Troy

Chris that is an unfortunate story. Do you ever listen to the sports commentator Frank Deford?

No Cynique, the issues I raised are not unique to Black folks. It is just that Black folks, suffer the impact more profoundly (harsher and greater duration), and recover more slowly than our white counterparts. I know most people are not like me in this regard, but I have less than zero interest in reality TV. The programs always strike me as contrived, designed to entertain more than anything else. I've just resigned myself to the fact that I'll never be able to join in any conversations regarding these programs. I have nothing again people who enjoy them, I'm just not one of them. As far as your Mayoral candidate. I'm sure there are many white elected officials who how have done worse--especially in Chicago--than the brother you are referring it is just that Brothers forget they can't get away with the things white folks do. He has no chance of winning. I know something will be done about the wealth gap very soon. This morning I read an brief article in The Economist that said 0.1% of Americans have more wealth than the bottom 90%. This is the great wealth gap in the history of the country. Needless to say this includes a lot of white folks. When so many white folks are adversely impacted, things start to change and improvements are made to remedy the situation. Because when the great masses of white folks begin to suffer, they are liable to revolt and this is not good for business. Black folks of course stand to benefit from whatever changes are made. But we are never the reason for the change and any benefits we are accrue are purely incidental. This goes for the Emancipation Proclamation to the Civil Rights legislation. Funny how hard we fought for the right to vote. Now we don't bother to vote. I guess this is another example of us doing what Carter G Woodson described. "...if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit..." Chris I really do believe that if the Black media talked about these things, it would make a difference. Sure there is plenty of information available online, but you have to dig, it does not readily present itself in the filter bubble the social media driven thing the internet has become. But I also realize (trust me) that it is really difficult to make money talking about these things. 100 players scholarships--that is impressive. Any idea what percentage of those student/athletes got their degrees?

Reading this article is both nostalgic and depressing. Living through that period and comparing it to today is the main reason I often rant about the state of Black content and ownership on the web. As we lose publications, and the remaining ones struggle to survive, articles like this are virtually nonexistent today--even in Ebony. The potential reflected above has all but disappeared. Netnoir, The Black Word Today, Black Geeks, and many of the other sites mentioned above have disappeared, without fanfare or remorse. Ellington's, quote was quite telling; when looking for support from Black media companies, they either wanted to shut him down or buy him out. This mentality helps explain why we have lost so much and run so little today on the World Wide Web. I have tried to work with all of these companies at one point or another from collaborating with Omar Wasow on an interview an interview with Johnnie Cochran, before he started Black Planet, when he was running a digital bulletin board called New York Online I have been working with Gwen and Willie Richardson for years now; our most recent collaboration is the two year old Power List site for best selling book read by African Americans. I lament how slowly The Power List is taking to gain traction, because I know if the year was 2000, we would have so much more support. In 2015 the story is very different. Today, Black entrepreneurs cross the digital divide alone. It is no different that when I started creating websites in 1995. Interestingly the early 2000's mirrors the heyday of Black literature. This, of course, is no coincidence.

Crossing the Digital Divide Black Pioneers in the High-Tech World, Ebony Magazine, June 2000 I found this gem of an article on Google's site. I tried to find this article on Ebony's website but I could not. It remains unclear to me why Ebony does not make their digital archives available online, directly, on their own website.

Oh, I would have bet money Janae (whatever her name is) was from Chicagoland. I guess that shows you how much I care about all of this. But Jackie Robinson West (that is the team's name right) is no different that anyone else accused of cheating. Lance Armstrong denied it vigorously, until everyone involved came clean and he began to look stupid. Marion Jones, A-Rod, Ben Johnson, the list of deniers go on. Actually, it make sense to deny the allegations and fight them. You never know, you might just win. Think O-Jay. I read somewhere that the person who ratted out the winning team was also guilty of the same infraction. I don't like the win at any cost mentality. There can be pride in losing too, especially if you have a respectable game against a far superior opponent. But I guess we don't teach that lesson. We are definitely building character, it is the American character, it just happens to be one that is undesirable. One in which your success if defined by how much more you have than the other guy. It is the same character that is completely OK with 0.1% of Americans having the same level of wealth as the bottom 90%. If they have to cheat to get it (which they do), everybody understands--we were raised that way.

On the Children's Bestsellers List for February 22, 2015 All are on the Middle Grade, Children's Best Sellers List #3 Jacqueline Woodson (her book, brown girl dreaming won award that could be won, including a National Book Award) #4 Kwame Alexander (The Crossover) #6 Sharon M. Draper (Out of my Mind) Y'all know me; this is not to imply that we need the NY Times to validate our work. But the reality is that rest of the world and many of us do want this credential, so I do congratulate the all of the authors. Practically speaking making this list puts often puts one into a category that allows them to make enough money to live off their writing. When this happens, all of us in the Black book ecosystem benefits. For example, the Brother on the list (#4 Middle Grade), Kwame Alexander gave me my first break back in 1998 to site a panel to talk about Poetry. I was on the panel with Afaa Michael Weaver, Jessica Care Moore, Kysha N. Brown (Kwame is moderating the panel on the left left of the image. I'm on the far right. Kwame has done a ton to promote Black books for decades. I know the Black book world will be better as a result of him making the list.

Harry, Spike made that film, it is called Red Hook Summer Given your posts, you may like this particular film.

Though the opening credits have nothing to do (that is apparent) to the film, it is pretty cool to watch: Kam completely trashed the film, in an uncharacteristic fashion, in his review: …a boring vampire adventure that’s severely lacking in terms of tension, thrills, premise, storyline, special f/x, plausibility, production value, editing and character development… I had a renewed distain, after learning about the final product, for Spike use of the Kickstarter platform. It seems like the public was taken advantage of, or rather simply taken by this campaign. I blogged about it.

Hi Salena, I guess it depends upon how you define "real benefits," and what you are trying accomplish. If you want to generate some a meaningful profit, that would be a very difficult thing to do on your own. But is has been done. Jessica Care Moore, published Saul Williams' 1st book of poetry and it was the #1 bestselling book on AALBC.con in 1999. But Saul was very talented and Jessica busted her a-- promoting that book. Most people don't have that combination of effort and talent. I'm not saying that you don't (I don't know you), I'm just saying most people don't. Jessica also had the advantage of riding the wave of a period of increased in poetry. Poetry slams were popping up everywhere, think Def Poetry. But that surge of interesting in poetry has largely subsided. One thing in your favor (sort of) is that technology has made the process of publishing a book a lot less costly, but that has also increased competition, as more books are now in the marketplace, competing for readers. The prospects of an unknown, poet making money self-publishing a book of poetry is daunting. How are your novels doing? Figure your poetry book will not do as well as your worse novel. How many books of poetry have you purchased, that were written by a new, self-published poet, in the last year? If you want the satisfaction of seeing your poetry in print, and you have the extra money, then go for it. A bazillion people have done that. But since you already have books in print I suspect that would not be as big a deal for you as it would be for someone without a published book. Can anyone read your poetry now? Do you have any published on your website? Post some and see what people think.

Honestly Cynique, outside of those of you in Chicago, I'm not sure anyone else really cares. I suspect the female pitcher will still be an inspiration to girls everywhere, regardless of what happens. The real problem is that youth sports has gone too way far. Why do a bunch of children need to travel all over the county and ultimately play teams from around the world? The competition, is what drives teams and players to cheat at every level. Players will lie about their ages, where they live, take steroids, and do anything to win--all for our entertainment. Playing at the local level is fine, the extra time saved could be put to much better use. But as long as sports is a major industry, cheating will persist. People will just become better at it, while the increasingly jaded public cares less about it. I actually wish our professional team players had to come from the communities they were from as well. That would be interesting, wouldn't it? Maybe the NY would have a winning team? Lebron would have never left Cleveland. But then again, the south would dominate every sport, since all they teach Black boys to do, in the south, is play football or basketball.

My most recently completed goal, that I can think of, was the redesign of the Power List website, but that happened in December -- close enough. No, I'm not really speaking to people new to the work force, most those trying to get into the work force. I am working to form a group, but the purpose is to figure out how to make it in this new economy. I'm also in the running to join an existing board in the publishing arena, I should have found out if I've been selected by now... Bringing another idea to life in August would be great. I don't know what it could be yet, but August is far enough away that I could come up with something and execute it by then. You are right, I do feel like I'm moving too slowly. But that could be that time seems to be moving so rapidly perhaps because I'm so busy and doing several things at once.

Gimme a sec to think about this and get back to you Del -- thanks again for your time Bruh.

Being and male chauvinist or womanizer, does not come close to Bevel doing one of the most repugnant things an man can do--rape their own child. Worse still (Harry, breathe deeply now), Rev Bevel is also accused of murdering his daughters. At least that is what I'm getting on social media (though a quick search does not turn up anything). Today, despite the misogyny level against Black women in popular media, Black women dominate Black culture: They are the most educated and head the majority of our families. Boys will be boys, but we need to be men--whatever that means in 2015 America....

Check out the Coretta Scott King award winning books for 2015

Yeah if you get a chance check out the video. You don't have to watch it. I listened to it like I do the radio. If you wanna get to the meat of the debate you can skip the first 15 minutes or so. Also, these are not really debates, these are presentations on each man to explaining their relative greatness in context. The question and answer portion that followed was just as good. But that was in a 2nd video which they posted on Facebook I have to tell you I hated having to watch the video on Facebook (won't do it again). I respectfully suggested that they post their video on their own website. My comment was ignored. When even the most conscious Black folks don't get this simple thing, and why it is mandatory for Black empowerment, it tells me we really have a long way to go...

Kam just forwarded me the following: On March 14, 1975, students gathered to protest the University’s proposed budget for 1975-76, charging that President Hornig’s “White Paper” on the budget would cut financial aid and student services and also that the reduction of faculty would affect minorities. The students formed an informal “Coalition,” the purpose of which was to pressure the Corporation to adopt an alternative budget. The students’ demand for access to all budgetary material was denied, and on April 13 the Coalition presented a list of final demands. The next day 2,956 students (78 per cent of the 73 per cent of the student body which voted) elected to strike. In the following days class attendance dropped and the students picketed University Hall. The Advisory and Executive Committee passed the budget with few changes, while assuring that no student would be forced to leave because of increased costs. A student referendum on April 22 indicated that the students, while dissatisfied with the outcome, did not support further protest. On Thursday, April 24, 1975, University Hall was occupied by forty black, Latin, and Asian-American students. The occupation lasted 38 and a half hours, while picket lines in two circles, one of black students and one of white supporters, marched around University Hall, improvising dance steps and clapping to the accompaniment of conga drums and tambourines. The students were voicing concern that Brown was not living up to commitments made after the black walkout in 1968. The occupation of the building by the students, already in communication with the administration, in anticipation of their own Thursday evening deadline was seen as a method of dramatizing the expected agreement.--Kam WIlliams There is additional back story which that Kam shared with me which was very interesting.

I visit the Dr. John Henrik Clarke House from time to time. I would have attended this debate but I went to a Super Bowl Party last Sunday. I will probably make the debate tomorrow (2/8/15, Sunday, February 8th 3:P.M.) which will be on, Who is the Greater, Malcolm X or Dr. Martin Luther King, If you are in the area, 286 Convent Ave, Harlem New York, it should be very educational. Chris, the Brother that open this video, James McIntosh, was the one who compiled the data in my Bill Cosby Hoax post.

These dates and other lectures and presentations take place at the Dr. John Henrik Clarke House is located at 286 Convent Ave, Harlem New York. Admission is free Call 347-907-0629 for more information

American Library Association announces 2015 youth media award winners For Immediate Release Fri, 02/06/2015 Contact: Macey Morales Media Relations Manager American Library Association 312-280-4393 mmorales@ala.org CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) today announced the top books, video and audio books for children and young adults – including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery and Printz awards – at its Midwinter Meeting in Chicago. A list of all the 2015 award winners follows: John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature: “The Crossover,” written by Kwame Alexander, is the 2015 Newbery Medal winner. The book is published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Two Newbery Honor Books also were named: “El Deafo” by Cece Bell, illustrated by Cece Bell and published by Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS. “Brown Girl Dreaming,” written by Jacqueline Woodson and published by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) LLC. Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children: “The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend,” illustrated by Dan Santat, is the 2015 Caldecott Medal winner. The book was written by Dan Santat and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. Six Caldecott Honor Books also were named: “Nana in the City,” illustrated by Lauren Castillo, written by Lauren Castillo and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. “The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art,” illustrated by Mary GrandPré, written by Barb Rosenstock and published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House, Inc., New York. “Sam & Dave Dig a Hole,” illustrated by Jon Klassen, written by Mac Barnett and published by Candlewick Press. “Viva Frida,” illustrated by Yuyi Morales, written by Yuyi Morales and published by Roaring Brook Press, a Neal Porter Book. “The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus,” illustrated by Melissa Sweet, written by Jen Bryant, and published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. “This One Summer,” illustrated by Jillian Tamaki, written by Mariko Tamaki and published by First Second. Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults: “Brown Girl Dreaming,” written by Jacqueline Woodson, is the King Author Book winner. The book is published by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) LLC. Three King Author Honor Books were selected: Kwame Alexander for “The Crossover,” published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing. Marilyn Nelson for “How I Discovered Poetry,” illustrated by Hadley Hooper and published by Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Books (USA) LLC. Kekla Magoon for “How It Went Down,” published by Henry Holt and Company, LLC. Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award: “Firebird,” illustrated by Christopher Myers, is the King Illustrator Book winner. The book was written by Misty Copeland and published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) LLC. Two King Illustrator Honor Book were selected: Christian Robinson for “Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker,” by Patricia Hruby Powell, published by Chronicle Books LLC. Frank Morrison for “Little Melba and Her Big Trombone,” by Katheryn Russell-Brown, published by Lee and Low Books, Inc. Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award: “When I Was the Greatest,” written by Jason Reynolds, is the Steptoe winner. The book is published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division. Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement: Deborah D. Taylor is the winner of the Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award pays tribute to the quality and magnitude of beloved children’s author Virginia Hamilton. Taylor’s career in public service began more than 40 years ago with the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, where she is currently coordinator of School and Student Services. Her career has been spent as mentor, educator and literacy advocate for young adults. As an inspiring young adult librarian, leader in national associations and university instructor, she has been distinctly effective in introducing young people and her professional colleagues to the outstanding work of African American authors. Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults: “I’ll Give You the Sun,” written by Jandy Nelson, is the 2015 Printz Award winner. The book is published by Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Group USA, a Penguin Random House Company. Four Printz Honor Books also were named: “And We Stay,” by Jenny Hubbard, and published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House, Inc., a Penguin Random House Company. “The Carnival at Bray,” by Jessie Ann Foley, and published by Elephant Rock Books. “Grasshopper Jungle,” by Andrew Smith, and published by Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin Group USA, a Penguin Random House Company. “This One Summer,” by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki, and published by First Second. Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience: “A BOY AND A JAGUAR” written by Alan Rabinowitz, illustrated by Catia Chien and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, wins the award for children ages 0 to 10. “RAIN REIGN” written by Ann M. Martin and published by A FEIWEL AND FRIENDS BOOK, is the winner of the middle-school (ages 11-13). The teen (ages 13-18) award winner is “Girls Like Us,” written by Gail Giles and published by Candlewick Press. Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences: “All the Light We Cannot See,” by Anthony Doerr, published by Scribner, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc. “Bellweather Rhapsody,” by Kate Racculia, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. “Bingo’s Run,” by James A. Levine, published by Spiegel & Grau, an imprint of the Random House Publishing Group, a division of Random House LLC, a Penguin Random House Company. “Confessions,” by Kanae Minato, translated by Stephen Snyder, published by Mulholland Books, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. “Everything I Never Told You,” by Celeste Ng, published by The Penguin Press, a member of Penguin Group LLC, a Penguin Random House Company. “Lock In,” by John Scalzi, a Tor Book published by Tom Doherty Associates, LLC. “The Martian,” by Andy Weir, published by Crown Publishers, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House LLC, a Penguin Random House Company. “The Terrorist’s Son: A Story of Choice,” by Zak Ebrahim with Jeff Giles, published by TED Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc. “Those Who Wish Me Dead,” by Michael Koryta, published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. “Wolf in White Van,” by John Darnielle, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Andrew Carnegie Medal for excellence in children's video: Paul R. Gagne and Melissa Reilly Ellard, Weston Woods Studios, Inc., producers of “Me…Jane,” are the Carnegie Medal winners. This transcendent adaptation of Patrick McDonnell’s 2012 Caldecott Honor draws viewers into the childhood of a young Jane Goodall who, with beloved stuffed chimpanzee, Jubilee, is transformed by what she observes in her own backyard, a “magical world full of joy and wonder.” Laura Ingalls Wilder Award honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children. The 2015 winner is Donald Crews, whose award-winning works include “Freight Train,” which was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1979, and “Truck,” a Caldecott Honor Book in 1981. He has been consistently excellent with a wide range of titles, such as “Harbor,” “Parade,” “Shortcut” and “Bigmama’s,” all published by Greenwillow Books. Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults: The 2015 winner is Sharon M. Draper, author of more than 20 books, including: “Tears of a Tiger” (1994), “Forged by Fire” (1997), “Darkness Before Dawn” (2001), “Battle of Jericho” (2004), “Copper Sun” (2006), and “November Blues” (2007), all published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. 2016 May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award recognizing an author, critic, librarian, historian or teacher of children's literature, who then presents a lecture at a winning host site. The 2016 Arbuthnot Lecture will be delivered by Pat Mora. Pioneering author and literacy advocate Pat Mora has written more than three dozen books for young people that represent the Mexican American experience. Mildred L. Batchelder Award for an outstanding children’s book translated from a foreign language and subsequently published in the United States: “Mikis and the Donkey” is the 2015 Batchelder Award winner. The book was written by Bibi Dumon Tak, illustrated by Philip Hopman, translated by Laura Watkinson, and published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Two Batchelder Honor Books also were selected: “Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust,” published by First Second an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings Limited Partnership, written by Loic Dauvillier, illustrated by Marc Lizano, color by Greg Salsedo, translated by Alexis Siegel. “Nine Open Arms,” published by Enchanted Lion Books, written by Benny Lindelauf, illustrated by Dasha Tolstikova, translated by John Nieuwenhuizen. Odyssey Award for best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the United States: “H. O. R. S. E. A Game of Basketball and Imagination,” produced by Live Oak Media, is the 2015 Odyssey Award winner. The book is written by Christopher Myers and narrated by Dion Graham and Christopher Myers. Three Odyssey Honor Recordings also were selected: “Five, Six, Seven, Nate!” produced by AUDIOWORKS (Children’s) an imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster, Inc., written by Tim Federle, and narrated by Tim Federle; “The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place,” produced by Listening Library, an imprint of the Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group, written by Julie Berry, and narrated by Jayne Entwistle; “A Snicker of Magic,” produced by Scholastic Audiobooks, written by Natalie Lloyd, and narrated by Cassandra Morris. Pura Belpré (Illustrator) Award honoring a Latino writer and illustrator whose children's books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience: “Viva Frida,” illustrated by Yuyi Morales, is the Belpré Illustrator Award winner. The book was written by Yuyi Morales and published by Roaring Brook Press, a Neal Porter Book. Three Belpré Illustrator Honor Books were named: “Little Roja Riding Hood,” illustrated by Susan Guevara, written by Susan Middleton Elya, and published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) LLC. “Green Is a Chile Pepper,” illustrated by John Parra, written by Roseanne Greenfield Thong, and published by Chronicle Books LLC. “Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation,” illustrated and written by Duncan Tonatiuh, and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS. Pura Belpré (Author) Award honoring Latino authors whose work best portrays, affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience: "I Lived on Butterfly Hill" is the 2015 Pura Belpré (Author) Award winner. The book is written by Marjorie Agosín, illustrated by Lee White and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division. One Belpré Author Honor Book was named: "Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes," written by Juan Felipe Herrera, illustrated by Raúl Colón and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) LLC. Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award for most distinguished informational book for children: “The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus,” written by Jen Bryant, is the Sibert Award winner. The book is published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Five Sibert Honor Books were named: “Brown Girl Dreaming,” written by Jacqueline Woodson, and published by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) LLC. “The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, & the Fall of Imperial Russia,” written by Candace Fleming, and published by Schwartz & Wade Books, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House LLC, a Penguin Random House Company. “Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker,” written by Patricia Hruby Powell, illustrated by Christian Robinson and published by Chronicle Books LLC. “Neighborhood Sharks: Hunting with the Great Whites of California’s Farallon Islands,” written and illustrated by Katherine Roy, and published by David Macaulay Studio, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press. “Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation,” written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS. Stonewall Book Award - Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award given annually to English-language children’s and young adult books of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience: “This Day in June,” written by Gayle E. Pitman, Ph.D., illustrated by Kristyna Litten and published by Magination Press, an imprint of the American Psychological Association, is the winner of the 2015 Stonewall Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award. Three Honor Books were selected: “Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out,” by Susan Kuklin, photographed by Susan Kuklin and published by Candlewick Press. “I’ll give you the sun,” written by Jandy Nelson, published by Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) LLC. “Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress,” written by Christine Baldacchino, pictures by Isabelle Malenfant, published by Groundwood Books / House of Anansi Press. Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book: “You Are (Not) Small,” written by Anna Kang and illustrated by Christopher Weyant, is the Seuss Award winner. The book is published by Two Lions, New York. Two Geisel Honor Books were named: “Mr. Putter & Tabby Turn the Page,” written by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Arthur Howard, and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. “Waiting Is Not Easy!” written by Mo Willems, illustrated by Mo Willems, and published by Hyperion Books for Children, an imprint of Disney Book Group. William C. Morris Award for a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens: “Gabi, a Girl in Pieces,” written by Isabel Quintero, is the 2015 Morris Award winner. The book is published by Cinco Puntos Press. Four other books were finalists for the award: “The Carnival at Bray” written by Jessie Ann Foley and published by Elephant Rock Books. “The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim” written by E.K. Johnston and published by Carolrhoda Lab™, an imprint of Carolrhoda Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group. “The Scar Boys” written by Len Vlahos and published by Egmont Publishing. “The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender” written by Leslye Walton and published by Candlewick Press. YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults: “Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek,” written by Maya Van Wagenen, is the 2015 Excellence winner. The book is published by Dutton, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group. Four other books were finalists for the award: “Laughing at My Nightmare” written by Shane Burcaw, and published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan’s Children’s Publishing Group. “The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion & the Fall of Imperial Russia” written by Candace Fleming, and published by Schwartz & Wade, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books. “Ida M. Tarbell: The Woman Who Challenged Big Business—and Won!” written by Emily Arnold McCully, and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers. “The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights” written by Steve Sheinkin, and published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, ALA awards guide parents, educators, librarians and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by judging committees of librarians and other children’s experts, the awards encourage original and creative work. For more information on the ALA youth media awards and notables, please visit www.ala.org/yma . Contact: Macey Morales Media Relations Manager 312-280-4393 mmorales@ala.org Heather Cho Media Relations Specialist 312-280-4020 hcho@ala.org

Man in simply researching the articles I've been publishing lately it is just simply astonishing how much we don't know. I just finished reading an article about Rev. James Bevel from the December 20, 2008 Washington Post. (Harry Brown, you better sit down for this one) Bevel is the character who portrayed by Common in the film Selma. Bevel was a key Lieutenant for Dr. King, and prominent civil rights activist his entire adult life--even help The Nation of Islam organize the Million Man March. He was married 4 times, and fathered 16 children with 7 different women. He was also convicted of incest with one of his teenage daughters! Apparently several of his other children complained about sexual abuse as well... James Bevel, Photo Credit: By Rich Lipski -- The Washington Post

..well maybe not the whole University. Back in 1975, while a grad-student at Brown University, Kam Williams was part of a student rebellion and took over Brown University's University Hall. The protest was chronicled in the film, from the period, Here to Stay: The Takeover of University Hall Kam is guy playing the playing the tambourine in the clip below: Interestingly, Kam was also a classmate of Gayl Jones, who he says was a brilliant writer back then, getting a book deal right out of grad school.

Well that is good to hear about the Stax neighborhood. If I could, I would come to Memphis, 'cuase I really can't afford the Big Apple and run AALBC.com at the same time. Cynique it seems it is becoming increasingly difficult to "make it" here in America and fulfill ones racial obligations. The two activities run counter to each other. Perhaps this is the crux of the problem. One of the differences I've noticed, Cynique between my generation and yours (based upon my admittedly limited perspective from reading old magazines). Is that your generation did not solely focus on celebrities and athletes as role models. I could find articles on writers, physicians, successful people of all types. When your generation talked about celebrities it was often because they were going something great for our people. Today virtually all the people we talk about are celebrities and athletes and when we talk about them it is usually because they are doing something scandalous; something dumb Cosby did, something stupid Kanye said, or even goofing on the tragic situation of Bobby Brown's daughter. We rarely talk about successful business owners. Indeed, few of us can probably name one (who is not an athlete or celebrity. Other than Obama, there really are not very many role models that are in the media, who are not athletes or celebrities. We also don't live with each other, did we way did 50 years ago. Middle Class Black people (those who can lose their jobs and make it at least 6 months without their lifestyles changing) tend to live in white enclaves. The less wealthy (most of us) live in poorer communities with bad schools, and no real life examples of Black professionals or business owners in our communities. The idea of a middle class life style is completely alien to us. I could go on, but the days in when we could leave our doors unlocked were days in which those communities were truly communities. Most of us, I suspect, don't even know who our neighbors are today. Instead we opt to experience the world, behind double-locked doors, through the artificially constructed world of social media. We are much more transient, not invested in our communities. We don't know the owners of the local business, and prefer to travel to a distant malls, or transact online. Meanwhile while local businesses on main street dry up, along with the money that would have circulated in the community. The American dream is just that a dream. The reality, for the majority of us, is a nightmare. But as long as we have sports, entertainment, and social media to keep us placated and distracted this nightmare called the American Dream is tolerable.

....just in time for Black History Month Seriously, I can see the appeal for both books. Like most literate Americans I read To Kill a Mockingbird. I saw the film as well, and enjoyed both. Until now Lee never published another book. This book was written before Mockingbird, but was originally rejected by publishers. Wilder wrote Little House on the Prairie, which was also a popular TV series. I did not read her book, or enjoy the TV series, but millions of other people did. Today Amazon sells about 75% of the new books sold online. All indications are this trend will continue in their favor. If anyone believes this is a good thing, they are woefully naive. If you follow the link to the bestselling books in Amazon, you won't find any books by African American novelist. There is a saying, "if you can't beat 'em join 'em." Maybe I'll start promoting books like these. To subsidize the books written by Black folks.

Last night, Thursday, February 5, 2015, The 46th NAACP Image Awards announced the winners for the 45 non-televised categories at gala dinner at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium hosted by Affion Crockett and Chris Spencer. The Winners From Last Night Are Highlighted Above