Pride In The City 2007

People of Color in Crisis, Inc. (POCC) welcomes you to Pride in the City 2007! Please check back often as information is updated frequently.

The PRIDE IN THE CITY TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM can provide assistance with travel to PITC events or night time clubs events? Rates starting at $50.00. Click here to make your reservation today!

	Date: Time: Venue: Admission:	08/02/2007 (THURSDAY) 7:00PM – 11:00PM Brooklyn Marriott, 333 Adams St, Brooklyn, NY $20.00
Special performance by Grammy Award-nominated group, En Vogue, with opening fashion segment by designer Cheyenne Allure and performance by Chrystal Atmosphere. Award recipients to be announced. En Vogue: The name rings more than a bell. It invokes memories of a long line of red-hot R&B and pop smashes recorded in the 1990s. Songs like "Hold On," "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)," "Giving Him Something He Can Feel," "Free Your Mind," and “Whatta Man” featuring Salt-N-Pepa, are just a sampling of the mega hits made famous by the R&B super group. Though they embarked on their musical journey nearly 15-years ago, having grown musically, emotionally, professionally, and creatively makes En Vogue’s appeal greater than ever before. That growth has made the group more passionate than ever, and with that yearning, each member has their own individual goals. Cheyenne Allure: Cheyenne began sewing at home with her mother when she was six years old. She would sit watching as her mother created several dresses for the women in the family. Soon thereafter, her mother decided to teach Cheyenne how to sew so she could make the clothes and have the styles she wanted. As she learned the new skills of cutting, draping choosing fabrics and creating, her mother realized that she was serious and sent her to be the apprentice of a local tailor. Later she was enrolled in Fashion Industries High School . There Cheyenne designed several prom dresses for the graduating seniors and this was the beginning of a lucrative cottage industry. She went on to work with several local designers, honing her skills which have brought her to where she is now , designing a small collection for Pride in the city 2007. Cheyenne would like to thank the House ball community for all their support throughout the years and for accepting her as and respecting her as an Icon in that community. She feels it is time to give back to the community. She dedicates this collection to her mother . Chrystal Atmosphere: Chrystal is Brooklyn born and raised. She started singing in Baptist church with mom who was a gospel singer. She performs at locales like: Jimmy's, T Bar NY, Casey's at Metro Tech, The iguana. In NJ, Ms. Atmosphere has performed at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, home of Bon Jovi and the Boss, Bruce Springsteen. Chrystal Atmosphere is a hidden treasure in LGBT community. She has performed for various promoters within the community: Tre's Promo, Exclusive Ent., Purple Diamonds, Sable Magazine, etc. Known for hosting and launch parties, grand openings, weddings, etc. We can compare her to India Arie, Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill and Roberta Flack.

	Date: Time: Venue: Admission:	08/04/2007 (SATURDAY) 12:00PM – 9:00PM Commodore Barry Park, Brooklyn, NY FREE
Special performance by Grammy Award-nominated artist, Amerie. Also featuring, Talia Coles aka "Rockstar," and Jesse O. Come join us for some fun in the park. Visit some of the great vendors and get your swirl on under the huge dance tent.
Amerie: Since her professional debut in 2002, Amerie has continued to carve out her own niche. She refuses to be relegated to any box. Singer, Songwriter, Producer, and Actress are but a few of the nouns which can be used to classify the 26 year-old beauty. Amerie was nominated for two Grammys, was the recipient of the Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year Award at the Lady of Soul Awards, received the ASCAP Soundtrack Song of the Year Award, won the Vibe Club Banga of the Year Award, and, with her exotic, striking good looks and million-dollar legs, she was named one of People Magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful of the Year. Talia Coles aka "Rockstar": The talented Talia Coles is a 23 year-old triple threat. The Singer, Dancer and Actress is the latest find from Warner Music Group A/R maven JoJo Brim, and the first artist released under his new Music Based Content Company "Busy Signal." A gifted writer, Talia has lent her pen to such producers and artists as LL Cool J, Musiq Soulchild, Teddy Riley, Peedy Wheatstraw and Midi Mafia. "I'm great at picking up an artist’s energy and channeling it. When I write I like to become the artist. It helps me to keep them in their zone," says Talia. Brim echoes that sentiment. "I've never worked with any artist that could literally pick up the vibe of another artist so quickly. Talia can jump right in after just spending a little bit of time with them. I believe that her ability to adapt is going to make her a special and sought after writer." Tori Fixx: The multi-talented force known as Tori Fixx is taking the Dance and Hip-Hop music scene by storm with his irresistibly catchy songs, his unique blend of musical genres, and show stopping performances. This Minneapolis native grew up with the likes of 80's Pop, the infamous "Minneapolis sound" and Chicago House music (which inspired him to learn to DJ at a young age). By the mid 90's he landed his first major gig as "personal DJ" for Prince before migrating west to spin all throughout Hawaii and California. It was there, in San Francisco, where he teamed up with a local hip-hop collective called the Rainbow Flava Soundsytem and furthered his skills and name as an up and coming producer and recording artist who has since recieved widespread critical acclaim from such magazines as NEWSWEEK, OUT MAGAZINE, THE ADVOCATE, and a host of others. Jesse O: Outmusic Award nominated recording artist Jesse O has opened for Sean Paul, Kelis, and Lil’ Mo. He’s graced the stages of notable venues like Webster Hall and the Cutting Room. He’s been featured in Next magazine and his music can be heard on various radio programs including Pink Mafia Radio, Rutgers University Radio, and The Lab Radio. This year Jesse released his feel-good love anthem “I Think I’m Falling in Love” with Twist/Columbia. Born in Ghana, West Africa and raised in the Bronx, Jesse has a refreshing sound that incorporates pop, R&B, hip-hop, reggae, and tribal rhythms.

Event:
Date:
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Venue:
Admission:
BOYS VS. MEN
08/04/2007 (SATURDAY)
12:00PM – 2:00PM
Brooklyn Marriott, 333 Adams St, Brooklyn, NY
FREE

Details: BOYS VS. MEN which one have you been dating?
Refreshments will be served.
www.derricklbriggs.com | www.youtube.com/dlbbco

Event:
Date:
Time:
Venue:
Admission:
Bruthas on the Edge
08/04/2007 (SATURDAY)
12:00PM – 2:00PM
Brooklyn Marriott, 333 Adams St, Brooklyn, NY
FREE

Details: Candid dialogue about race, sex and kink with special guest panelists including artist Belasco; sexologist Dr. Herukhuti; adult performer turned entrepreneur Ty Lattimore; and acclaimed author John Keene. Facilitated by Steven G. Fullwood, and sponsored by GMAD and Safer+Saner.
For more info, contact: info@safersaner.org

	Date: Time: Venue: Admission:	08/05/2007 (SUNDAY) 12:00PM – 10:00PM Jacob Riis Park, Brooklyn, NY FREE
Special performances by multi-platinum recording artist, Cece Peniston and the infamous, Shorty Roc. Events: Hot Body Contest, Celebrity Singing, Swimming Cece Peniston: Multi-platinum recording artist, Cece Peniston, is headed back to the top of the charts. With several #1 Billboard hits, Finally, We Got a Love Thang, and Keep On Walkin', Cece has continually delivered hit after hit. CeCe has been bestowed numerous awards including: Billboard Best New Artist & Best New Song of The Year, ASCAP Song of The Year & Pop Songwriter of The Year & Most Performed Song of The Year, Annual Winter Music Conference's Best New Dance Artist & Best Dance Artist Solo & Best 12" Dance Record, BMI Urban Award of Achievement. CeCe also has been a member of ASCAP since 1991 and has been successfully running her own production and publishing companies for many years. Shorty Roc: Shorty Roc burst on the scene in 2003 with his underground smash “Ten Gay Commandments”, his rendition of the classic DJ Premiere produced Biggie joint “Ten Crack Commandments”. He took his music to the streets with the banger and performed at clubs such as, Langston’s, The Legendary Warehouse, The Clubhouse, and Sunday Nights at The Lab, gaining underground praise for his street delivery, catchy punch lines and his heavy performance along the way. He has put out at an initial mix tape called, “The Mixtape: Jackin’ Beats”, which he put hot flows on top of some of the hottest hits, which made its way through the NY gay circuit. Topics ranged from the troubles of dating, society, and the growing rate of HIV and AIDS. Shorty Roc has participated in numerous festivals including the famous “Peace Out East”, the annual music arts festival of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer hip hop artists, activists, fans and supporters in New York City. Other festival appearances include the 2007 Brooklyn Pride, the “Peace Out South” in Atlanta, 2006 Philadelphia Black Pride, and Memphis Black Pride to name a few. Other notable performances include a showcase at the legendary “Nuyorican Poets Café”, POCC 2006 family day in Commodore Park, and a listening party sponsored by GMAD (Gay Men of African Descent). Shorty Roc is also being featured in a documentary titled “Homophobia in Hip Hop”, which is currently being screened at college campuses across the country. Shorty Roc has just released “Personal”, his first full length CD of original material. It is available on both CD Baby and ITunes. The CD contains the controversial track “Rappers Delight” in which he ponders whether big-name rappers "get down." (Objects of speculation and adoration in this case include 50 Cent, Snoop, Ja Rule, and Ludacris.) He plans to promote “Personal” through performances including festivals, professional appearances and the Midwest dates that are a part of the Fall swing of the HomoRevolution Tour. Shorty Roc believes his purpose is to talk to the Community about issues in their lifestyle such as, safe sex, dating, troubles with society, and pride for self. His long term goal is to cross over as a hip hop artist, regardless of sexual orientation.

	Christopher Adams		Ocean Morriset
	Kevin F. Allen		William Lee Newton
	Samiya Bashir		Dwight O’Neal
	`Charly Dominguez`		Robert E. Penn
	Stalin Espinal		Vanessa Reyes
	Delphine Fawundu-Buford		Ignacio G. Rivera
	Tish Hyman		Pamela Sneed
	Maurice Jamal		Tangarae
	Nathan James		Maurice Townes
	Michael Lynch		Nadirah Willoughby
	Monalisa Mc Combs		Akil Wingate
	`Diedra "Deepa Soul" Meredith`

BlackOUT Art Series - Special Presentations:
The HERE TV network will be previewing two episodes of the outstanding series, DL Chronicles with a Q&A session!

Written and Directed by Quincy Lanear and Deondray Gossett, this
award-winning and provocative series tells the stories of men of color who,
by consequence and by choice, live sexually duplicitous and secret
lifestyles. Narrated by an aspiring journalist authoring a book about "the
Down Low," the anthology series explores the issues of betrayal, denial,
sexual discovery, love and loss. DL Chronicles airs nationally on the HERE
TV network and is currently the only original Black gay series in production
on US television.

SERIES SYNOPSIS:

Episode 1: Robert is a closeted talent agent who enjoys a brief flirtation
with Austin, a hot health food store manager twenty years his junior. By
chance, the two men meet again in a sex chatroom. Robert has never slept
with the same man twice, but Austin convinces him to take it slow, and the
two men begin dating. Robert falls hard for his new boyfriend, but when the
truth is revealed about their relationship, Robert lets his shame get in the
way of his budding romance.

Episode 2: Boo- We meet Boo- an ex-convict, a mooch, and a player who lives
his life on the DL. His girlfriend is fed up with Boo's cheating and kicks
him to the curb. Boo's mother tells him it's time to settle down, but Boo is
unfazed and continues having sex with multiple partners. But when shocking
news rattles Boo, he is forced to reconsider his reckless life on the DL.
Will Boo grow up and take responsibility for his actions?

Christopher Adams is a writer and educator who has been published in Essence Magazine, Shooting Star Review, Cybersocket Web Magazine, and Art and Understanding. Following the legacy of Baldwin and Michael Eric Dyson, he has become a recent contributor to GBMNews.com. In addition to cultural criticism, he is turning his gaze to young adult fiction, inspired by the students he's taught in Los Angeles and New York City.

Kevin F. Allen is a native of Starkville, Mississippi and a graduate of Mississippi State University, Kevin uses his strong sales / marketing and advertising talents as he creates explosive marketing strategies to distribute films. “A marketing strategy is the backbone of every company whether it’s IBM’s new line of products or an independent film company’s new release, the same principles must be applied.” Juggling multiple advertising projects concurrently, Kevin’s passion drives him to success. He enjoys the dynamics of creating specific audience approaches in the marketing and advertising phase of releasing films. As a former on-air personality and producer of a FM talk show and having a successful record in launching creative advertising projects on time and within a three million dollar budget; the entertainment industry is truly where Kevin has found his passion. As one of the leading Actors of The CLOSET, Kevin enjoys being in front of the camera as much as he enjoys developing strategic marketing and distribution plans.

Samiya Bashir is the author of Where the Apple Falls: poems, a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award, editor of Best Black Women's Erotica 2 and co-editor of Role Call: A Generational Anthology of Social & Political Black Literature & Art. Her poetry, stories, articles, essays and editorial work have been featured in numerous publications including: Bum Rush the Page: A Def Poetry Jam, Callaloo, Obsidian III, Cave Canem #7, Other Countries: Voices Rising, Poetry For The People: A Revolutionary Blueprint, Contemporary American Women Poets, Best Lesbian Erotica 03, The San Francisco Bay Guardian, Ms. Magazine, Essence, Black Issues Book Review, Curve, Vibe, Seventeen, XXL, Lambda Book Report, The American Journal of Public Health. Samiya is a founding organizer and board member of Fire & Ink: A Writers Festival for GLBT People of African Descent, a board member of the National Black Justice Coalition, and a fellow of Cave Canem: African American Poetry Workshop/Retreat. Her work has been reprinted internationally and she has read her poetry to audiences across the U.S. and in Europe.

Cheryl Boyce-Taylor was born in Trinidad and raised in New York City, Cheryl Boyce-Taylor, is a poet and teaching artist. The author of three volumes of poetry, Raw Air, Night When Moon Follows, and her latest work Convincing the Body. Boyce-Taylor currently teaches poetry to sixth graders for Urban Word NYC.Check her web site at www.cherylboycetaylor.com for more information.

Charly Dominguez, 26 years old, Queer, Black, Dominican Artist and Activist. Born in Harlem, NYC. Director of the IGNITE Project, an artistic collective for queer people of color. His visual work, primarily mixed-media paintings are influenced by Afro-Caribbean spirituality, Graffiti, and animations of queer urban personalities. Both a drag king and queen, he expresses his idea of gender by portraying many of the personalities he witnessed growing up in the city, in the gay community, and in the house ball scene. This year, his collection of works entitled My Walk 4 U, are images representing figures for specific categories, spectators engaging in banter, and expressing the competition (good, bad, and ugly) of the House Ball Scene. Also showing some NAPPY & KINKY pieces, staying in theme with this year’s Blackout art series. He represents the legendary House of MIYAKE-MUGLER.

Stalin Espinal was born in Santo Domingo WI in 1988 . He immigrated to the
United States in 1990 when he was 2 years old and his family settled in
Williamsburg Brooklyn. As a child he always loved to draw and remembers how
fondly his father would welcome him home with his artwork. As time goes on
Stalin the artist has changed . He has received encouragement from his
friends and peers . He sees his art as often focusing on dark fantasy, the
occult and spirituality, many of pieces of his work show little color.Stalin is interested in attending college where he plans to study
illustration and h e sees his work now as a stepping stone to bigger and
better things. He hopes that matures along with his work son that what is
already meaningful will be even more so.

Delphine Fawundu-Buford has been a photographer for over 15 years and is among the 'young lions' of Black photography. Her work has been exhibited and collected nationally and internationally by institutions like Museum of Contemporary Art of University of São Paulo, the International Center of Photography, the Anacostia Museum in Washington, DC and most notably the Brooklyn Museum of Art where her photograph, Patiently Waiting, graced the cover of the catalog-book of the "Committed to the Image" exhibition. She recently traveled to New Orleans as a Gulf Coast Fellow with the National Association of Black Journalists. Visit Delphine Fawundu-Buford on the web at www.delphinefawundu.com

Tish Hyman was born and raised in The Bronx. Tish began as a battle rapper at age 10. Although she began singing at age 6, Hip-Hop music heavily influenced her
and next thing you know she was battling all over the city streets. By age 16 ,
Tish was a seasoned performer already showcasing at local BX clubs. Her
Her first show was actually alongside: Fat Joe, Cuban Link, Fat Man Scoop,
Ivy Queen and her group “NEMESIS” Katana and Mahogany Red. At age 20
Tish had already performed at :Joe’s Pub, Knitting Factory, S.O.B.S’, Soul Café, Neuyorican Poetry café, Crash mansion, The Core, Downtime, Stay and Pyramid

Now at age 24 Tish is a seasoned performer, engineer, songwriter and singer.
If you listen to her current album “Listen2tish” you’ll be reminded of Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot, R Kelly, Mary j Blige, Amy Winehouse and Neyo. Her Single
“Puff it to the Sky” is an energetic, catchy and positive record that expresses Tish’s
outlook on what to do when the going gets rough. Puff it to the Sky – meaning take
a breath and think in a high tension situation. With her sense of rap meets singing style ,Tish is definitely a sharp needle in the haystack of unsigned artists and a must do for bookers all over the city.

Maurice Jamal is the groundbreaking actor/director/writer whose work continues to draw commercial audiences, achieve critical acclaim and break boundaries. His first film, THE SKI TRIP made history as the first Black, gay film to air on US television. The film reached over 20 million viewers as an integral part of the LOGO Network. His second film, DIRTY LAUNDRY swept film festivals across the globe and is the first Black, gay film to achieve national theatrical distribution. It is being distributed by Codeblack Entertainment and FOX Pictures this October 2007. Up next: The eagerly anticipated adaptation of the novel, B-BOY BLUES by James Earl Hardy!

A Shakespearean trained actor, Maurice Jamal worked on stages across the country before relocating to Brooklyn in 2001, to work as an actor and spoken word artist. In five short years, he went from unknown poet and actor to one of the most influential young, gay artists in the country. He has appeared in OUT, THE ADVOCATE, BLACK ENTERPRISE and JET Magazines. He has also been regularly featured on AOL Black Voices. Mr. Jamal was one of the first openly gay black actors to appear on TV as part of the smash hit Chappelle's Show. He returns to his TV roots this fall with the mocu-dramedy FABULOUS and his long-awaited THE SKI TRIP TV series.

Nathan James is the bestselling author of In His Court, The Devil’s Details, the critically acclaimed short stories Enchanted Morning, Ten Days, and the upcoming novels Check Ride and Archipelago. According to Y.Mas, Publisher of SUCCUMB Magazine, Nathan James has been selected to receive the 2007 SUCCUMB Magazine PRIDE Literary Award because “he is one of the most important up and coming literary figures in contemporary America.” In addtion to SUCCUMB Magazine, Mr. James also contributes regularly to other regional and national newspapers and magazines. Mr. James resides in New York City. For bookings or media inquiries, please contact Y. Mas, PR Agent, at (973) 986-8771. Visit the Nathan James website at www.nathanjamesonline.com

Michael Lynch started his career at the age of 14 with the 1972 NYSF production of Derek Walcott's "Tyjean and his Brothers." The original Mineshaft's production of Doric Wilson's "Street Theater" about the Stone Wall riot's of 1969. Michael has worked with the Ridiculous Theater Company, Peter Brooks' International Center for Theater Research, and starred in the critically acclaimed underground gay-urban film "Chocolate Babies". He appeared in Cindy Lauper's all-drag remake of the hit song "Girls Just Want To Have Fun." Michael has written two plays "About Face - Gay, Black and From The Bronx." And "No Fats No Fems-A World of Exclusion." As a singer he has song internationally with the group Hot Peaches, A gay political
theatrical troop where he sings the music Jimmy Camicia. There he met Steve Kaufman Who after he broke from the group has now been working together for
the last ten years.

Michael is also a featured soloist on the new soundtrack of Jim Rado's "Billy Earth" a Pre-Broadway Musical which is a Sequel to the musical "Hair".

Monalisa Mc Combs is the producer and director of "Being Proud Black & LGBT in America." Her soul purpose of creating such a film is to show people, who are gay, lesbian and people of color, young or old, all over the world. That it is “ok “to be who you are and still be loved by GOD”. But most importantly to show that being SLG dose not categorize you as a walking, flaming sap, or a women who wants to be a man or to look like one, and to clear the myth that being LGBT is a choice and that this community is made up of sexually promiscuous freaks.

Being Proud Black & LGBT in America is a documentary which deals with African-Americans who are living in their truth as proud LGBT people. The base of this documentary tells the world that they are no longer hiding “or” ashamed of who they choose to love.

Diedra "Deepa Soul" Meredith, Executive Director of OUTmusic the Alliance for Openly LGBT Recording Artist and Performers will be the host of the spoken
word and music segments of our Pride In The City "Black OUT Artists Series".
Deepa Soul is an accomplished Billboard Chart Topping Recording Artist and
Activist who hails from New Orleans, La. now residing in Brooklyn,NY. Her
last single "As I Am", produced by the legendary Superstar DJ/Producer
Junior Vasquez claimed the #1 Breakout record on the Billboard Dance
Charts, claiming the HOT SHOT DEBUT, and the POWER PICK all in consecutive
weeks,making its way to the #4 spot with the Pussycat Dolls holding the #1
spot.

People of Color in Crisis would like to thank Ms. Meredith for her technical assistance support in the organization of the BlackOut Art Series for Pride in the City 2007.

Ocean Morisset is a Haitian-American, self-taught photographer based in New York. He specializes in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, with special emphasis on people representing the African Diaspora. For POCC's BlackOut Arts Series 2007, Ocean presents I Am, We Are: Portraits of the Black Gay Community. This exhibition represents a small portion of a larger body of work from Ocean's ongoing project, documenting the many facets of the Black Gay Community. Ocean states, "As a black gay man, I think it's critical to record and preserve our own history. Through my photography, I want to create the footpath for future generations of black gay men and women. They need to know that we lived and we loved."

When Ocean is not shooting picture stories, he explores and develops his eye while shooting fine art male nudes, and still life subjects. In June of this year, Ocean's male nude photography was published in the fifth volume of BLACK, The African Male Nude In Art And Photography by Janssen Publishers out of South Africa. This fall, Ocean's male nudes will grace the pages of Pascal Baetens, NUDE Photography The Art and Craft, published by London's largest publishing house, Dorling Kindersley (DK).

You may view more of Ocean's work at:http://brothaluvacafe.blogspot.com, www.omorisset.myexpose.com, www.musecube.com/nycphotographer
Contact: spiritus1@aol.com

William Lee Newton has been dancing since childhood. His work with the following companies has brought him to the blackout art series today: William has worked with Gallman’s dance Theatre of Newark NJ, among others. He has also danced with the recording artists Boy George, and Barbara Tucker. He has performed in nightclubs both in Europe and the United States most notably the Ministry of Sound and Heaven both based in London. At this time, he is the featured soloist for the Morgan Scott Ballet.

Dwight O’Neal has gone far beyond the realm of breaking the stereo types that are naturally given to a “Model”. Beginning his career as a successful model, now an actor, fashion entrepreneur, director, writer, producer and an overachiever has allowed him to begin to leave his mark on the fashion, theatrical, television and film industry. O’Neal started writing and directing at an early age, working on stage and film projects such as “Oh Help Me Lord,” “Promise Camp Positive News 4 U”, and “How to Make An American Teenage Quilt.” After production on these projects wrapped he decided to pursue his onscreen career and master his skills through furthering his education. Having been educated at “The American Musical and Dramatic Academy,” has enabled him to buff his talents to near perfection. Being blessed to write an advice column in “Teen People Magazine,” opened his eyes to his ability to assist young people with issues they face. After completing this opportunity that he was blessed with, O’Neal decided that he would return to writing and directing by taking on the challenge of creating and producing young GLBT answer to issues they face and entertainment… Christopher Street -The Series. During the beginning stages of creating Christopher Street -The Series, he worked with modeling and talent agencies, as “Allen O’Neal”, from coast to coast such as Images Model Management, Model Management Group, and Buchwald Talent Group and this allowed his dream of being a professional working entertainer to become a reality. When seen on stage in "A Love Like Damien," on the big screen in Columbia Pictures “Hitch," commercials for television (World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), TV Land, Comedy Central), and in the new Independent Series Christopher Street its obvious that he has what it takes to succeed as a performer. With all these opportunities we can only expect for him to remain on top of the fast pace industry.

Robert E. Penn is a writer and filmmaker. New York State Council on the Arts awarded Robert a 2005/2006 Individual Artist Grant in Film and Video/New Media Technologies. Tribeca Film Festival selected his screenplay, Sahara Son, as finalist in its 2006 All Access Program. Learn more about it at www.unionsquarewest.com. Robert’s writing appears in numerous anthologies, including Voices Rising (2007) Freedom in this Village, (2005) and Children of the Dream (1999). Robert is the author of The Gay Men’s Wellness Guide, Henry Holt & Co., 1998.

Vanessa Reyes is an artist and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Vanessa R. Designs, a marriage of her creativity and business savvy. Vanessa has an extensive education in art and design. She began to formally study art at age fourteen when she was accepted to the La Guardia High School of Music and Art and the Performing Arts. She also attended classes at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. From there Vanessa went on to study at the Parsons School of Design, and earned her bachelors in 2001. Most recently Vanessa graduated from the Urban Glass, Bead Project program where she learned to work with glass to make beads and jewelry. While glass presents a completely new way of working for Vanessa, she has “fallen in love” with it. Vanessa is very excited about what the future holds for her and her business.

Ignacio G. Rivera is a Queer, Trans, Multi-Gendered Black Boricua, community organizer, lecturer and consultant. He is also a poet /performance artist and self proclaimed sex educator. Ignacio's consulting and organizing work specializes in racial, class and economic justice issues, multi-issue framework and cultural competency.As a sex educator, he is the founder of Poly Patao Productions; which is dedicated to producing sex-positive workshops, performance pieces, play parties, panel discussions, teach-ins, social/political groups and educational opportunities that are specially geared toward queer women, transgender, multi-gender, gender-queer, gender non-conforming and gender variant folks of color. The film he presents to BOAS is called "Crossing" directed and edited by H.P. Comings.

Pamela Sneed is a New York based poet, performer, writer and actress. She has been featured in the New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, The Source, Time Out, Bomb, Next, MetroSource, Blue,VIBE, HX, Karl Lagerfeld’s “Off The Record,” on the cover of New York Magazine, and in the PBS documentary "Black Artists Changing America." She is the author of "Imagine Being More Afraid of Freedom Than Slavery," published by Henry Holt in April 1998. She is a professor of Speech and Theater at Long Island University. Her current publications include work in “110 Stories,” New York Writes After Sept 11,” “Brown Sugar,” an anthology of Black Erotica,”Role Call” and “ Voices Rising, The Other Countries Journal.” She is the author of the forthcoming manuscripts, “America Ain’t Ready,“ and a novel, Motherland or Chitlin Chimichanga."

Tangarae: Brooklyn, New York: home to The Notorious B.I.G., Foxy Brown, Jay-Z, Lil Kim and Fabolous to name a few. It’s a place where the streets get great and the greats get greater. Mix tapes are pumped through this area like blood pumping into the heart; making it the main artery to the New York music scene. Brooklyn can lift you and it can drop you. Industry moguls are bred here with determination, street smarts and tons of ambition. A new triple threat has emerged from these same streets. Enter Hip-hop and R&B sensation, Tangarae!

Tangarae, born and raised in the East New York section of Brooklyn grew up with her sister in a single parent home where she honed her skills without realization. “Instead of reading (a book), I would sing the words to my sister. Sometimes I would even record when I did it. I was kind of impressed with the sound so I would do it all the time.” Grade school proved to be the turning point in her life by becoming the forum in which she chose and accepted her destiny and honed her skills.

After creating a strong fan base through school talent shows and even performing in the 1998 McDonalds Gospel Fest, she set her sights on New York City’s open mic scene. During her first open mic, she was asked for her stage name. “I looked over at the bar and saw ‘Tanquery’ and I went with it. He looked interested to see what I was going to do being that I was the only girl performing.” Once again she stood out in the crowd, won the show that night and proved herself ready for the stage. She created the name Tangarae, inspired by the one she used that night. “The name always keeps people interested. I want people to wonder."

Now, at the age of 23, she is an accomplished singer and songwriter with over 100 songs under her belt and countless compilations with dozens of artists. She’s now expanding on her repertoire by adding her twist to the music she grew up loving. “I like to call it Hip Rock; R&B with a rock undertone. I am going to continue to work hard at bringing this new era of music to a new light”. In my opinion, Tangarae is already the new light in this thing called Hip-hop.

Maurice Townes is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and a graduate of Frostburg State College, where he gave the mid-day news daily at FM-WFWM, Maurice finds the challenges of directing and developing pictures to be quite similar to the development of software applications. “Large scale software projects are very similar to film projects. The key to organization is being determined to lead the team to completion and ultimately to success.” Having a strong passion for the film industry and a proven track record with the broadcast release of several corporate commercial spots, the release of The CLOSET, an episodic drama series, which aired on Q Television Network with an excellent Neilson Rating Score, the release of Deceptions, a documentary series which has been screened in several cities via the Human Rights Campaign, in addition footage has been provided to several broadcasted series/documentaries, as well as, creating and releasing over twenty-three software products, four being global, Maurice is determined to provide audiences with films that have thought provoking themes and volatile subject matters. Maurice is very familiar with managing multiple tasks and enjoys it; while attending the Broadcasting School of Maryland he interned as a News Producer / Anchor with WMAR-TV and also maintained a successful management position with Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) in Woodlawn, Maryland. Maurice uses his time management skills as the foundation to success within the fast pace of the media entertainment industry.

Nadirah Willoughby is a native New Yorker and graduate from the Professional Performing Arts School in New York along with Alicia Keys, Nina sky and many more, has studied singing, arranging, acting, modeling, dancing, and the piano since childhood. In her past few years she has been privileged to work with, Whitney Houston, 112, Damon Brantly, and many other up and coming artists. She’s been a part of three major off -Broadway plays, a hip hop multimedia musical “Katrina, a whole lotta water”, the Socrates rewrite play version of thesmo “Thesmaphoria”, and “Colors”

Along side with singing Nadirah models for top shelf models and has worked with Machelle Donat, and Peter Max and campaigned for Personal Affairs clothing company in New York and Germany.

Nadirah’s Venues include: The Groove, Latin quarters, Mr.Babingtons, Soul Café, The Sugar Bar, SOBS’, Stay, Pyramid

Now at age 23, Nadirah is putting her focus on modeling and Recording her first CD. Nadirah is definitely a well seasoned performer you want to perform at any venue…at every venue.

Akil Wingate is a powerhouse singer-songwriter and recording artist who does double duty in the US and France. He has collaborated with the likes of DJ Reverb (Peter Gabriel's protege), Duane Harden, Julien Creance, David Guetta, Roni Size and numerous others. His live show which has been seen in Tunisia, Korea, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the US, is sure to work audiences into a frenzy. He calls it, "one part inspiration, one part sensation, one part gyration, and one part temptation."