Troy

Welcome Melanie, and thanks for sharing your input. While folks are reading this topic I wish more would weigh in. Congrats on the small press publishing your work. I submit that the insatiable drive for ever increasing profits has contributed to the decline of publishing. Of course as Black people, we bear the brunt of the negative impact. Publishing is not the only causality, music, TV, film, is all suffering for similiar reasons. Back to books and Blacks folks: A business can operate, thrive even without persuing only profit. The reason the smaller press published yor book, I suspect, is that they were concerned with more than simply turning a dollar. They have a mission besides money. Melanie, perhas you can tell us what it is about yout work and the publisher that made them descide to publish your work? I know Kensington Publishing operates a little differently than Simon and Schuster. I know Akashic press selects authors in a different fashion than Hachette Book Group. Sure the differences cut across the board, but the differences are so much more stark for Black authors. As an excerise, I'll ask folks to find 10 Black authors published by Akashic Books, then compare them to 10 Black authors published by Hachette Book group compare the authors and let me know what you think.

Boitmelo, I'm surprised at you. I thought you'd be more focused on the dismal graduation rates of that school. Mississippi Valley State University as has 4 year graduation rate of 14% Perhaps the play in game the Devils them a potential for 1 win in the NCAA tourney, before they get blown out by #1 seed Kentucy. So that is at least two games instead of one that generates revenue for the school which they can channel into academic programs, raise the profile of the school and maybe do something about actually educating students and getting them degrees.

Clearly we are a celebrity obsessed culture. This is axiomatic and obviously to anyone who has been here more than a few minutes. The masses can't help themselves, perhaps it is human nature. Maybe people would care if the media (including the "so called" Black media) covered Payne and his accomplishments, in the same matter in which they chronicle every detail of Bobby and Whitney's dysfunctional relationship. Boitumelo if you really cared, I would suggest that you expend your energy talking about what Donald Payne actually accomplished and why he is noteworthy. This would be more be far more constructive than bitching about the obvious celebrity obsessed culture we live in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LmRu0ATdBw KONY 2012 is a film and campaign by Invisible Children that aims to make Joseph Kony famous, not to celebrate him, but to raise support for his arrest and set a precedent for international justice. HOW TO HELP: Donate to Invisible Children: www.causes.com/donatekony2012 Purchase KONY 2012 products: http://invisiblechildrenstore.myshopify.com/ Sign the Pledge: www.causes.com/konypledge For official PRESS and artist REPRESENTATION ONLY: Monica Vigo pr@invisiblechildren.com DIRECTOR: Jason Russell LEAD EDITOR: Kathryn Lang EDITORS: Kevin Trout, Jay Salbert, Jesse Eslinger LEAD ANIMATOR: Chad Clendinen ANIMATOR: Jesse Eslinger 3-D MODELING: Victor Soto VISUAL EFFECTS: Chris Hop WRITERS: Jason Russell, Jedidiah Jenkins, Kathryn Lang, Danica Russell, Ben Keesey, Azy Groth PRODUCERS: Kimmy Vandivort, Heather Longerbeam, Chad Clendinen, Noelle Jouglet ORIGINAL SCORES: Joel P. West SOUND MIX: Stephen Grubbs, Mark Friedgen, Smart Post Sound COLOR: Damian Pelphrey, Company 3 CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jason Russell, Bobby Bailey, Laren Poole, Gavin Kelly, Chad Clendinen, Kevin Trout, Jay Salbert, Shannon Lynch PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Jaime Landsverk LEAD DESIGNER: Tyler Fordham DESIGNERS: Chadwick Gantes, Stephen Witmer MUSIC CREDIT: "02 Ghosts I" Performed by Nine Inch Nails Written by Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor Produced by Alan Moulder, Atticus Ross, and Trent Reznor Nine Inch Nails appear courtesy of The Null Corporation "Punching in a Dream" Performed by The Naked and Famous Written by Aaron Short, Alisa Xayalith, and Thom Powers Produced by Thom Powers The Naked and Famous appear courtesy of Somewhat Damaged and Universal Republic "Arrival of the Birds" Performed by The Cinematic Orchestra Written by The Cinematic Orchestra Produced by The Cinematic Orchestra The Cinematic Orchestra appears courtesy of Disney Records "Roll Away Your Stone" Performed by Mumford and Sons Written by Benjamin Lovett, Edward Dwane, Marcus Mumford, and Winston Marshall Produced by Markus Dravs Mumford and Sons appear courtesy of Glassnote Entertainment Group LLC "On (Instrumental)" Performed by Bloc Party Written by Bloc Party Produced by Jacknife Lee Bloc Party appears courtesy of Vice Records "A Dream within a Dream" Performed by The Glitch Mob The Glitch Mob appears courtesy of Glass Air "I Can't Stop" Performed by Flux Pavilion Flux Pavilion appears courtesy of Circus Records Limited

Markbookworm, welcome to the discussion baords! Markbooworm there are indeed more books being published than ever before -- especially by Black folks. However I would say that the renaissance has already taken place and what we are seeing is a decline. More books being published but smaller average sales per author. Declining advances, fewer boostores, fewers book websites, fewer literary magazines, less book coverage in newspapers and magaiznes than 5 years ago. But my main point, is what is happenning in the halls of the large publishing houses like Random House, Hachette, Simon & Shuster, relative to Black folks. It looks like we simply have fewer Black folks working, than when the orginal Black Pack party was held 10 years ago. I don't have data but I know there are less Black editors than there were 5 years ago. About the authors you mentioned: Baisden is popular, and does positive things for the community, but I would not categorize his work as "creative". Besides hasin't he been writing the essentially the same book since he first published almost 20 years ago? McBride, while abundantly talented artistically, has only written 1 novel, not excactly reflective of a trend or an influence on one (all due respect to both authors, both of whom have sold a lot of book on AALBC.com). I'm unfamiliar with J.Pizarro-Cruz.

AALBC.com is home to Charisse Carney-Nunes' The Bit Lit: http://aalbc.it/whm2012 The 2012 National Women’s History Month Theme is ‘Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment.’ This year, I am lifting up the African-American women on whom I focused in my children’s book, Nappy. Each week, I will share a list of 5 books you can read to educate your selves about these empowering women in our history. I will also share a one-minute video – a Nappy Narrative – with a few quick and interesting facts about my “Nappy Ladies.” This week we kick things off with the fiery orator Sojourner Truth who fought against slavery and in favor of women’s rights. A little known historical fact about Sojourner is that she made history by winning two court cases against prominent Whites. One of those cases ended the practice of segregated streetcars in Washington, DC almost a full century before the famous Rosa Parks bus ride!

Please check out the article "New York Publishing's Black Pack" which originally appeared in Black Issues Book Review Magazine on May 1, 2001. the article describes a gathering of Black publishing industry professionals, at a small dive bar, in the East Village of New York City. The gathering has come to be known as the "Original the Black Pack Party": http://aalbc.it/bbporigin It is an article that has some very telling quotes about the state of Blacks in publishing over a decade ago: In my opinion, things may be even worse today... For the past 6 years I with the help of other like minded folks have continued hosting annual Black Pack Parties. It is always a well attended event a lot of love and commraderie is shared. My concern lately has been over how much of the socializing actually turns into meaningful action. Are there any more Black folks in publishing than there were 10 years ago? Are the proffesionals in place actually working together to support each other and nurture new profesionals? I'm interested in reading what others might have to say about the state of the industry more than a decade later. I know folks are concerned about their career, and may not be willing to express freely, so if you want to post here and do not want your identity shared email your comments to me troy@aalbc.com and I'll post on your behalf and promise to keep your comments confidential. Black Pack Party Photo Shoot 2011, Harlem, NY

Yep the date of the quote was from 1980. I've forwarded your question, hopefully it will be asked. Cynique, If you think the Republicans are way out of touch, you have not been to Florida lately.

We'll be posting an interview with President Carter soon. If you have any question for Carter please post them here ASAP.

You remember that word game where you have to pick the correct word. Try the puzzle below by selecting the right word from the two enclosed by the brackets: "Not since Herbert Hoover has a party out of power had such an opportunity to run against everything that troubles the American family—prices, interest rates, unemployment, taxes, or the fear for the future of their old age or the future of their children—than is now presented to the Republican Party. The Republicans, however, haven't figured this out. This is their basic problem. They have no strategy for defeating an [Obama or Carter] administration that is highly vulnerable on both domestic and foreign policy." Date of orginal quote: [1980 or 2012]

For More Information Contact: Tracey Y. Smith National Media & Author Relations (646) 489-6873 - Phone tsmithwd@aol.com Lynda Johnson Co-Founder lyndajgog@gmail.com Go On Girl! Book Club Announces 2011 Award Winners New York, NY - March 5, 2012 - During this Women's History Month, Go On Girl! Book Club, one of the largest national reading organizations in the U.S. for Black women, is proud to announce that authors Daniel Black and Isabel Wilkerson have been voted by the membership to receive top honors at their 20th Annual Author Awards dinner on Saturday, June 2nd, 6pm-10pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Philadelphia. Daniel Black was named 2011 Author of the Year for the stirring novel, Perfect Peace. Isabel Wilkerson was named 2011 New Author of the Year for the historical masterpiece, The Warmth of Other Suns. Upon learning of his win, Mr. Black commented, "Go On Girl! Book Club keeps quality Black literature alive. I am humbled to be chosen for this honor. My commitment is to continue to breed life by breeding the word." Ms. Wilkerson also expressed her thanks, "I am so thrilled and grateful for this honor. It means so much to me to be chosen by readers and to know how deeply the book has touched them. I look forward to meeting everyone in Philadelphia, one of the great receiving stations of the Great Migration. My thanks again to Go On Girl! Book Club for recognizing the hard work that went into this book and the inspiring stories of this great era in our history and of our families." The awards dinner will also include presentations to 2011 Life Achievement honoree, Kenneth Gamble, chosen for his commitment to literacy and revitalizing Philadelphia's urban communities; and 2011 Vivian G. Harsh Life Achievement honoree Charles L. Blockson, selected for his life-long work in documenting and celebrating Black culture. Awards will also be given to the GOG Unpublished Writer and Scholarship winners. Books will be available for purchase by MahoganyBooks. Tickets to Go On Girl! Book Club's 20th Annual Author Awards dinner are $75 and can be purchased until May 1st at www.GoOnGirl.org/events. The awards dinner is the highlight of a weekend of festivities for GOG members and guests themed "Ringing The Bell For Black Literature," that begins on Thursday, May 31st and ends on Sunday, June 3rd. On Thursday, May 31st, 8pm-10pm, members of Go On Girl! Book Club will enjoy "An Evening With Diane McKinney-Whetstone", featuring readings and conversation with the celebrated author. Ms. McKinney-Whetstone was the first author to win both GOG's Author of the Year (2005) and New Author of the Year (1997) awards. On Friday, June 1st, 6pm-8pm, Go On Girl! Book Club will host the panel discussion, "Black Life Expressed in Literature" featuring powerhouse authors Daniel Black, Solomon Jones, Karen E. Quinones Miller and Touré. Inspired by Toure's book, Whose Afraid of Post-Blackness?, the authors will explore the various ways that Black culture is featured in contemporary writing. On Sunday, June 3rd, 8am-10am, the weekend ends with Go On Girl! Book Club's Eboni Gray Phenomenal Woman Awards Breakfast, which honors members of the organization and culminates in a special prayer circle. For more information about Go On Girl! Book Club and the 20th Annual Author Awards event visit www.GoOnGirl.org. To inquire about sponsorship or advertising opportunities, contact Tracey Y. Smith at (646) 489-6873 or tsmithwd@aol.com. ###

See the complete list at: http://aalbc.it/best_sellers #1 Best Selling Book Fiction I Dreamt I Was in Heaven - The Rampage of the Rufus Buck Gang By Leonce Gaiter #1 Best Selling Book Non-fiction Lose Weight Without Dieting or Working Out: Discover Secrets to a Slimmer, Sexier and Healthier You By JJ Smith See the complete list at: http://aalbc.it/best_sellers

A comprehensive list of independent bookstores coming soon. Visit http://huria.org/bookstores/ for a sneak peek.

Solving the problems of Black folk is not entertaining. Oprah can't make money or support a network doing that. If she got the Jessies and Eddies on a read them the riot for all their nonsense - that would get folks watching. But that will never happen.

Cynique most of the winners, I suspect, feel no differently about winner the award even if it were a unbiased decision. The amount of additional respect, or gravitas heaped upon the winner is no less irrational given the selection process. It also seems white Oscar winners are afforded more respect than Black Oscar winners. Jen Hudson is doing weight loss commercials, Cuba and Gabourey failed to shine in relatively minor follow up roles.... I don't have much interest in awards shows and I did not see the vast majority of movies nominated. I would not have seen The Help were it not for this website. i will try to catch Undefeated and The Artist (the later soley out of curiousity). In previous years I would have created a page with the winner with images links to buy the movies, etc. This year I could be bothered.

I just lanuched a Manuscript Editing Service: http://aalbc.it/bookeditor AALBC.com's Manuscript Editing Service With AALBC.com's Manuscript Editing Service we will critique your manuscript or completed book for problems in: Plot: The storyline should take place through a series of events that are based on cause and effect. Character Development: Believable characters are three dimensional. Dialogue: Each line of dialogue should reveal character or advance the plot. Pace: A novel should move at a certain pace depending upon genre. Theme: What specific message are you trying to communicate with your book. Copy Editing: We will check for typos and errors in spelling and grammar. Sample Critique #1: This author had a firm grasp of the craft of writing. With this particular author it was simply a matter of polishing what was already a solid manuscript. (Click to read the complete critique) Sample Critique #2: This author had problems with character development, motivation and dialogue. (Click to read the complete critique) Learn more about this service.

2012 Academy Awards Recap B&W Throwback Silences the Competition by Kam Williams The Artist, a black& white silent film evocative of a bygone era, won the hearts of the Academy Award voters, netting Oscars in the Best Picture, Director, Actor, Costume Design and Score categories. Hugo won five times, too, but only for technical achievemnts. After The Artist’s Jean Dujardin beat George Clooney for Best Actor, the foul-mouthed Frenchman not only broke his silence, but tricked the censors by saying the F-word in his native language during his exuberant acceptance speech. Maybe there’s a reason why silent film is his medium. Dujardin wasn’t the only winner to resort to expletives, so did T.J. Wilson (Undefeated), the first African-American director to earn an Oscar for a full-length documentary. It’s difficult to discern exactly what T.J. said, since he was bleeped a couple times for his indiscretion. Also crossing a line was presenter Jennifer Lopez, whose daring dress failed to cover all of one of her areolas. Could this have been a deliberate wardrobe malfunction by J. Lo to have the fashion talk of Tinseltown revolve around her revealing evening gown? But I digress. As this critic correctly predicted, Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady) upset favorite Viola Davis (The Help) for Best Actress. Anybody else notice that naturally-coiffed Viola seemed to stand up as if to accept when Streep’s name was announced, as if she’d assumed she’d win? Why did I forecast a Streep victory? My thinking was that the 94% white Academy would cast sentimental votes for her over a relative newcomer, especially since the perennial-nominee hadn’t won in 29 years. Plus, the members could easily avoid being labeled racist by simultaneously supporting Davis’ African-American cast mate Octavia Davis for Best Supporting Actress. Replacement master of ceremonies Billy Crystal (for Eddie Murphy) did another excellent job, easily making everyone forget last year’s awkward attempts at comedy on the part of co-hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway. This go-round, the nine-time emcee revived such trademarks of his tenure as an opening song-and-dance as well as an inspired spoof of the Best Picture nominees via a movie montage. Complete List of Oscar Winners Best Picture: The Artist Best Director: Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist Best Actress: Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady Best Actor: Jean Dujardin, The Artist Best Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, The Help Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, Beginners Best Original Screenplay: Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen Best Adapted Screenplay: The Descendants, Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash Best Animated Feature Film: Rango Best Foreign Language Film: A Separation (Iran) Best Original Score: The Artist, Ludovic Bource Best Original Song: "Man or Muppet" by Bret McKenzie, The Muppets Best Documentary Feature: Undefeated Best Film Editing: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Kirk Baxter & Angus Wall Best Cinematography: Hugo, Richard Richardson Best Visual Effects: Hugo, Rob Legato, Joss Williams, Ben Grossmann & Alex Henning Best Sound Editing: Hugo, Philip Stockton & Eugene Gearty Best Sound Mixing: Hugo, Tom Fleischman & John Midgley Best Art Direction: Hugo, Dante Ferretti & Francesca Lo Schiavo Best Costume Design: The Artist, Mark Bridges Best Makeup: The Iron Lady, Mark Coulier & J. Roy Helland Best Live-Action Short Film: The Shore Best Documentary Short Film: Saving Face Best Animated Short Film: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

Honoring the 75th Anniversary of Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 AT 6 PM A Literary Salon Join us for a Harlem Renaissance-style salon with live music, readings, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Mix and mingle and enjoy excerpts from Zora Neale Hurston’s writing, read by award-winning actor and poet, Carl Hancock Rux. Singers Toshi Reagon, Nona Hendryx, Martha Redbone, Marcelle Lashley and KimberlyNichole will perform. The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space 44 Charlton Street in SoHo Tickets: $25 at thegreenespace.org/zora Tickets include wine and light hors d'oeuvres

All of the critical reviews at Rottentomatoes (expect for ours) is trashing the Perry's latest film: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tyler_perrys_good_deeds/ The reviews of the general public over 4,400 of them are overwhelmingly positive (though it is not clear how many of these folks actually saw the film). I need more data, but anecdotally there is perfect correlation between a race of the critical reviewer and the reaction to this film. Let me know what you all think about Tyler Perry's Good Deeds Film (after you've seen it).

Good Deeds -In Theaters: Feb 24, 2012 Wide http://aalbc.com/reviews/good_deeds.html

Rick Stevens Ascot Media Group Post Office Box 133032 The Woodlands, TX 77393 Office: (281) 333-3507 pr@ascotmediagroup.com www.ascotmediagroup.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A Captivating Tale of an Unlikely Friendship Del Mar, CA – February 24, 2012 – Growing up in the tumultuous racial tension of the South in the 1960s, there was a secret in Betty Ann Hoehn's home: alcoholism. But the young girl also had a secret ally: Corinne. There was little shared between the two. Hoehn grew up in luxury; Corinne grew up in poverty. Betty Ann was white. Corinne was black. But when Corinne came to work for Betty Ann’s family, the friendship was instantaneous – sparking a heartfelt relationship that bonded them against all societal norms. In Corinne and Me: An Unlikely Friendship (AuthorHouse), author Betty Ann Hoehn reaches back to a time when racial issues determined daily activities for the majority of Americans. Her story captures the segregation that many experienced during that time and touches the heart through the story of one downtrodden, but courageous and loving woman who reached across racial lines to help a child and provide the unshakeable love and friendship that would take that child through the most difficult time in her life. “Through my life journey, Corinne has always been there for me; teaching me important lessons in life. My story highlights our unique relationship while drawing attention to important issues in our world today,” says Hoehn. “We are all God’s children; love knows no race, sex or religion.” For years, Hoehn watched as one by one the members of her family succumbed to "funny breath"--her family's euphemistic term for alcohol addiction in a time when addiction was not openly discussed. Little did she know that she, too, would fall victim to the disease. Her determination to overcome and lead a fulfilling and productive life is uplifting and encouraging to anyone who is facing this challenge or seeking to help a friend or family member as they face a life of recovery. Betty Ann Hoehn was born and raised in Memphis, Tenn., and currently resides in Del Mar, CA. Born in 1954, she grew up in the 1960s, a tumultuous time—strictly enforced segregation between blacks and whites, the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, the feminist movement. She received her B.A. from Bowdoin College in 1976 and her M.A. from the University of Memphis in 1997. She is an art historian and independent lecturer. Corinne and Me: An Unlikely Friendship intertwines the racial and segregation issues of the 1960s with positive messages of acceptance, love and faith. Available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com For more information please visit: www.corrinneandme.com ###

"I have found that brothers(actually all men in general) will do almost anything to attract the woman they want." Tansoba, Absolutely! At some point we reached a tipping point where enough women will accept anything from a man. Personally I was not raised to treat a women or anyone badly. Besides it is not in my nature. However I have observed guys treat women like crap. Over time as you grow up you begin to wonder if that behavior is the way you are SUPPOSED to teach a woman. The behavior is reenforced and seemingly works for many Brothers. The pimp archetype being the supreme master I remember calling my girlfriend, in high school, a "bitch" I was not angry or anything just using the term to refer to her. She immediately put me in my place, I knew better, but figured I'd see what happened. I have never refereed to another woman as a bitch again. As I got much older, I discovered that women who allow themselves to be mistreated have low self-esteems. Some Brothers seek these types of women out to exploit. Usually these guys have low self esteems themselves. I also discovered this is not the type of woman I would find desirable for a long term relationship, or even spend much time around. Hence the likelihood of me calling someone a bitch, that I hang out with, approaches nill. ----------------------------- More about Dark Girls

In previous years, when a sufficient number of people here cared about such things we would rake the NAACP and it's literature nominees over the coals [check a conversation from 2005]. So in the tradition of old I'll carry on. I believe the list of nominees are indeed better, but as usual the focus is on celebrity -- indeed in every literature category in which there was a celebrity nominated the celebrity won. Tony Dugny won for his children's book, Shirley Strawberry for being a debut authors, Hill Harper (yet again), and so on... It was however nice to see Reshonda Tate Billingsley win in the fiction category. Fortunately for ReShonda, this was the only category where a celebrity was not nominated. Reshonda Tate Billingsley That said, I'm still very grateful that the NAACP continues to honor and highlight Black literature. There are very few entities doing this type of work. The 10th annual Hurston/Wright Foundation's Legacy Award was cancelled last year. I'm in the industry and so few people are talking about this it is scary. A luta continua!

43rd NAACP Image Awards - Winners and Nominees for NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work [2012] http://aalbc.it/nia2012 The awards were presented Friday, February 17th, 2012 at the The Shrine Auditorium Los Angeles, CA