men

and love. We’re so alike

Daddy and I. Two man-crabs with

shells that bruise easy as ripe guavas.

Daddy: former steelband flag man.

Me: poet/masquerader/calypsonian.

Father/son joined like waves/sand.

Ed Toney: AUNT BERNICE.

Maybe the best thing ever I recall

is the way she southern draws “hey baby”

or “come to your Aunt Bernice,  Baby”

sounds like thick sap running down a maple tree

like she got, honey, molasses and

heavy sweet condensed milk held in her cheeks.

And its’ all sliding down her

warm corn-bred tongue.

She was living definition

of what, down-south use to be.

©Lorraine Currelley 2012. All Rights Reserved.

OF FIRE, OF IRON was published by the Calypso Muse Reading Series for The Hot Poets Collective and  Edited by Cheryl Boyce-Taylor.

The Calypso Muse Reading Series was founded by Cheryl Boyce-Taylor in 1994. Its main goal is to present work by new and seasoned writers of all nationalities, and to create a space where Caribbean poets could nurture their work and native dialect. Since their beginning they have grown in their offerings. Calypso Muse Reading Series offer weekend retreats, group and individual writing workshops, editing, publishing, and a monthly series, The Calypso Muse House Reading Series.  To purchase OF FIRE, OF IRON and to learn more about The Calypso Muse Reading Series Contact: calypsomuseNY@aol.com

Sonia Sanchez Breathing, Reflection and Haiku at African Voices

On Friday evening April 13, 2012 I attended a Haiku workshop with Poet Sonia Sanchez  produced by the organization and magazine  African Voices. African Voices publishes the popular  African Voices Magazine, a soulful collection of art and literature.

I stepped into the workshop and was met by a sea of smiling and expectant faces.  Among the women smiling back at me was one of my former college professors, another a fellow poet, I had not seen in nearly thirty years. The workshop was filled with a diverse community of women. Women engulfed in conversation eagerly awaiting the start of the workshop. Women eager to hear Sonia Sanchez’s words.  Women collectively united in our admiration of Sonia Sanchez a phenomenal poet and Carolyn A. Butts. A woman providing innovative programming and publishing opportunity. We came from all boroughs and some further away.

The evening began with African Voices Founder and President Carolyn A. Butts welcoming everyone  and introducing Sonia Sanchez. Ms. Sanchez came forward, asking us to come closer. Once we were settled, she asked us to stand. Once standing she instructed us on how to breath properly. She then asked that we form groups of two and place our hands on each others heart. The purpose being to connect and hear the heart beats of another human being.  She wanted us acknowledge the flow of life.

We were given things to smell, food to taste and a photo of Black women ditch diggers during world war II. We were instructed to write our first impressions., and afterwards invited to share our words.

The actual teaching of Haiku didn’t last more than twenty minutes. There was a higher form of Haiku taking place. I termed it The Haiku of life.

Sonia Sanchez came to heal. She came to unite us. She came to tear down the walls we build around ourselves shutting each other out. She came to gently love us, and to put us intouch with each others humanity/huwomanity. This evening from my viwepoint was not about Haiku as a form but about the Haiku of living. The Haiku of breathing, smelling, touching and tasting. The Haiku of being at peace with oneself, each other, our environment and the world.

She became our mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend teaching her daughters and  sons. There were two men present. Make no mistake she came to share years of experience and wisdom. I heard her words. I felt her words. Knowledge was not meant to gather and keep to ourselves but to share with others. We are not to allow anyone nor anything to disturb our peace. We are to create a home and community where peace dwells. Before entering our homes we are to brush off the negativity, leaving it on the outside. It is not allowed to enter our homes with us.

We are to learn how to breathe properly. It is a reality we breathe in negativity throughout the day. It is in the pollutants in the air. So, we must make an effort to rid ourselves of these.

Participants were given an assigment and a notebook. We are to write a Haiku poem each morning. The evening ended with participants in a circle holding hands and each sharing words of thanks.

©Lorraine Currelley 2012. All Rights Reserved.

To learn more about African Voices, Website: www.africanvoices.com

Email: africanvoicesmag@gmail.com

To learn more about The Currelley Literary Journal: http://lcurrelley.wordpress.com

Women Writers in Bloom Poetry Salon Celebrates One Year

Congratulations Women Writers in Bloom Poetry Salon, Juliet P. Howard and Shelia M. Slaughter Co-Founders!

On Saturday April 14, 2012 Women Writers in Bloom Poetry Salon (WWBPS) celebrated their one year anniversary. This event took place at the lovely home of Pamela L. Laskin. She was a gracious and welcoming host. The event focused on a panel discussion. The panelists were E.J. Antonio, Regina Jamison, Pamela L. Laskin and Gladys E. Perez-Bashier. The topic writing while balancing ones work and personal life.  The moderator for the panel discussion was Co-Founder of Women Writers in Bloom Juliet P. Howard.

The program included a spoken word performance by Charan P. Morris and a vocal performance by Helese Smauldon.

E.J. Antonio shared that it is okay to self publish. It is okay to invest in yourself. “I produced my own music”.  “A  large record company was not going to knock on my door and say we want to produce you”. She spoke of being able to write at work without compromising her work responsiblities and it was okay and understood by her employers. Ms. Antonio has been the recipient of awards from The New York Foundation for the Arts, the Hurston/Wright Foundation and the Cave-Canem Foundations. She is published online and in various journals and magazines. Her debut jazzoetry CD, Rituals in the marrow: Recipe for a jam session was released in the Fall of 2010. http://www.ejantonio.net/

Regina Jamison spoke of  awakening 4:00Am and closing her bedroom door, after her family was settled in for the night in order to write. Regina  Jamison  is a MFA student  in the Creative Writing  Program at City College in New York City, and works full-time while raising a family. Her work appears in such publications as Clamour, Off the Rocks Vol. 14 & 15, and Promethean eZine.  Her erotic short stories appear in Zane’s Purple Panties and Girls Who Bite. http://www.examiner.com/book-in-newyork/regina-jamison

Pamela L. Laskin (our host) spoke of writing  during her Summer vacation from her job as a lecturer in the English Department at CCNY, where she directs the Poetry Outreach Center. She spoke of  her children interrupting her during the process of writing when they were younger. Now, they are adults and supportive. Her poems, short stories and chapbooks include Grand Central Station, Remembering Fireflies Secrets Of Sheets, Ghosts Goblins, Gods and Geodes.  She edited two collections The Heroic Young Woman and Life On The Moon: My Best Friends Secrets. http://sites.google.cm/site/iraandpam/other-books-by-pam

Charan P. Morris finds time to write when not working with her students and youth on various community projects.  Charan is a poet, performer and educator. She teaches Race, Class & Politics through literature in the New York City public schools. She has performed with  Climbing Poetree, The Last Poets, Staceyann Chin, Lemon Anderson, Toni Blackman, Ishle Park and others at various venues on both the East Coast and Midwest. Charan P. Morris’ poetry, lectures and performances address the destructive nature of colorism, homophobia and the effects of war. Her poems can be found in such publications as The Gallatin Review and Brownstone Magazine. Ms. Morris is a LAMBDA Literary Foundation 2011 Emerging LGBT Voices Fellow. http://www.charanp.com/

Gladys E. Perez-Bashier  is a founding member of Clinque Calm Books Inc./Foundation (an independent multiculural small press). She is the author of HEAL: Between the Pages of These Folks We Seek a Panacea, a culturally diverse anthology of poems, shortstories, chapters of novels, and songs. She  is a graduate of The City College of New York’s Graduate Creative Writing Program. She is currently teaching in New York City and working on another novel. http://www.cliquecalm.com/

Helese Smauldon is a creative and energic force of nature beautifully wrapped in a staturesque  frame. She is authentic and brings a vibrancy and joy to her singing. Her vocals and the poetic nature of her delivery is soul stirring, delicious and raw. She has a laugh that reaches down into the depths of her belly and has a smile like  liquid sunshine.  Ms. Smauldon’s rendition of the classic “Body and Soul” would make Billie Holiday “Lady Day”, Ella Fritzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Carmen Macrae, Sarah Vaugh, Betty Carter and Dinah Washington among a few of the greats  ladies of Jazz (African Classical Music) proud. The weaving of her original compositions in and out of the classic “Body and Soul” will surely be spoken of as a classic.

Ms. Smauldon is a composer and poet. She hails from South Carolina arriving in New York City ten years ago. Begining from the underground scene of New York City, performing at various venues. Creating  the popular Helese Talks in 2007. Starting as a local Brooklyn television show, it expanded into a YouTube channel and blog. She is a popular blogger, blogging about life in both, personal and public. Ms. Smauldon also models. www.helesetalks.wordpress.com 

On completion of the panel discussion the audience was invited to ask the panelist members questions.

Panelist Regina Jamison read a few selections from her literary works. She teased the audience with her selections, and of course we wanted more.  This was followed by a powerful spoken word performance by Charan P. Morris. Both authors were well received.

The program ended with an open mic.  Some of the members of the audience who shared their poetry were Monica A. Hand author of Me and Nina, Louis Dowd poet and owner of NYC Style Safari and member  of WWBPS, Nzingha Tyehemba, poet and member of WWBPS, and Lorraine Currelley poet/playwright/ author, Founder Poets Network & Exchange and The Currelley Literary Journal at http://lcurrelley.wordpress.com and member of WWBPS.

©Lorraine Currelley 2012. All Rights Reserved.

To learn more about Women Writers in Bloom Poetry Salon: http://womenwritersinbloompoetrysalon.blogspot.com/

Email: womenwritersinbloom@gmail.com

Clergy Missing In Action, Even Billie had the Courage to Sing about Strange Fruit

  

It is difficult to have your heart repeatedly ripped open by the injustices of the world. The countless & ruthless murders of innocent persons, because of the color of their skin, belief system and sexual identity. Murders justified by the corrupt & bigoted. It is difficult to listen and witness the tears and suffering of parents whose children and loved ones continue to be snatched from their breast.It is difficult to have ones humanity continuously questioned & challenged.

This is a call to all righteous and freedom loving persons of all ehnicities, cultures and faiths.

Where is the CLERGY and  persons of faith? You preach a loving God yet hide cowardly behind your segregated pulpits in your even more segregated gated communities. Enjoying and benefiting from God’s  blessings and freedoms, free of experiencing racial profiling, assualts & murders of your loved ones. You instruct the poor and disenfranchised to wait for Heaven., while you enjoy riches here and now.

 

 Systematically directing persons of color to a culturally, ethnically, and historically  inaccurate God image. Self-righteous judgemental so-called lovers of God’s people FUNDING MISSIONS to other countries and continents, yet refusing to stand with and in support of your fellow citizens being brutalized and shot down in the streets. Cowards who don’t believe in nor live the gospel you preach.

Where are the clergy of all faiths, ethnicities and cultures peddling books, tapes, CDs, DVDs & movies? Individuals building MEGA churches palaces for themselves and their families under the guise of honoring a loving God.

CLERGY sitting quietly while these injustices reign, unwilling to rock the boat and unwilling to give up their seats at their massas table. Every member of the CLERGY-ALL- FAITHS should be in the streets with the parents of all Trayvon Martins of the world! Instead, the clergy remains silent while blood continues to flow like rivers in the streets of America and the world.

What do I know for sure? I know these injustices are inflicted by bankrupt persons living in a state of SPIRITUAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, and EMOTIONAL DISEASE. Disease rooted deeply in  greed, racism, bigotry and a hatred of the humanity you claim to love.

To the righteous celebrate your faith but also have the courage to truly address injustices. In the Christian tradition Jesus dined with sinners, the poor and the humble. Christ was a warrior for peace,and stood against injustices.

The Struggle Continues! In Solidarity with All Righteous Freedom & Justice Loving Humanity!

©Lorraine Currelley 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Poetic Theater Productions Love, Redefined

There is something exciting and happening at Poetic Theater Productions. For  all those persons who were not in attendance at the Poetic Theater Productions presentation of LOVE, REDEFINED Poetic, Theatrical, Musical and Dance Remixes, Re-imaginings and Riffs on Shakespeare, Neruda, Sappho, Millay, Rumi, Donne, Byron, Lorde, O’Hara and Plato missed a wonderful evening of theater.  This was indeed an evening of  performances by a group of talented artists. The evening did not disappoint.

Artists were invited to read an original sonnet by a known author and  create a literary interpretation.  These interpretations took the form of music, dance, singing and recitations.  All artists gave memorable performances.  I encourage all persons to support Poetic Theater Productions by attending events.

Featured artists: Suzen Baraka, Aziza Barnes, Kilusan Bautista, Dana Berger, Mickey BolmerJ, eremiah Bornfield, Ashley Bozian-Murtha, Mahogany L. Browne, Andrew Casanova, Megan Cohen, Samantha Cooper, Lorraine Currelley, Darian Dauchan, April Dayok, Flor de liz Perez, Dontonio Demarco, Thomas Deneuville, Brian “Omni” Dillon, Nicolette Dixon, Natalia Duong, Eden Foster, Kate Foster, Ishmael “Ish” Islam, Joell Jackson, Teniece Divya Johnson, Rachel Klein, Iris A. Law, Mindy Levokove, Sara Lyons, Hjordy’s Matos, Joe Munley, Brisa Areli Munoz, Robyn Neilsen, Sara Hunter Orr, Wade Ray, Carmen Mojica, Jennifer Rabbitt Ring, Daniel Roberts, Christine J. Schmidt, James Sprang, Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai, William Lowell Von HoeneLeal Vona with Josh Henderson on violin.

Artwork by Courtney Maika’i Chung.

*Special thanks to Poetic Theater Productions Co-directors Jeremy Karafin and Alex Mallory for assembling  together such a splendid group of artists.

 

©Lorraine Currelley 2012.  All Rights Reserved.