Milton

Don't get me wrong. I embrace and I am proud of my African roots. I am also aware of the struggles we share across the globe as people of color. At the same time I'm aware at how we respond to these challenges differently based on where we are geographically and socially. For example, as African Americans we constantly struggle for equality and recognition in a society that has ignored us for hundreds of years. We also work to fill a void created by a deliberate cultural disconnect forced upon us. A Nigerian does not have the issue of cultural disconnect; although their region suffered the ravages of colonialism, the fact that they remained in their homeland allowed them to retain the dignity of place and the pride in knowing one's culture.

There are so many subgenre's of science fiction and fantasy that the term 'speculative fiction' is becoming popular as an umbrella term to encompass them all. Many people consider superhero comic books science fiction. The biblical prophecies wouldn't be considered science fiction if you follow the traditional definition of the title. I know many African Americans who say they write science fiction but upon reading it it is exactly what you explained, fiction that is biblical or spiritually based. It's interesting that you would describe speculative fiction as a story that requires you to suspend your belief system. I think that definition would apply to fantasy, but some science fiction is based on actual science. The fiction involves the situation created because of the science or the characters involved. This is sometimes called 'hard' science fiction. It's because of these different interpretations that our State of Black Science Fiction presentations are so lively.

There are many black science fiction and fantasy fans, they are just scattered and many keep to themselves because of how they were treated when they were younger when they showed interest in science fiction or fantasy. There is a new generation that doesn't have those hang ups and are eating up anything you put before them. The challenge is developing the necessary effective marketing to reach them.

I think science fiction and fantasy are essential for our people. Expanding our imagination means expanding our possibilities. Thinking outside the box is what produces the Bill Gates and Steve Jobs of the world.

It's the same in every country with an African descent population. I was talking to an Afro-French friend of mine and I was surprised and the racism he talked about there. "I thought the French liked black people," I said. "They like African Americans," he replied. "They can't stand their own black folks." As much as I love my African heritage, I don't consider myself African. If I did, I would rather identify with the specific people, culture or region where my ancestors originated.

The more things change the more they stay the same.

I wasn't paying attention.

The only folks that will do us right is us.

I agree with much of what you're saying Troy and I applaud and support your efforts. That's why I'm here. I'm aware of the many reasons black people will purchase. I've had people buy my books and refuse to take change. On the other hand I've had black people walk past me with a sideways glance. As a bookseller I can only concentrate on my process and focus on my goals. If I dwell too much on the inconsistencies I'll become stagnant. I also agree with you on the issue of book publishing. The solution is to do our own. I don't focus on NYT Best Sellers list because I know it's part of the major publishing infrastructure. I focus on my personal sales and my business. There will come a time that black books of all kinds will penetrate the publishing glass ceiling, but right now we have work to do, and I'm happy to support workers like you and Amari.

I definitely will. Thanks, Troy.

I'm familiar with the incident in Tulsa and Rosewood. It was common during that time for poor white to take out their frustrations and limitations on successful blacks. One interesting thing about the black economy back in the day was that many blacks worked as servants for wealthy white people. Because of this they continued to work during economic downturns that hurt poor whites. The result was jealousy and eventually violence. As far as the circulation of the black dollar, the author has to acknowledge the fact that as a consumer a black person back in the day had little choice but solicit black businesses. Now a black person can choose who he or she purchases from, which puts the black entrepreneur in a tough position. As a micro publisher I have learned that if you present a product on a competitive level to any business, black people will happily spend their money with you. However, you have to be competitive. We like good stuff, too.

I read the books this series is based on on a while back. My son went back and re-read the books before watching the series. Martin did incorporate black characters into his book and that is reflected in the HBO series. He's known for taking sword and sorcery to a grittier, more 'realistic' level. Other authors like Joe Abercrombie have followed suit. He, too includes black characters. I have two observations on this: one, it's interesting that white authors choose to include people of color in this particular genre only when they decide to make it less heroic and positive and more 'realistic and ambiguous' Two, the black characters are still portrayed as secondary characters and in some cases, like Abercrombie, the black character has some negative connotation. In Abercrombie's book the lone black female character can safely handle a certain item because she is half 'demon.'

Wow! My bad! Here's a link to all things Onyx Con: http://www.onyxcon.com/

Thanks, bruh. Augusta isn't far. You should come to Onyx Con this year.

Cool!

Aug 15, 2011 - Fayetteville, GA, August 15, 2011: MVmedia, LLC proudly announces the release of Griots: A Sword and Soul Anthology. Griots is the first anthology dedicated to sword and soul, an exciting genre that combines African traditions, history and culture with heroic fiction and sword and sorcery. Fourteen writers and fourteen artists were chosen to express their interpretation of this new genre, resulting in a book that is as exciting to view as it is to read. Griots is edited by Charles R. Saunders, author of Imaro and creator of Sword and Soul, and Milton Davis, owner of MVmedia, LLC and author of three sword and soul novels. Writers included in Griots are Minister Faust, Geoffrey Thorne, Carole McDonnell, Valjeanne Jeffers and Ronald T. Jones, among others. Artists include Natiq Jalil, Luke McDonnell, Winston Blakely, Stan Weaver, Jr., Wanye Parker and Paul Davey.

I addition to books, a group of speculative fiction writers create a presentation entitled, 'The State of Black Science Fiction.' In this presentation we discuss the different speculative genres we each represent as well as what we think people of color bring to the genre. We did our first presentation at Georgian Tech this past February and recently did the presentation at the Auburn Avenue Research Library in Atlanta last month. We are in the process of scheduling additional presentations in the Metro area and we hope that our fellow writers in other cities will use our program as a template for creating programs in their cities.

This is part of the reason I'm here, but I'm not quite ready yet.

Very broad statements, bruh. Black people are not a monolithic people. We are a diverse group with different ideas, beliefs and agendas. Our situation in America binds us together toward certain common goals, but it would be unrealistic to think that we will all seek the same path to the same goals. We have many issues we need to address and we are doing so in many ways. Concentrate on the positive, bruh. Do the things that you wish others would do. Be the example that you wish them to be.

Thanks Troy! Here are a couple of Changa's Safari 2 reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Changas-Safari-Volume-Milton-Davis/product-reviews/0980084229/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_btm?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

Changa's Safari reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Changas-Safari-Milton-Davis/product-reviews/0980084210/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_btm?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

Thanks, Waterstar! The director of this movie is doing a movie based on Nnedi Okorafor's book "Who Fears Death."

I'll be there!

Thanks, Troy!

Yes, the Marching 100 is legendary, which is why this is so alarming. I have another friend whose brother attended and graduated from FAMU. He was in t the band the entire time he was there. He's a former band director and music teacher. I have yet to have a chance to speak to him about his experiences.