Troy

Cynique, people especially our people are just angry. It is a powder keg on both sides. Ignorant white folks don't know who the real enemy is -- once they figure it out then and maybe then things will change for the better. Black folks already know, but few are willing to admit, that even a Black presdient can not make things better. This will be demonstrated by our lack luster turnout at the polls in November.

Information-yet-no-critical-thinking-skills-Age I wish someone would write the book in the subject. The assumption is since we have more access to information that we are automatically better off -- when on every measurable level we are not. The assumption is that if we put a PC's in every classroom the students will be better off, or if everyone gets a 3D 60" flat screen TV with 1,00 channels and we'll be better entertained. It is very frustrating dealing with people who believe society is better off but can not point to a single thing that is actually better (especially for Black folks) other than to say technology has improved. Sure there have been advances for individuals as a result of technology, but I'm talking about the masses; who continue to be largley exploited -- with the aid of technology.

He is Barack Obama. Glad you got your keyboard fixed. Thought I see the caps lock is still broken :-)

I had a long drawn out conversation about this topic the other day on Facebook (we used to have those types of debates here but that is the topic of another conversation). At any rate, it makes little sense to compare an printed encyclopedia with Wikipedia. The encyclopedia was never intended to reflect current event -- that was what newspapers were for. Wikipedia is often cited as a contributing factor to Britannica's demise, so the comparisons are inevitably made. My issue has to do with the nature of the information, whether in a newspaper, Wikipedia, or an encyclopedia, and how it is created, positioned and disseminated. In today’s world real journalism has taken a back seat to amateur bloggers, reference material is cobbled together by the masses rather than credentialed individuals, and editorial and opinion is positioned as fact. All the way, celebrity and scandal taken precedence over meaningful information all in the name of more money. This causes very serious problems in the way information is gathered and broadcast. We have no real way of know what is true or a lie. Individuals have not real way of even assessing presidential candidates ‘cause all well get are sound bites and spin. Despite the ever increasing number of websites, Blogs, and social media the web has made obtaining factual information MORE difficult – not easier. It is getting worse every year. Wikipedia is not immune to this problem. Wikipedia, validation by the mob, not nearly as efficient as validation by experts, as you would find in an encyclopedia. An encyclopedia does not have contributions made by entities trying to promote their businesses (commercials), as Wikipedia. Wikipedia is also a platform for entities who have axes to grind and post slanderous if not outright lies to advance a position. I’m sure some people will assert that Britannica is culturally biased, but if they think Wikipedia is not biased they are truly ignorant.

I'm telling you Cynique we are reverting as a nation, in a rapid decline. No one seems to care very much. I guess with professional sports and reality TV we can all play the fiddle why the country goes down the crapper.

Britannica is Dead -- Good Riddance... Right? I'm as technically oriented as they get, but Britannica discontinuing the publication of their encyclopedia does not strike me as a good thing. What do you think? Here is a related Article: http://www.mediapost...britannica.html

Thanks for sharing information about your book. Here is a short link you can use: http://bit.ly/evangaline to link to your book.

Biotumelo, I hope you resolve you PC problem soon Cynique, the country is already quite stratified. In places as "diverse" as NYC segregation is quite evident within individual neighborhoods. Shortly after Obama was elected I predicted that he would not be reelected for a 2nd term. I stand by th prediction today. Before Obama annouced his candidancy I predicted that he would be the next president. The predictions are based upon the same sentiments, people are desperate for a "change" for the better. Unless there are some very fundamental changes in our system, things will only get only worse in America. Black folks, as usual are the canaries in the mine shaft leading the way in every negative category, but as Black folks go so does the rest of the country...

Boitumelo, make sure the new keyboard Caps Lock key is not broken too

Coming May 8, 2012

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.