A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

FAMU 2016 William Hearst Visiting Professional 
I have to SHOUT OUT WENDY WILLIAMS for taking time out of her busy schedule (in preps for NEW SEASON: now back as of this week) to say HI and offer words of WISDOM to two of my FAMU mentees: Alexis Lockhart and Steven Byrd-Pitts – both Senior, Public Relations Majors at FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communications. They are in town for NYC Fashion Week…and I am hosting them (and curating opportunities) for these #HBCUScholars while they are in town. It’s been quite a whirlwind of fashion shows...and go-and-come-sees! LOL!Plus, LIFE OF RILEY plucked from our rolodex to create special moments and meetings for the kids – including WENDY and several others who Alexis and Steven got to see and/or contact during (and even after) their time here - shaping their own rolodexes to help carve out their respective career starts. The list is endless of folks who referred; responded; relayed...but I'm going to try to THANK a few who went above and beyond: supermodel Veronica Webb; Miss Jessie's Co-Founder, CEO, and Creative Director Miko Branch; Emmy-award-winning correspondent at GMA, Mara Schiavocampo; Tony-award-winning producer Randolph Sturrup (FAMU grad and Executive Producer of ASPiRE TV's new docu-series about 6 HBCU alums living in NYC - including my nephew Herman Riley III, rep'ing for our alma mater Morehouse); Fashion/Theater/Event Producer Carl Nelson ("Drums Along The Hudson");  international model  and Beyonce leading man from the video “Irreplaceable”, Bobby Roache; Creative Director Mykel Cortez Smith; Fashion producer/talent representative Ron Smith; celebrity stylist June Ambrose (who was at the TOP of Alexis and Steven's WISH-LIST); designer Edwing D’Angelo (and his publicist Michelle Pascal); Wendy's amazing stylist Memsor (who also let the kids follow him to a Fashion Week Presentation); entertainment publicists Theo Perry, Morehouse brother Trevor Julien (who arranged for Basketball Wives Laura Govan to share her style tips with the FAMU scholars), and Tagan Lee & Associates' Tagan Lee; digital diva Marcia Cole;  NBCBLK’s Amber Payne; entertainment journalist Alicia Quarles; New York Times’ Nikita Stewart Henderson; and many more! Though I’m a proud Morehouse Man, I consider it a total honor that Dean of Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communications, Dr. Ann Wead Kimbrough, has added me to its impressive roster of 2016 William Hearst Visiting Professionals. I am third in a series of outstanding media professionals who bring value to the rich teaching within FAMU’s SJGC.This is an encore partnership with FAMU's SJGC. I was invited to Keynote its NABJ Multimedia Short Course a couple of years ago. Thanks young folks...and Dean Kimbrough!

Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Disney

 

So LIFE OF RILEY knew and teased, but now I can SCREAM IT FROM THE RAFTERS - especially now that the artwork is soon to be released: my FAV NEPHEW Herman Lee Riley III is a cast-mate in docu-series THE GRADUATES NYC – a new show that will chronicle the NYC LIVING of HBCU ALUMS in the MILLENNIAL SET! COMING THIS FALL!!!! My nephew hails from our alma mater Morehouse College while each of the other cast members are alums of other #HBCUs. The digital show will also air on ASPIRE during the halftime of the live HBCU football games on ASPiRE. Check out ASPIRE.TV for episodes and more information! CONGRATS NOOT! SO PROUD! Here’s a PREVIEW: http://www.aspire.tv/videos/the-graduates-new-series-preview/. Esteemed Broadway producer Randolph Sturrup ("A Streetcar Named Desire", "The Trip to Bountiful" and "Eclipsed") and seasoned TV News exec Keith Michael Brown are producing this project along with Al Roker Productions. So, these kids are in great hands! Special THANKS to Herman and Randolph for making time for my #HBCUscholars from #FAMU: Alexis Lockhart and Steven Michael Byrd-Pitts.

 

 

#LIFEOFRILEY #PETTYCASHNYC #HERMANLRILEYIII #HLRIII #THEGRADUATES #ASPIRE #ASPIRETV Coming this Fall... Stay tuned! #ASPiRE #HBCUpride #MorehouseCollege

THIS IS LOVING

Shout out to Tagan Lee & Associates who always make sure LIFE OF RILEY is IN THE HOUSE for AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES! Was a panelist alongside journalist and friend Alicia Quarles for a Q&A that was moderated by NBCBLK's Amber Payne for an INVITATION ONLY influencer/tastemaker screening of Focus Features film LOVING, which comes out in November!

This much-buzzed about film tells the story of Loving v. Virginia, a Supreme Court decision that makes it legal to marry between races. One of my most recent assignments for "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" captured Richard Pryor's daughter Rain Pryor - referencing her parents' marriage (Her mother is a white Jewish woman) and what that was like four years after the ruling:

http://www.wherearetheynow.buzz/richard-pryors-daughter-describes-the-racism-her-family-endured. I'm excited one of my FAMU mentees Steven Byrd Pitts joined me for the special occasion in Tribeca as well as MISS JESSIE's Co-Founder, CEO, and Creative Director Miko Branch.

ABOUT THE FILM LOVING: From acclaimed writer/director Jeff Nichols, Loving celebrates the real-life courage and commitment of an interracial couple, Richard and Mildred Loving (portrayed by Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga), who married and then spent the next nine years fighting for the right to live as a family in their hometown. Their civil rights case, Loving v. Virginia, went all the way to the Supreme Court, which in 1967 reaffirmed the very foundation of the right to marry - and their love story has become an inspiration to couples ever since. Loving will open form Focus Features in theaters in select cities on November 4, and will expand across the country later in November.

Watch the trailer for LOVING

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33g-ZHBQdNU

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KENDRA FOSTER

So excited that Creative Director and friend Mykel C. Smith invited my FAMU mentee Steven Michael Byrd-Pitts out to celebrate close out of Fashion Week…and the celebration of the September 2016 Style Issue #21 of W42ST. FAMU’s own Kendra Foster – Grammy-award-winning singer songwriter – performed brilliantly! Ant has adored her music all Summer 2016! And so nice to connect two RATTLERS! Steven and Kendra had a LOVE FEST over their college in common! Cloak & Dagger brought the music…and it was great to wrap a wonderful week! Ant, Steven, and I capped night off with some KARAOKE at RADIO STAR before calling it a night! I’ll be next working with these students on managing their follow ups – so they can stay engaged with the many mentors they met and so they can begin to shape up steps towards starting their post-graduate careers. THANKS TO ALL who were so kind to the young #HBCUscholars from #FAMU #SJGC.

 

STEPS at URBAN WORLD FILM FESTIVAL

The Shaquille-O’neal/Michael Baumgartner Executive-Produced Steps screened at Newark International Film Festival to an enthusiastic audience! Thanks everyone for all your love and support of STEPS...and my character "Rudy", my film debut.Next up: UrbanWorld Film Festival.COME WITNESS the MAGIC!
Get tickets: http://www.urbanworld.org/2016/steps (Scroll to bottom of page) Like our Page on facebook StepsUrbanworld Film Festival
Use our Hashtags
#stepsthemovie.info 
#UWFF (twitter/IG/FB)
#UW20. http://newarkiff.com/. $10.00. #stepsthemovie.info www.stepsthemovie.info

 

XSCAPE PUERTO RICO 2017

...as I update LIFE OF RILEY, I'm watching Monifah Carter and the R&B Divas: Atlanta on TV One’s SUNDAY Marathon, I’m reminded to remind you to join Monifah Carter, more, and me for my new Memorial Day Weekend tradition: Xscape Puerto Rico 2017 - LGBT Arts & Culture Music Festival!

  HUSAIN

 

Motown May's Grand Finale WINNER at "Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley" is one of my nearest and dearest brother friends. Since his win got him on the Motown the Musical on Broadway stage, I have to see him everywhere he performs. So, Fashion Week weekend, we made time to see him at Silvana in Harlem. HUSAIN ROCKS - including his first single "Summer Rain".

AN EARLY THANKSGIVING

An early Thanksgiving welcoming Ant back to NYC was most welcomed by him as it has been a difficult summer, shaken life-changingly with the loss of his amazing dad. We are so grateful to our New York City fam who stem from our roots in Savannah and Denver; school daze; NABJ; and LIFE! We shout out Mario, Nikita, Brian, Ern, and Lamoh for this meal, prepared in LOVE and with all of the ingredients to lift Ant's and my spirits up! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! #SoBlessed #Ourcurrentsituation

 

 

 

PRESIDENT OBAMA: MY MOREHOUSE BROTHER

Scheduling wouldn’t have me down in Atlanta at my alma mater as our President of the United States became a Morehouse brother.

Still, I sure felt like I was there as so many of my brethren and friends in attendance gifted me with the best play-by-play. There or not, what a proud day in the Life of Riley… and in THE WORLD! Shout out to BFF Elise Durham, Morehouse College’s Media Relations Manager who served as the primary liaison between my alma mater and The White House in preparing for this historic undertaking! CONGRATS, ELISE! And a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to mother of my Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts: Dr. Anne Wimbush Watts, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of English at Morehouse who is leaving THE HOUSE (after 43 years) for her own new chapter.  Morehouse College unveiled an oil portrait of Dr. Anne W. Watts at Baccalaureate the day prior to Commencement. CONGRATULATIONS, DR. WATTS! MUCH DESERVED!

 

 

Won't HE do it? HAPPY TO CALL MYSELF MOREHOUSE MAN, hear!? Oh! And MOREHOUSE uncle!

 

SCANDAL

 Obviously, I was well-represented there while my own MOREHOUSE mystique was showing up elsewhere in the world - including THE PHILADELPHIA SUN:  http://www.philasun.com/news/4252/38/The-OMG-Show-Scandal-has-kicked-the-political-soap-opera-up-a-notch.html Shout out to writer/reporter Denise Clay for including some of my pop culture analysis in her The Philadelphia Sunday SUN cover story on the Scandal phenomenon. It reminded me that I shared a sweet moment recently in New York City with the hit show’s star Kerry Washington whose fabulosity went out to 9.1 million viewers for its finale the other night. NABJ brethren Roland Martin is also quoted. The ratings for the season finale hit an all-time high of 9.1 million viewers.

DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON

And while – through the rain - President Obama was speaking words of service, responsibility, and daring to the Universe’s 500 or so NEW MOREHOUSE MEN, I – through the rain – was hosting the main stage (afternoon shift) at Drums Along The Hudson: a Native American Festival and Multicultural Celebration - the afternoon of which I hosted (My friend, news anchor Sandra Bookman with WABC-TV, hosted the earlier part of the day, which included honors to Deborah Harvey-Koenigsberger.

(Deborah is Founder/President of Hearts of Gold charity to which I introduced Remy Martin, a sponsor for one of her recent fundraisers: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/11/19/golden-hearts.html);

Grammy-award-wnining singer/songwriter Joanne Shenandoah (Oneida); and author Doug George (Mohawk). "The rain is for the flowers! It'll only make us GROW," I exclaimed (a la Miss Ross Central Park circa '83) to the many who braved the stormy weather to enjoy live performances on the main stage. I got to introduce some awesome acts - including Kotchenga African Dance Company; Saung Budaya Indonesian Dance Group; and Samuel Le Heananff Quartet. And our girlfriend, artist Cynthia Bergos, and Ant (as his artist name Akhenaten) displayed their art for the attendees. Ant sold one of his Egyptian-inspired pieces: "Radiant Thinker" (2013 Egyptian Pop Series: Acrylic on raw canvas 3 x 2.5) 2013 - SOLD). This transaction turned one art patron's rainy day SUNNY! Congrats Ant! Shout out to my friends Frankie Edozien, Ed Roebuck, Matt Morgan, and many others who came out to support me. But primarily we were ALL there to support the cause and the creator and producer of the 11-year-old brainchild, Carl Nelson.

Good job, Carl!

COMING UP: BROADWAY INSPIRATIONAL VOICES – Sunday, June 2nd

I have several friends who are in and/or associated with the Broadway Inspirational Voices – including Miss Kimberly Jajuan who introduced me to the dynamic group! I’m so excited they’ve given me permission to share with you word on their upcoming  concert: Sunday June 2nd at First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem. THAT’S RIGHT! YOU HEARD IT HEAR (from the group’s fab press release): The Grammy-Nominated Broadway Inspirational Voices “Expect the Great” June 2^nd: Creator Michael McElroy (TONY nomination, BIG RIVER) will lead The Broadway Inspirational Voices in their 3rd Annual Spring concert to create an evening of hope, joy, and inspiration.  With members representing such shows as Motown: The Musical, The Lion King, Wicked, Spiderman, The Book of Mormon, Annie, Kinky Boots, and many more, “Expect the Great” will include a wide array of inspirational repertoire, including a few original pieces by McElroy. The one-night-only concert will be held on June 2nd at 7pm st at 8pm at the First Corinthian Baptist Church, located at 1912 7th Ave at 116th St.  Tickets are priced from $10-$100 and can be purchased by visiting: www.smarttix.com. A portion of the proceeds from this concert will go to BIV’s Educational Outreach Program.  BIV members participate in these outreach programs to provide music to children in need.  Through their music and community driven work, BIV is committed to providing children access to high quality and engaging music arts programs and resources. Broadway Inspirational Voices was originally founded by McElroy in 1994 as the Broadway Gospel Choir and in 1999 was reincarnated to its current form. In addition to numerous concerts, the group has performed on “The Rosie O’Donnell Christmas Special,” Broadway Sings Elton John, The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation Benefit, and The 2000 Tony Awards. The Broadway Inspirational Voices second album Great Joy: A Gospel Christmas was released on Sh-K-Boom Records in 2003 and received a Grammy Award nomination.”

BLACK GIRLS ROCK AND BURY THE RATCHET  – Tuesday, June 4th

International DJ and Black Girls Rock Founder and Executive Director, Beverly Bond  will present the Brooklyn community services human spirit award to Michaela angela Davis on Tuesday, June 4, 2013. You should come out and bear witness to two dynamic women and then some. The Brooklyn Community Services will host its annual BCS Human Spirit Awards at the Grand Hyatt-Manhattan Ballroom this year. I’ve been asked to join its host committee and to invite as many of you to get in on this wonderful cause as possible. In addition to Michaela, BCS will honor another cultural leader who too calls Brooklyn his home: award-winning artist, Danny Simmons, will join other honorees in a ceremony that celebrates individuals who through their vision, leadership, service and generosity have built a lasting impression on both culture and community. The Human Spirit Awards is the annual fundraising dinner for BCS that highlights individuals, groups and programs that have made lifting up the lives of Brooklynites their call to action.  Last year's gala raised $500,000 and provided vital resources to support BCS's mission to strengthen families, help children and youth reach their full potential, and support adults in leading productive, fulfilling lives.  Proceeds from this year's online and silent auction will support efforts to provide continued relief to victims of Hurricane Sandy in Coney Island: http://bit.ly/ZVFgLS. #humanspirit2013

FRIENDS

CONGRATS to dear friend, fine artist Taha Clayton on his latest project: "Round Zero", an Exhibition of Paintings by Tim Okamura, Jerome Lagarrigue, Taha Clayton, & Joseph Adolphe in NY! We got to check out "Round Zero," a fine art exhibition, featuring Taha and crew at the Art Director’s Club in Manhattan.

Tim Okamura, Jerome Lagarrigue, Taha Clayton and Joseph Adolphe exhibited their latest work in a boxing-themed collection curated by Dexter Wimberly. The exhibition also served as the culmination of more than two years of documentation of these artists' creative journey by film-maker Jeff Martini, for an upcoming feature entitled "HEAVYWEIGHTPAINT," a segment of which was shot at the events. A portion of proceeds went to the Brotherhood / Sister Sol, a Harlem-based youth organization.  Artworks created by students from "Bro/Sis" were also on display at the event. (http://heavyweightpaint.com/)  and (http://www.brotherhood-sistersol.org)

Afterwards, we all gathered to toast my Nichole who is getting ready to embark on a fun journey of reinvention and relocation. Stay tuned! WE LOVE YOU, NICHOLE…

and of course, you and I are together forever – no matter where we are geographically.

Happy birthday to BFF Tommie Porter – husband of Mara Schiavocampo.

We all gathered in Harlem to toast Tommie;

enjoy cake and champagne; and – as always – to have a good time!

Shout out to my NABJ buddy Alicia Quarles – E! Entertainment News’ own!

She was standing next to me the opening night of "Motown: The Musical" - covering for E! News (as chronicled by my lens when I wasn't otherwise occupied).

She did the same when she wasn't busy and forwarded me some of the good ones while we awaited Tommie's arrival.

In addition to the highlight video of my work which you can check out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ, Alicia got some shots that were coming in from a whole other angle of which I wasn't aware.

Great shots, Alicia! 

EVEN MISS ROSS walking away...

THANK YOU!

GOING TO THE CHAPEL?

Not yet. But ‘the law’ and ‘public opinion’ seem to be getting us closer to my choosing to have that option everyday. Whenever I'm approached to speak on something personally controversial, I get a butterfly in my belly (at risk of hurting someone's feelings or not wanting to rock the boat), but shout out to NBC News Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo for asking... and the many who have validated my thoughts and heart! As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! http://thegrio.com/2012/05/21/does-the-naacp-gay-marriage-resolution-matter-to-black-america/ I’m looking forward to sharing more published works (inside my brand: ‘pop culture’ & ‘possibilities’) that explore even more aspects of this ever-evolving topic in America.

WENDY 500

Also: shout out to Mara Schiavocampo on her Wendy Williams' profile which ran recently on WEEKEND TODAY: http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/47486415! A BFF and a recurring client make beautiful TV together! HOW YOU DOIN'? XO And as small worlds get smaller, we all were under one roof for WENDY’s celebration of 500 SHOWS! The ELEMENT was the back-drop for the celebration that toasted shows done and the many more to come. Was great to attend with Mara given she’d just profiled Wendy and had justquoted me in a Grio (www.grio.com) piece. I considered it a double honor to have contributed (as freelance field producer) to some of those shows: (1) http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/10/24/british-virgin-islands/
(2) http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/10/26/british-virgin-islands-food (3) http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/12/16/family-dollar-holiday-dash/ (4) Black History Month with "My Black Is Beautiful" (Proctor & Gamble): http://www.wendyshow.com/MyBlackIsBeautiful/. Many friends, colleagues, and society associates were in the house – including: NABJ brother (recently SNL’d) Stephen A. Smith; Mecca Moore (Publicist and Associate Publisher of Pynk Magazine) [who I saw just the night prior with friend Devon Johnson (Publisher of Bleu and Pynk Magazine) at the NYC Premiere of L.A. Hair); Priya Scoggins (designer and producer/personality); Musa Jackson; Tonya Lee (Writer and wife of Spike Lee); Spencer Means (NYC realtor for the stars); Carlton Jared Lockett (Jones Magazine); Chastity Saunders (Avenue Pink); etc. Before we came to the party, Ant and I got to FINALLY give Mara and her husband Tommie’s Nina her “1st Magic Kingdom swag”: a Minnie Mouse bib! She instantly LOVED it! After the ‘Wendy’ set, we got in a little karaoke for kicks at BOHO KARAOKE on the Lower East Side, and look who we ran into? Our NABJ sister and fellow journalist extraordinaire Lola Ogunnaike who was getting her karaoke on, she says, for the first time! I LOVE KARAOKE (and NYC even more)! CONGRATS WENDY WILLIAMS & TEAM! Hardest working team I've seen of late... in the BIZ-NESS!

NYABJ

Mara and I also recently attended the New York Association of Black Journalists' 24th Annual Scholarship & Awards Ceremony together. The event was held at The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center (and the competition which had a finalist prize for Beyonce and Essence) was SOLD OUT! While minding my business on projects with recurring clients BET and The Links, Incorporated (in casual, but kinda' transitional rags), my NABJ BFF Mara Schiavocampo called with an 11th hour invitation to escort her (and as a result, I got to wish her hubby and my dear friend Tommie Porter a Happy Birthday when I went to pick her up [One of his gifts: Babysitting Nina while mom handled her NABJ Regional Director duties]). We sat at the NBC table, but this precursor to the NABJ Annual Convention (which is next month in New Orleans) gave me the chance to see so many of my NABJ family - including: NYABJ President Mike Feeney; Dwight Oestricher; Associated Press' Sonya Ross; GSABJ sister Henrietta Parker; PSABJ's Sarah Glover; former NYABJ Prez (under whom I served two terms at VP-Broadcast before serving as Region 1 Director some years back) Robin Stone; APOLLO's Nina Flowers; NBC/The Grio's David Wilson; PR icon Terrie Williams; Newscorp's Manny Smith; NYABJ budy Lynette Vallasco; my sometimes co-host for "Drums Along The Hudson", Tetiana Anderson; co-hosts for the night, Pat Battle and Shannon Lanier; my ESSENCE friends Constance White (Editor-in-Chief); Emil Wilbekin; and so many others friends - old and new. NYABJ's Eric Tait also saluted the life and career of our recently departed Gil Noble. GREAT NIGHT!

LA HAIR

Shout out to @WEtvPr @WEtv @135stagency @KimbleHairCare @pynkmag & @bleumagazine @devonisbleu Great times at the NYC Dinner Premiere of WE TV’s new L.A. HAIR (http://www.wetv.com/shows/la-hair) – starring Kim Kimble who I had the chance to produce a few years back (100 HAIRCUTS in 48 HOURS). She was quite a JOY…and so is her show. 135th Street Agency invited me out to PRANNA (www.prannarestaurant.com) to dine on a wonderful array of Modern Southeast Asian Cooking + Cocktails. And we got a sneak-peek of the very entertaining new addition to WE’s line-up of new, WOMEN-centric reality fare – including ‘The Braxtons: Family Values’ & ‘Mary Mary’. Also, check out video from Kimble’s recent press events in New York and Atlanta:

 

·         “L.A. Hair” at NY Press Dinner – http://youtu.be/pIK7D9Qdd3c

 

·         “L.A. Hair” in ATL - http://youtu.be/hM7RjDE32xU

 

‘L.A. Hair’ premieres TOMORROW (Thurs, May 31st) at 10pm ET/PT on WE tv. Visit the show online at http://www.wetv.com/shows/la-hair. #LAHair

 

ASK CHLOE

 

I recently shouted out Chloe Hilliard (Editorial Director, www.TheLoop21.com) who I’ve known since she was 15, a student in the New York Association of Black Journalists’ High School Journalism Workshop for which I was an instructor (and co-director). I always knew she’d be a journalism star, maybe pro B-Ball player (And when last we were together, she was a panelist on a Q&A talk back I moderated with the cast of "Stick Fly"). But she’s now ADDITIONALLY working her magic as a stand-up comic. And she is now sharing her expert advice with the masses via her new web series. Here’s a sample:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhOm65kW1y0 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8mk7yy_GGw. If you have a question that needs expert advice submit them here: www.www.Blog.ChloeHilliard.com/ASK.

 

DEAR OLD MOREHOUSE! 20 YEARS!

 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150827567113737.405858.662073736&type=1&l=53e2228d5c Just back from my 20-YEAR REUNION at Morehouse College! What an AWESOME weekend with my Savannah BFFs Natalie Palmer & Latecia Engram! My friends since childhood! While in ATL, I got to see my sister Janice; dear friend Carla Jackson; and so many others – from Michael K. Watts to Elise Durham to Jamahl L. King to Darian Trotter and a host of others. See so many of the pix that I could not include here:https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150827567113737.405858.662073736&type=3&l=53e2228d5c

PROJECT 1 VOICE 2012

I’ve been asked to read stage direction in one act of a historic NYC reading – featuring an impressive cast that includes: Tony royalty Lillias White; Adriane Lennox; and many more! IT'S YEAR TWO OF: PROJECT 1 VOICE! http://www.project1voice.org/ Shout out to Erich McMillan-McCall, visionary and founder of Project 1 Voice (http://youtu.be/Je-I7sGHKvA).  I’ve blogged about it: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/project-1-voice.  Was in last year’s SAVE-THE-DATE campaign: http://youtu.be/3hCSTtQNsyQ. It’s a day where you can take part in ensuring that funding keeps our black theaters open and vital. This initiative was created last year to bring attention to black theater companies. On June 18, theater companies and groups across the country will stage readings of “The Amen Corner,” James Baldwin’s 1954 work that looks at the role of the church in black communities. Last year’s reading of Alice Childress’ “Trouble in Mind” featured performances by Andre De Shields, Leslie Uggams, Peter Coyote, La Chanze, John Mahoney and many others across the country. PLEASE BE SURE TO COME OUT! http://www.project1voice.org/. Special shout out to Marcia Pendelton and Morehouse brother Charles Reese! How many of our Tri State area Alumni of Morehouse/Spelman along with other HBCUers on board will join us. Also: please don't forget to pick up your copy of the book version of James Baldwin A Soul On Fire. Available at Amazon. Visit www.jamesbaldwinasoulonfire.com. That’s Mr. Reese’s labor of love. SYNERGIES ABOUND!

 

Hi folks,

Spelman College Museum of Fine Art has partnered with my blog "A Day in the Life of Riley: Pop Culture & Possibilities" in the promotion of “Undercover: Performing and Transforming Black Female Identities,” an original exhibition on view through December 5, 2009. As a Morehouse Man, I consider this collaboration with my 'sister alma mater' a total honor.

The exhibit 'Undercover' (detailed in the attached documents) examines the social implications of race, gender, and disguise. And the Museum emphasizes works by and about women of the African Diaspora (and well-known, mid-career, and emerging artists are a part of this exhibit - detailed in the attached documents).

But to put some POP in the effort, the marketing team sought me out to ask some CELEBRITIES and FRIENDS in my social network (and representatives of CELEBRITIES and FRIENDS in my social network) some questions - the responses of which we can sprinkle in my blog and on the exhibit's website.

AND ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS REPLY TO THE FOLLOWING VIA THIS EMAIL (Nothing formal. Just your answers... and any elaboration you choose to share):

1. WHO IS YOUR ALTER EGO?

2. WHY?

3. IN YOUR OPINION, WHICH AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN HAVE THE BEST (OR MOST COMPELLING) ALTER EGOS?

4. PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING:

 NAME

 AGE <optional>

 CURRENT PROJECT(S)

 MAILING ADDRESS

 EMAIL ADDRESS

 PHONE NUMBER

With Chris Rock's "Good Hair", Disney's upcoming African American Princess Tiana ("The Princess and the Frog"), Mattel's new line of Black Barbies, it's clear that Black women are guiding and monitoring themselves throughout the world in a number of image-altering ways. With that, we want some feedback from you... and to see how ALTER EGOs show up in your life and the lives of the women we LOVE and ADMIRE - artistically, in reality, or both. 

If you have any pointed questions, please email me at patarack@hotmail.com and/or patarack_riley@yahoo.com. If it's easier for us to talk about it on the phone, don't hesitate to call me at 201.965.7250. 

And once I put my entries together for my blog or the exhibit's website, I'll be sure to send you the link.

I look forward to receiving your answers as soon as possible. I will begin to get these responses out to the site(s) by FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23rd and they will continue to run through DECEMBER.

THANKS - as always - for your support!

Patrick L. Riley

A Day In "The Life Of Riley"

"A Day in the Life of Riley: Pop Culture & Possibilities"

=======================================================

 

 

Key Museum Events/Dates: 

- Thurs., Sept. 10, 6:00pm  Opening of Exhibition 

 

- Thurs., Oct. 22, 2:30pm   Conversation w/Artist Renèe Cox and Art historian Lisa  

Farrington, Ph.D. @ Spelman Museum 

 

- Thurs., Oct. 22, 7:00pm   Artist Lecture: Renèe Cox (Atlanta Celebrates Photography,  

Spelman Women's Research and Resource Center, High Museum) 

at High Museum of Art, Hill auditorium 

 

- Wed., Nov. 4, 4:00pm Undercover Open House  @ Spelman Museum 

 

- Thurs., Nov. 10, 6:30pm   Deep Cover: An Interactive Gallery Walk with exhibition  

Curators Andrea Barnwell Brownlee, Ph.D. and Karen Comer Lowe 

 

- Wed., Dec. 10, 6:30pm   Closing Reception  

 

Links: 

View "Undercover" mini-tour on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEzcKXSLuLo  

Follow us on Twitter@spelmanmuseum 

Become a Fan on Facebook 

Learn more at www.spelmanmuseum.org

ACP Artists lecture 10/22 - http://festivalguide.acpinfo.org/listings/view/374

 

Reviews: 

1) Arts Critic Catherine Fox’s Blog in ArtscriticATL http://artsatl.typepad.com/artscriticatl/page/3/ 

2) Meghan Norman’s Review and Commentary Blog in Burnaway.org http://ow.ly/rnqM 

 

 

As you know, I've been on the road for work. NYC/NJ is my home and that’s where my man Ant is. He came from our home in NYC/NJ to see me (bearing gifts: new disposable camera. See pix! SMILE!). I couldn't stop posing!

Best friend since 7^th grade, Ern, came too. We had a great weekend all around - from the moment they landed. This weekend gave me the chance to reconnect with Ern’s cousin Adolpha, who is in the business as well (working for Fantasia’s reality show now in addition to her work as a screenwriter and stand-up comic). She took Ern and me to O Bar in West Hollywood the night prior to Ant’s arrival (after Ern and I did lunch at “Roscoe’s Chicken ‘n Waffles”). Adolpha and her husband Nyk took Ern and me to Casablanca, a restaurant with 300-types of tequilas. And they invited us to Adolpha’s friend Jackie’s home in The Valley for a super fun pool party! We ate! We danced! And really enjoyed the energy of some good people! On the night Ant arrived, we met up with Ern and Adolpha at a spot in Santa Monica called Air Conditioned.

We went to my girlfriend Sidra's Downtown L.A. pad for rooftop swimming and brunch. Tony and Scott joined us there along with Ern.

My friend Curtis threw a Diana-Ross-themed house party with every Ross-rarity you could ask for. “Eyebrow King” Damone Roberts and his partner Ramon were in the house as well as our Tony & Scott. Curtis (and his brother Walter) were truly the hosts with the most – weaving all things Ross (from the 60s through to the new millennium). And we're talking rare videos, CDs, and glorious artwork well-appointed throughout their lovely home. There will be many-a-follow-up in the coming weeks. Thanks Curtis! Friend to Friend.

On Sunday of the weekend, Ant – an artist – and I got to meet up with my Morehouse brother Redic at his art gallery Eclectic Order which will be holding its Grassroots Grand Opening in a few weeks (inclusive of fine art, great new music from Redic – also a singer/songwriter, and T-shirts that come from Redic’s clothing line). He’s such the talented “Renaissance Man”! I’m so proud to have discovered his talent freshman week at Morehouse (I was a Senior – assigned to cast the Freshman Week talent show. I booked Redic along with four other voices to make a group ‘Just Us” (they called themselves). This way, more of them could make the cut and have their talents be heard. And beyond that first week of school, I managed to book them a handful more times before the year was done. And look at him now!!!! WOW! This is the same talent show in which I cast Rockmond Dunbar, freshman as well, to do a monologue for the masses. He went on to do his thing. Okay????? And he's stayed in touch over the years. I'm PROUD of my guys!!!

Then, Ant and I went to meet up with Scott, Tony, Ed, Delandis, and others at The Abbey. AWESOME WEEKEND!

Ant and I are looking at October for a return visit. Last year, we supported Sheryl Lee Ralph in booking Ledisi on her “Divas: Simply Singing” fundraiser that she does every October (For more information visit www.DivasSimplySinging.com). Well, since I’m here, we’re thinking this is a good time for us to get our visit in alongside an event.

For me to be adjusting to the West Coast (albeit temporary), I'm thrilled to have folks with Southern Hospitality showing me love: Delandis (SC) introduced me to Tony (SC) who invited me to Mickys in WeHo for the dance contest he hosts on Tuesday. Ran into another "Wicked" dancer Evereth (FL) who I met the other night. And before I knew it: We all had a lovely night! Thanks guys!

Did y'all see Whitney on GMA? (I got an 11th hour call to support her other upcoming interview but am in L.A. on assignment. Another close call to again be in Whitney’s presence but so far away...). New voice. Old voice. I'm sure rooting for Whitney and LOVE a comeback!

And since I don't have BET in my temp digs, what did y'all think of "Frankie & Neffe" - Episode 2? HOLLA! They are still kicking butt in the ratings as they did my own butt during the time I spent field producing them over five weeks in Atlanta. MAN DOWN!!!! CODE 10!!!!!