| POETRY CURRENTS | |
WINTER DOINGS IN DENVER: KWANZAA & IYANLA VANZANT
Denver's poetry scene has been busy over the winter months. Brother Jeff's Cultural Center & Café hosted the opening of Kwanzaa which featured poetry, Kwanzaa traditions in line with the principle of Unity and much more. Brother Jeff is working with the literary community to create a host of literary events that are both educational and affordable for all. The Hue-man Experience Bookstore hosted a wonderful series of speakers and writers this winter. Iyanla Vanzant was one of those writers. I was fortunate to have the honor of interviewing this NAACP Image Award winning creative non-fiction writer. Iyanla is an incredible creative spirit. During our interview, Iyanla said, “I get letters from young writers all the time asking me what the secret is to being a success. Just be a vessel, I tell them. That's what I am, a vessel for the creative words of God.” She encourages young writers to make time to write, to affirm their creative gifts through speaking and never to give up. Denver embraced this best-selling author with love and light.
HUE-MAN EXPERIENCE EVENTS
Hue-man will be hosting ongoing workshops in writing and publishing throughout the year, as well as featuring accomplished writers and poets for book signings and lectures. February will be an especially hot month with writers like Tananarive Due, author of The Black Rose, the story of Madame C.J. Walker, the first Black woman millionaire, and many others. Call 303.293.2665 for more information about events at The Hue-Man Experience Bookstore.
SLAMMING & SHOWING AT CAFE NUBA
Cafe Nuba, “It's Hot & It's Black,” hosted a poetry slam for Kwanzaa that was standing room only. They are gearing up for the 2nd Annual Reel/Real Black: Pan African Film & Arts Festival which features film, poetry, art and other literary activities. For information contact Ashara Ekundayo at 303.291.1077. This year's event promises to be off the hook! Sister Ashara is planning to bring in some creative giants in the film arts and literary beatnik scene. Come one, come all and bring a friend. Ashara is also looking for volunteers, who will get discounts on film screenings, special events and other private showings. Keep the Black Arts Movement alive in Denver!
EVENTS CALENDAR FROM BROTHER JEFF'S
The following listings are courtesy of Brother Jeff's Cultural Center & Café:
- Saturday 1/27: Danny Glover will be at Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs performing “An Evening with Langston & Martin,” 8 pm. Call 719.262.3275 for information.
- Saturday 2/10: The Pre-Big 12 Summit/Step/Slam. African-American high school and college students from across the state will meet in Denver to network, dialogue, and learn more about issues facing them in higher education. There will be workshops throughout the day moderated by some of the state’s finest Black student advocates, advisors and educators. Call for more information, 303.297.0823.
- Saturday 2/10: “Who Brings It?!” Step Show and Talent Competition at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, 119 Park Avenue West. Do you have talent? Can you bring a crowd to its knees? Calling all singers, comedians, dancers, poets, rappers, and anybody else who brings it. Call 303.297.0823 for more details. This will be another sold-out event so order your tickets today. The audience decides the winners so bring the noise! $10/ticket.
- Ongoing: Black Inkwell Writers Group, a support group and workshop club for new and established writers, meets Saturdays at 6 pm sharp, at Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center & Café, 2836 Welton Street. Join now and become a founding member.
HATS OFF
The Carnations Literary Arts Group has adopted a Manual High School graduate, taking on the task of supporting her while she attends UNC Greeley.
DON'T MISS OUT
Production is now underway for Brother Jeff’s Annual Business & Community Guide 2001-2002. If your organization or business would like to be included in this year’s publication, or if you have ideas for interesting community stories or articles, email brotherjeff@earthlink.net.
SOUL LOVELY
Finally, Soul Lovely, a new zine for Denver poets, is going strong. Publisher and sistahfriend Jessica continues to bring work by exceptional poets and writers to the forefront of the Denver literary scene. Jessica is a mother, a massage therapist and writer who lives in Denver. She is doing wonderful work with a women's writing group that meets on the full moon each month to write poetry, celebrate accomplishments and share creative energy underneath the stars. Submissions of poetry or short-short fiction (under 500 words) to Soul Lovely can be emailed to Patrice C. Queen, Associate Editor, ecirtap@uswest.net, or call Jessica at 303.879.1427. Get hooked up with the soul!
Peace,
