ONYXCON celebrates the impact, contributions, and presence of The African Diaspora in the Popular Arts. Popular Arts meaning comic books/graphic novels, video games/interactive arts, TV/Film, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Action/Adventure, and all related genres.
Time: August 17, 2012 to August 18, 2012
Location: Atlanta, GA
Website: http://www.onyxcon.com
The Bayou Soul Writers & Reader’s Conference (BSWRC) is an annual event that takes place in New Orleans coinciding with the Essence Festival.
The 2nd Annual Bayou Soul Writers & Reader’s Conference (BSWRC) will be held on Thursday, July 5 and Friday July 6, 2012 prior and during Essence Festival.
The Bayou Soul Writers & Reader’s Conference caters to those who are primarily interested in literary arts by bringing together book lovers, readers, authors, emerging writers, members of the publishing industry, and film professionals. BSWRC is a literary conference where anyone interested in books and/or writing can come down to the jazzy, romantic city of New Orleans and enjoy a stroll down Bourbon Street, Gumbo at a local restaurant, and take in two fun-filled days in an intimate setting with a favorite author.
Website
http://www.bswconference.com
Saturday, March 31, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Academic Complex Building (AB1)
Room L-11, First Floor
1638 Bedford Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11225
The National Black Writers Conference Reading Series is sponsored by the African American Literature Book Club, the Brooklyn Literary Council, Mosaic Literary Magazine, and the Center for Black Literature. Featuring authors Victoria Brown, Wahida Clark, Teju Cole, K’wan, Jacqueline Luckett, Bernice L. McFadden, Elizabeth Nunez, Charles Rice-Gonzalez, and Lori L. Tharps.
12:00 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Teju Cole (Open City), Jacqueline E. Luckett (Passing Love), and Lori L. Tharps (Substitute Me)
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Victoria Brown (Minding Ben), Bernice L. McFadden (Gathering of Waters), and Elizabeth Nunez (Boundaries)
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Wahida Clark (Payback Ain’t Enough) and K’wan (Eviction Notice: A Hood Rat Novel)
3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Charles Rice-Gonzalez (Chulito)
The Eleventh National Black Writers Conference:
The Impact of Migration, Popular Culture, and the Natural Environment in the Literature of Black Writers
Thursday, March 29, 2012 – Sunday, April 1, 2012
As our society becomes increasingly globalized, the themes in the literary texts and literature created by black writers throughout the African diasporic communities of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe are shifting and expanding in varying ways. There is recognition of the importance and value of preserving cultural memory and identity and of cultivating and nurturing cultural and geographical spaces. At the same time, there is also a recognition that politics and popular culture shape what we respond to, what we read, what gets published, what we teach, and what conversations we have in our literary communities, in the media, in our educational institutions, in our work environments, and in our homes.
Through novels, stories, poems, plays, memoirs, and essays, black writers have explored the importance of memory on our concepts of self and family. They have examined the impact of popular culture on our personal lives, belief systems, values, and traditions. And they have chronicled what happens when we neglect and do not nurture our natural environment. In essence, they have used the power of words and the literary arts to stir our imagination and to motivate us to affirm, critique, and reflect on our responses to personal, societal, and environmental issues in our lives. The Eleventh National Black Writers Conference will provide writers, scholars, literary professionals, students, and the general public with a forum for engaging in dynamic and spirited conversations, panel discussions, readings, workshops, and performances on themes related to migration, cultural memory, popular culture, and the natural environment.
Major funding provided by: National Endowment for the Arts
Media support provided by: African American Literature Book Club, AKILA Worksongs, Inc.
2012 NBWC Honorees:
ONYX CON is a Conference/Convention celebrating the very best of the impact, contributions, and presence of the African Diaspora in Popular Arts and culture.
The Entire event takes place at:
SOUTHWEST ARTS CENTER
915 NEW HOPE ROAD
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30331
AUGUST 19th is the Day for The ONYXCON INSTITUTE and THE OFFICIAL ONYXCON ART EXHIBITION!
The Art exhibition is from 6PM – 9PM and is free & open to the public. We will be honoring the late great writer of Popular Arts fiction, Mr. Dwayne McDuffie. See www.dwaynemcduffie.com for more info on this legend.
ONYXCON INSTITUTE – 9AM TIL 4PM
The ONYXCON INSTITUTE cost is $35 general admission. $25 with proper High School or College ID.
ONYXCON – The CONVENTION is on Saturday AUGUST 20, 2011 from 11AM – 7PM.
General Admission is $10. Ages 6-12 are $3. 5 and younger are free.
Experience Vendors showcasing unique comic books/graphic novels, novels, video games, toys, promotional clothing (T-shirts,etc.), the Arcade, activities, games, displays, the Art Show, book signings, cosplay/masquerades, music vibes and performances!
The ONYXCON INSTITUTE will feature tutorials/workshops by professional Artist in 2D and 3D techniques common in todays comic book, animation, and film industries. There will also be presentations in writing techniques. Finally, there will be a panel Discussions on SEX & VIOLENCE in The Popular Arts & how both are approached, analyzed, challenged, embraced, and the impact on African Diaspora’s creators and consumers of Popular Arts. THIS PANEL WILL CONTAIN LANGUAGE, SUBJECT MATTER, IMAGES, AUDIO, AND DISCUSSIONS FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE! PARENTAL DISCRETION IS ADVISED!
Only 16 years and older are admitted to the Onyxcon Institute with proper ID. Parent or Guardian must accompany anyone under 16. 18 and older are admitted to the Sex & Violence Panel. Anyone younger must present the approval of a guardian for attendance. e-mail to RSVP or for information: onyxcon@gmail.com
For more information, see http://www.onyxcon.com/.
Press Release — Book Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (August 12, 2011)
Eclectic Life Books Exhibiting at the Los Angeles Black Book Exposition Saturday, August 20, 2011
Los Angeles, CA– Author Cherise Charleswell, President of Eclectic Life Books will be exhibiting at the annual Los Angeles Black Book Expo. Ms. Charleswell will be there to debut her book, Real Talk TIPS: Laugh-Out-Loud Pointers & Suggestions For The Morally Challenged, Socially Inept, & The People Who Love Them.
The Los Angeles Black Book Expo is being held on Saturday August 20, 2011 from 10AM to 6PM, inside the Los Angeles Convention Center #403. The LA Convention Center is located at 1201 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015.
The book, just published in May 2011, is a non-traditional, sassy, tongue-in-cheek, and painfully honest self help guide and workbook for the morally challenged and socially inept members of society; as well as those who want to improve on their quality of life. The Adinkra image that graces the book’s cover is called “Mate masie” and it loosely translates to “What I hear, I keep”. The book draws on my experience as a West Indian child, where wisdom was often imparted as a series of “old time” sayings, tips, and proverbs; leaving one to interpret the true meaning and come to their own conclusion and understanding.
The book has always garnered the following praises and reviews:
“Cherise Charleswell is a fresh and funny young voice with wisdom for the ages. The author takes aim at the morally challenged, the socially inept and everyone else and skewers them to hilarious new heights. Highly recommend. ”
Robyn McGee
Author and Educator at California State University Dominguez Hills
“Bug in your ear wisdom, you have lint in your hair or you missed a
button. A good read intent on being more cautious of our attitudes
behavior and Appearence. Whimsical light hearted Examanation
of pop culture from a concerned sister prospective. Real Talk Tips
Is full of timeless tips, Critiques, and Compliments. Noteworthy
Thoughtful solutions , tuff love with a hug. Its Funny Bitterly
Honest The way family is. A must read for all ages that actually
builds self esteem and self worth.”
Yawo Watts
Writer, Poet, Spoken Word Artist
CONTACT:
Contact Person: Cherise Charleswell
Company Name: Eclectic Life
Voice Phone# 818-521-8422
Email Address: eclecticlifediva@yahoo.com
Website: www.createspace.com/3550362
The African Voices Cultural Circle Conference connects writers and visual artists with the resources they need to pursue careers in publishing and the arts. The annual conference offers workshops that provide information on exploring opportunities for writers and artists interested in independent and mainstream publishers and using new technology to promote their work. African Voices is a nonprofit arts organization that publishes a quarterly literary magazine.
Registration Fee:$25.
Seating is limited so register now! For info call: 212 865-2982 or visit www.africanvoices.com. The conference schedule and guest bios are online.
Create Your Writing Destiny: Novels, E-Books & Niches is the theme of this year’s Circle Conference. Professional editors, publishers and authors will come together to share their successful journeys in carving out a prosperous writing career through finding their niche and voice. From teen novels to business magazines, many writers launch their careers as niche writers specializing in specific genre then exploring limitless possibilities once they establish an audience. Karen Hunter, the president of FIRST ONE Digital Publishing, and Yvonne Bynoe, the founder of SoulAffluence and author of Stand & Deliver: Political Activism, Leadership and Hip Hop Culture, will explore ways writers can live abundantly as artists by building an audience for their work.
Circle guests include Tania Padgett, the small business editor of CNNMoney.com; Atim Annette Aton, publisher of Calabar Magazine; Caren Estesen, founder of the Caren Johnson Literary Agency and a blogger for the GatekeepersPost.com; and Rosalind McLymont, executive editor of The Network Journal. Join us for a day of workshops, networking and fun! The Circle welcomes Richard Fewell, a playwright and author of the recently released novel Everything Happens Today. Mr. Fewell will read excerpts from his work. Reg E. Gaines will also host a second session of his Poetry as Theater workshop at 12 pm.
SPONSORS: WABC-TV, New State Council on the Arts, New York City Dept. of Cultural Affairs and NAACP Roy Wilkins Center. Media Sponsor: The Network Journal.
Title: The Annual African American Literacy Movement
Location: Forest Park Community College
Website: www.taaalm.com
Description: First Annual African American Literacy Movement Brings Together Talented Writers and Authors to Promote Literacy
To Promote Literacy in the African American Community and School Districts: From 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., a seminar/conference includes an accomplished group of talented writers and authors.
Teaming up with Smit-T is a group of very talented writers and authors:
J. M. Benjamin: Essence best-selling author of “Ride or Die Chick,” and owner of A Quality Publishing. Benjamin is a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker from Plainsfield, N.J. He is also the author of the Award Winning novel, “Down In the Dirty,” “My Manz and Em,” “The Run With Love,” “Ride or Die Chick 2,” and a non-fiction book, “From Incarceration 2 Incorporation.”
Ni\’Cola Mitchell: Author of award-winning novel, “Over and Over Again,\” as well as “Mama Don’t Like Ugly, “The Appetizer,” “Strawberries and Stilettos, and \”Steam.” Ni\’Cola is from Kingston, Jamaica, but currently resides in Las Vegas. Ni’Cola is currently pursuing her masters of business in health care and management.
Rennell Parker: Entrepreneur, educator, mentor, and public speaker, Rennell Parker has been writing poetry and short stories for over 15 years. Parker runs nonprofit organization Acts of Random Thought.
Steven Morgan: A full-time writer/author, Morgan has self-published two books that are in circulation currently. He recently signed with publishing power house City Stone Publishing out of
Detroit and will soon release his highly anticipated debut novel, “DISCOMBOBULATED\”
Terra Little: Author of “Where There’s Smoke,” Little worked as a probation and parole officer for nearly a decade before transitioning to the field of education. Terra has a B.A. in Criminology and Sociology as well as an M.A. in Professional Counseling and Secondary Education. Little strives to increase literary awareness and appreciation in youth.
Keisha Ervin: Author of national best-sellers, “Chyna Black,” “Me & My Boyfriend,” “Mina’s Joint,” and, “Hold U Down,” as well as the novel, “Torn,” and the short story, “After the Storm,” featured in the Street Love anthology.
Dana \”Kels\” Kelly: Voted Best Female Poet at the First Annual STL Poetry Awards. Kels has been performing all over the Midwest and abroad spreading her unique blend of life wrapped in poetry. Kels released the first of four books from her Writing Lab Series titled, \”Tatted Up,\” – emotional tattoos of the heart, in October 2010.
Join presenters at this event on Friday, Nov. 5, at Forest Park Community College from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
For more information, contact Jackie “JP” Phillips at 314.477.7926 or e-mail only1jpceo@gmail.com, or call Barron “Smit-T” Smith at 314.517.5739.
The Annual African American Literacy Movement
10346 Ittner Dr.
St. Louis, Mo. 63136
PHONE. 314-517-5739
EMAIL: barronsmth@yahoo.com
Location: LAX Marriott in Los Angeles
Website: www.loscon37.org
Description: Welcome to Loscon 37, Dark Loscon.
November 26-28th 2010
at the LAX Marriott in Los Angeles
$45.00 through November 14th
Loscon is the primary Los Angeles Regional Science Fiction literary convention produced by the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society.
Held each year over Thanksgiving weekend it is our main fund raising event.
The Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society is the oldest continuously meeting science fiction literary society in the world.
Our meeting are held every Thursday night at our clubhouse on Burbank Blvd in North Hollywood:
11513 Burbank Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91601
Date: November 26-28, 2010
Location: State Capitol Building in Austin
Description: Several African American authors including Pulitzer Prize winners Eugene Robinson and Isabel Wilkerson will be appearing at the Texas Book Festival being held October 16-17 at the State Capitol Building in Austin. Here is a list of some the African American writers (and the names of their latest books) that will be there in order of their appearances:
October 16
* Eugene Robinson, Disintegration: The Splintering of Black America, 11:15 a.m.-12 noon, C-SPAN/Book TV Tent
* Naomi Mitchell Carrier, “Go Down Old Hannah” The Living History of African American Texans, 1 p.m. -2 p.m., Family Life Center, 1300 Lavaca
* Isabel Wilkerson, The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration, 2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m., C-SPAN/Book TV Tent
October 17
* S. Craig Watkins, The Young & the Digital: What the Migration to Social Network Sites, Games, and Anytime, Anywhere Media Means for Our Future, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Capitol Extension Room E2.026
* William Jelani Cobb, The Substance of Hope: Barack Obama and the Paradox of Progress, 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m., C-SPAN/Book TV Tent
* Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, The Thing Around Your Neck, 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Senate Chamber
* Varian Johnson, Saving Maddie (Young Adult book), 2 p.m.-3 p.m., Capitol Extension Room E2.012
Start Date: 2010-10-16
End Date: 2010-10-17