A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

As you know by now, the National Association of Black Journalists is very important to me (www.nabj.org). In large part, it's how I got my start in the business. It has continued to be the support and "annual therapy" I need via the convention. And I continue to give back as best I can - having sat on the Board and also produced and hosted big events - like last year's "Dreamgirls" preview with Jennifer Hudson.  I also Chair the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force, which allows me to do wonderful programming for an awesome organization. VEGAS is our destination this year and it's going to be a stone gas!!!! See our press release below... and look forward to my reflections next week.

Each year convention attendees look forward to the quality entertainment and social events planned by the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force. The task force offers opportunities for stimulating and engaging fellowship, as well as keeping members abreast of hot topics in the entertainment world - a world in which African-Americans play a major role as consumer and creative professionals.

On Thursday, the NABJ A&E Task Force presents a special Disney event hosted by NABJ A&E Task Force Chair Patrick L. Riley. The evening's event will culminate with a performance of Cirque du Soleil's 'Mystere.'

On Friday, please join us for the roundtable discussion "Extra Access to the TV Talent on the Inside of Entertainment", featuring a panel of African- American personalities currently hosting some of today's biggest mainstream entertainment news shows. Moderated by Shaun Robinson of 'Access Hollywood,' the panel includes Kevin Frazier ('Entertainment Tonight'), Jon Kelley and Tanika Ray (both from 'Extra'), April Woodard ('Inside Edition') and Touré (BET's 'Black Carpet'). This is sure to be an enlightening discussion.

The NABJ Film Festival allows convention attendees to view preview screenings of some of the year's biggest films - often well in advance of the general public. The screenings are followed by a Q&A session featuring filmmakers and/or actors who are available to attend. This year's film lineup is:

'Illegal Tender' - When the thugs who killed his father come looking for him, a young Latino man (Rick Gonzalez) and his mother must flee from their home. Starring Rick Gonzalez and Wanda De Jesus.

'American Gangster' - A drug lord smuggles heroin into Harlem during the 1970s by hiding the stash inside the coffins of American soldiers returning from Vietnam. Starring Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Common.

'Resurrecting the Champ' - Up-and-coming reporter (Josh Hartnett) rescues a homeless man (Champ, played by Samuel L. Jackson), only to discover that he is, in fact, a boxing legend believed to be dead. What begins as an opportunity to resurrect Champ's story and escape the shadow of his father's success, becomes a personal journey as the ambitious reporter reexamines his own life and his relationship with his family. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Alan Alda and Josh Hartnett are scheduled to attend.

For more information about the 32nd NABJ Convention & Career Fair, visit www.nabj.org.

NOTE: Members of the working press who will be covering the NABJ convention are required to obtain media credentials. As part of the process, reporters must submit a request for credentials on company letterhead signed by their supervisors. The letter must also include the specific days that the reporters will be covering the convention and the names and titles of all staff members who are requesting media credentials. A photo ID or press pass will be required for each person. For additional information on obtaining credentials, contact Kristin Palmer, NABJ Communications Manager at kpalmer@nabj.org.

I have been asked to join a social networking project for BRAND ATLANTA (www.brandatlanta.com). Basically, since my "A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY" content often includes ATLANTA references and chronicles (of my own or those in my network), the thought is that my contributing to this project (along with a number of other BLOGGERS) will be a WIN-WIN!

You can read my first blog at: http://mindblogging.typepad.com/atl/ or below:

Hi folks,
 
I'm Patrick L. Riley - an independent producer/personality/writer out of the New York City area. My blog is "A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY: POP CULTURE & POSSIBILITIES" (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com).
 
I was born in Tokyo, Japan and raised in Savannah, Georgia. I'm now in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, just outside of New York City. But through my childhood years when we'd visit Atlanta to my Morehouse-College-and-early-career years living in Georgia's capital, it always feels like home no matter how few times a visit a year or wherever I am in the world.
I'll share here the excerpted degree to which I've referenced Atlanta in "A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY" (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com) and perhaps - if you indulge [yourself] - you may be inspired to try something new from my world (when I come to Atlanta to visit my nephew at Morehouse; sister in Lithonia; a host of friends and cousins;... you get the picture. ). SMILE!
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/2/9/kiss-my-grits.html

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/2/25/my-cup-runneth-over-with-party-invites.html
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/11/3/options-image-of-the-future.html
 
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/2/18/my-funny-and-diverse-valentine.html
 http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/about-riley/
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/5/22/pop-up-media.html
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/12/29/the-12-days-of-life-of-riley-at-christmas.html

As my summer break clock counts down to "get back to work", we are still having to make choices around invitations that come our way. This week was a busy one. Anthony and I revisited Tweety's Hip Hop Dance class at Alvin Ailey where "... .a little sweat..." ALMOST "... hurt...." somebody as we double-timed our way through a routine to Beyonce's "Get Me Bodied" (www.alvinailey.org). Great workout and we plan to go back!!!!

On Tuesday, industry friend Tonya Miller, who is the founder of "Hangtags for Humanity", invited Anthony and me to a lovely event in a beautiful space, chockful of original art and elegant detailings. Before I tell you about it, I should shout out Tonya, whose not-for-profit (www.hangtagsforhumanity.com) is young and burgeoning as it creates innovative fundraising programs to further assist corporate companies, other non-profits, and social investors to reach their philanthropic goals. They make "giving" easy by utilizing all areas of consumer product brands and create new categories in the field of fashion, design, art, beauty, packaged goods and automotive. "Hangtags for Humanity" has developed successful cause-related programs for LIFEbeat, DIFFA, and MTV Staying Alive Foundation, raising well over $200,000 thus far.

There's more money to raise as she oversees the Fourth Annual "On Our Toes" in the Hamptons event, an annual summer benefit performance in which Black culture is brought to The Hamptons in impressive order. It's scheduled for Saturday, August 25 at Nova's Ark sculputure park. And the beneficiary is EVIDENCE, A DANCE COMPANY (www.evidencedance.com), which is celebrating its 21st anniversary this season. The New York City-based, nonprofit organization was founded by Choreographer and Artistic Director Ronald K. Brown, who Anthony and I had the chance to meet along with Chairman of the company's Board of Directors Reginald Van Lee, also the host of the night as enjoyed his East Side Manhattan apartment's colossal terrace which blessed us with a gorgeous, panoramic view of New York's neighboring boroughs. (I felt like George and Weezy, I tell 'ya!!!). EVIDENCE - by the way - tours annually, bringing its unique blend of African, Caribbean, modern, and social dance styles to audiences around the world. THE MISSION? Tor promote understanding of the human experience in the African Diaspora through dance and storytelling. GREAT ENTERTAINMENT! GREAT CAUSE!!!

Also in attendance was my homeboy from Savannah/Morehouse brother Jeh Williams, who during a lull in my career (about a decade ago), was so kind to me as he supported me in getting some materials I needed to further my career (copies of resumes, clips, etc.). I hadn't seen him in a year or so, but was happy to see him again. We reflected on Savannah and Morehouse, but most importantly spoke humbly of our blessings and how far we've come. It's good to run into folks who have been on the ride as long as I have sometimes as it gives me a great gauge of what ways of being really do work. LOVE, SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT, and VULNERABILITY are four traits that Jeh exudes (and that I am to live by) that push that energy forward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another industry friend who exudes such GENEROSITY as he navigates up to the figurative EAST SIDE of his career: Clarence A. Haynes (REMEMBER HIS NAME!!!). I met Clarence some years ago via the New York Association of Black Journalists (www.nyabj.org) as he began his career in a training program at Newsday. Since that time, however, he's reinvented himself a few times over. We came together again via his most recent gig as Associate Editor at Doubleday/Harlem Moon Publishing (via Random House). He worked alongside the very supportive Janet Hill, a Senior Editor (in that mix) who considered my book project (still not sold): "Big Willies & Amazing Graces: gay men and their best girlfriends". Though Clarence has segued to another tier of his career as model, actor, singer, dancer (EXHIBIT A, B, C..... ), he is still showing up supportive to me in my efforts to get this book off the ground - donating his "tough love" to give the project some feedback that may truly be its difference to get the greenlight. This, alongside booking runway show for menswear designer B. Oyama; music videos; and singing lead as Ken in a cabaret of "Ain't Misbehavin'" August 12th and August 31st in the city. STAY TUNED FOR MORE ON MY FRIEND, CLARENCE! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, CLARENCE! And THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

I met some other great folks this past week. Through my Jason (of Jason & Marqise fame. SMILE!), I spent last Wednesday evening at VOYAGE, our friend Marcos' networking event on Wednesdays. Sans our men (Marqise couldn't get to the city... and Anthony had to leave town for Denver on a family emergency), we fellowshipped and shared time with some lovely people. First, I met Robert Penn, who is an old friend of Jason. He is a great guy, who will be exhibiting at the Javits Convention Center for an "accessories" show, selling the 2007 collection of Pilgrim North America Inc.'s inventory (www.pilgrim.dk). The Danish Designer Jewelry and sunglasses are for women and men. Also that night, we met Georgianna Robertson (www.georgianna-robertson.com), Jamaican-born model/actress, perhaps most noted for her role (as the wife of Rupert Everett) in "Pret-a-Porter", the 1994 film classic that inspired the stateside "Ready to Wear". She was such a joy! (We also met her brother). We spoke of life's possibilities and what our dreams were as children. Coming from the rural parts of Port Maria, Jamaica, I asked if Georgianna and her family thought ahead to the life that she has now. She always knew she was "somebody", but says she didn't see it necessarily like this. She - of course - had the work ethic from her mother, but that she could make a living off of her looks and talent (as she studied at University)? No. As we sat and ate (off of each other's plates often), she proved sweet, smart, and open. According to the god of Fashion, Andre Leon Talley, Editor-at-Large of "Vogue", “Georgianna is one of the few with good manners and education in the business of modeling. She has a natural elegance that goes beyond the superficial cliché catwalk attitude. I was impressed when Director Robert Altman told me that he felt from Georgianna an impact on the Dior runway, a transcendental, three dimensional expression that comes from an inner confidence, strength of character and a mystery of a noble spirit.” She became the first woman of color to grace the cover of French Madame Figaro and was the third ever to have a cover shot for French Vogue. She also appeared in the international YSL Jazz cologne campaign and has been a worldwide spokesperson for Lancôme. And for that movie role, she jointly nabbed a National Board of Review Award. Other credits include Un Nero per Casa (1998, TV) and Double Zero (2004). Outside modeling and acting, 5' 11” tall Georgianna is a humanitarian and has dedicated time to charitable activities. She tutored young children while still in school and now lectures South-African kids in Manhattan on education, Aids and dignity, among other subjects. She also visited Croatian war orphans on Christmas in 1996. And a THANKS to Jason for pointing Georgianna out and creating such a wonderful evening.

Another strong, Black woman I want you to know is: my friend Marcia Pendelton. Though I couldn't  be with her to see her in action, she was on stage at the Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts (LIU Brooklyn Campus, Dekalb and Flatbush Avenues) in We Are The Ones We've Been Waiting For. The performances are the culminating events of Urban Bush Women Dance Company's Summer Institute. Normally, Marcia --- theater and arts marketing/audience development guru --- is working behind-the-scenes on programs, events, and performances. "Not this time..." as she writes in her invitation. She participated in a 10-day journey about arts and activism. During that time, she danced, laughed, cried and engaged in the creative process with over 50 people from across the United States and the United Kingdom. Their ages ranged from late teens to mid-fifties. What shows up at the end of this moment in time is an amazing original production. It is great edu-tainment and lots of fun for all. For more details on the Urban Bush Women, the Institute and We Are The Ones We've Been Waiting For, visit www.urbanbushwomen.org. or call 718.398.4537. CONGRATS MARCIA! SO PROUD OF YOU!

 

This weekend, too, is a time for PRIDE in many beautiful, same-gender-loving African American men and women -- all of whom are right now gathered at Riis Beach in Brooklyn for one of the final activities on the four-day PRIDE IN THE CITY NYC 2007 agenda (www.prideinthecity.com). I was able to participate with the People of Color in Crisis, Inc.'s opening on Thursday (www.pocc.org). There, I saw many of my friends and associates honored for their good deeds as MEN, but incidentally GAY BLACK MEN. After a trip to MOSHOOD [www.afrikanspirit.com/] (for my summer fashion pick-up) and a light bite of Cuban fare and margaritas at the Habana Outpost across the street (www.ecoeatery.com), I dragged my good, STRAIGHT girlfriends to this event to school them on the POWER of my community. Of course, these gals, CAMILLE and JAIME, know "the kids" all too well, but I thought this would be something good for us all to share. We basked in the inspirational testimonials of Emil Wilbekin who received the "National Vanguard Aard through Journalism"; Patrik Ian-Polk who received the "Outstanding Achievement in Film & Television" for his work with "Punks" and "Noah's Arc", which we now know is coming back to the big screen. A full-length feature based on the hit series is going to be shot this year and out next year. Meanwhile, the DVDs - Season 1 and Season 2 - are doing very well. (www.noahsarc.net/). Maurice Jamal, director of "Dirty Laundry", presented this award to Patrik in addition to hosting (with comic brilliance) the entire evening. He too will begin work on his next film "B Boy Blues" (www.bboybluesthemovie.com/) and reminds me there's a cameo awaiting me when shooting begins.

My friend Sean Johnson who virtually runs BET-J received the "Arts and Entertainment Award" for his contributions to the business. And known as the party planner with the MOST, David Watkins --- known for his Icon Media company --- received the "Lifetime Achievement Award". So many others were honored, but I didn't want this entry to go by without acknowledging a few of them - my friends and people I admire who are like me and MOVIN' ON UP...

As of last Friday, it didn't look like my update was going to provide more than Anthony and me joining friends Jamar, Natasha, Camille, Jamie, and Cynthia for Chipotle (www.chipotle.com/) --- our new McDonald's corporation-owned fast-food favorite (with Margarita to boot) and a movie: "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry" (www.chuckandlarry.com/), which I enjoyed (at least, the part during which I was awake). Then, fast forward to today, when I attend a play that reminds me: "... Life is a careless whisper that we all take for granted...". And as I look back at the week, I want to make sure I don't take for granted the many blessings and people with whom I came into contact. Each moment is worth mentioning.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, Ern invited Anthony, his friend Tina and her friend Nikki to Chinatown for massages at Chinatown Wellness Center (www.cwcherbs.com). I'm still feeling the impact of my masseur's strong hand in my chest TODAY. But it was thorough and a nice treat. From there, Anthony and I rushed up to Harlem to connect with one of my sister Janice's best friends Aquilla Thomas and her husband Irving. Our plan was to give them a quick, nickel tour of Harlem - from my favorite boutique N Harlem (www.nharlemnewyork.com/) to men's grooming salon BBraxton (www.bbraxton.com/) to our dining hangout Ginger (www.gingerexpress.com). Of course, when I share New York City through my eyes with guests who are virtually family to me, I want everything to be perfect. The trip to N proved beneficial to Aquilla and her husband. We got great T-shirts and moments out of my friend Murphy's shop Harlemmade (www.harlemade.com). But my normally reliable Ginger where I am always guaranteed a wonderful experience (despite its sometimes serving challenges) proved the disappointment. Still, we all managed to make sure the feedback regarding our experience landed where it needed to and we got a laugh. Keep HOPE Alive!

After we completed our time with Aquilla and her husband, Anthony and I joined his Momentum team (www.momentumeducation.com) at a fabulous New York City club: 230 Fifth Avenue (www.230fifthave.com/), a rooftop space atop the former New York Market Center near Madison Square. Every well-known New York City skyscraper, including the Empire State Building, is looming behind you. The ocassion? It was Anthony's team-mate Laurencia's birthday party and we sure had a good time. From there, we hit our karaoke spot for kicks (www.karaoke17.com).

SUNDAY

Anthony, Camille, Jamie, and I joined many of our friends for buddy Derrick's birthday party at SHRINE (http://www.shrinenyc.com/index.php) or (http://myspace.com/sundaysatshrine).  This uptown dance party is for people who want a soulful, spiritual dance alternative. Sundays at Shrine is designed for Men and Women who enjoy soulful house, Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae. An eclectic blend of sexy people, music, percussionists and uplifting vibes. Craig puts it on... and folks who attend really seem to enjoy.

MONDAY

On this night, Anthony and I got the chance to share a special, landmark moment with his Momentum teammate Liz Murray, whose inspiring story was turned into a cable movie on Lifetime (www.lifetimetv.com/movies/info/move3222.html). Her image via this movie is suspended way up high on the windows of the Marriott Marquis in Times Square as part of a human rights campaign. Wikipedia reports: Murray was born in the Bronx, New York, to poor, drug-addicted, HIV-infected parents. She became homeless at age 15, when her mother died, and her father moved to a homeless shelter. Murray's life turned around when she began attending the Humanities Preparatory School in Greenwich Village. Though she started high school later than most students, and remained without a stable home, Murray graduated in only two years. She was awarded a New York Times scholarship for needy students and accepted into Harvard for the fall of 2000. Murray's life was the subject of the 2003 Emmy-nominated Lifetime TV movie Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story, of which Murray was the co-executive producer. Actress Thora Birch played Murray, and Murray played a cameo role as a social worker. Murray's memoir, Breaking Night, was published by Hyperion Books in 2005 (ISBN 0-7868-6891-0). Murray now works as an inspirational speaker, represented by the Washington Speakers Bureau. CONGRATS LIZ! Keep PLAYING TO WIN out there!

By the way, Anthony wanted me to share with you a YOU TUBE moment he shared with me on this night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwCiIWfeGuM It's FERGIE - formerly known as Stacy Ferguson - during her adolescent heyday on Kids Incorporated (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kids_Incorporated). Currently, her big hit "Big Girls Don't Cry" is taking fans by storm (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZnWxzFMCHg). I didn't watch the show duirng his 1984 - 1993 run, but at close inspection, I got to see that neo-soul great Rahsaan Patterson was one of the show's stars and used to turn the "children" out with his super-showmanship.

THURSDAY

I've referenced singer Ledisi before (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/4/10/spring-awakenings-summertime-when-will-you-come.html). She's a spectacular singer, whose new album "Lost and Found", her VERVE debut, will be out August 28th. (www.ledisi.com/) She did a show at Southstreet Seaport and gave it her all - as usual. (I cried again on her rendition of the Beatles' "Yesterday"). Ledisi had us all captive to her spell. Because my friends Jason and Marqise are such good friends of Ledisi, I was happy to share in this moment with them. Also, good girlfriend Nicolle Munroe is a host parent to a South African girl "Pearl" with whom she attended the show as Pearl is a big fan of "Ledisi"; saw her last year; and wanted to see her again this year. Moreover, I got the chance to have dinner with them and Ledisi afterwards at Tour in Chelsea. There, Ledisi graciously and generously shared her take on the industry and her talents which she's nurturned in this industry. Jason told her I sing as well. I shared my rendering of Jennifer Holliday's "Just For A While" as well as my Maxwell's "This Woman's Work". Then, we ended up doing "Be a Lion" together (from "The Wiz"). At the end of the night, Ledisi said to me "You have such a wonderful spirit. And you can sing!!!" What a compliment from an awesome performer who is on the rise... who has been considered for parts in "The Color Purple" Broadway production (including having workshopped the 'church lady' who is currently in the show). Also, she could have been "Effie" in "Dreamgirls" as she was auditioned for the part which Jennifer Hudson took to such great heights. Ledisi's time is NOW! And the world will soon know.

FRIDAY

While Anthony took a meeting on this day, I had soup for one at the Bryant Park Grill (www.bryantpark.org/amenities/dining.php). Then, he and I reconnected and got our mani and pedi on at Spa Belles before having a snack at Dallas BBQ. This would be our armor for a commute to Patchogue, New York to see my friend Erich McMillan-McCall portray Curtis Taylor Jr. in a regional run of "Dreamgirls" (www.gatewayplayhouse.com/). Ironically, Jennifer Holliday was in Atlanta performing the same show for the National Black Arts Festival (www.atlanta.net/visitors/national_black_arts_festival.html). My friends Michael and Lee went down to see it. Cindy Herron-Braggs (of En Vogue fame) plays Deena opposite Holliday's Effie. Our Long Island version perhaps didn't carry the cache of the Hotlanta revival featuring an "original Dreamgirl", but with all the joy that the music and the show bring me, any incarnation of "Dreamgirls" is alright with me. Highlights included my Erich and Mister from "The Color Purple", Kingsley Leggs, who interpreted James Thunder Early to "soulful" effect. After the show, we joined Jason, Marqise, Troy, Darryl, and host couple Theo and Trevor for drinks and snacks in North Baldwin, New York. Always good to hang out with the boys.

SATURDAY

When Anthony got out of the shower, he saw that I was watching an episode of "Soul Train" featuring Sister Sledge from 1981, performing "My Guy". Later in the show, Kathy Sledge and David Simmons performed "All The Man That I Need", a song that would be a huge hit ten years later for Whitney Houston from her "I'm Your Baby Tonight" project. This same sighting inspired my friend Mario to send an e-mail, asking if any of the "Whitney connoisseurs" in his circle knew that this was a remake. I did. And shared with Mario and the others:

i knew. actually, over the years, clive has/had a knack  for pulling old songs that weren't huge hits before and turning them into monster hits by artists with whom he's more currently working - most notably, whitney  houston. from "saving all my love for you"  (a marilyn mccoo & billy davis original) to the more  obvious covers like dolly parton's "i will always love you"  and the four tops' "i believe in you and me", clive has pulled from old catalogues to breathe new life into  great songs that he thinks could become "creme de la creme" with the vocals of artist like whitney.  he did the same with westlife's "flying without wings",  which was a big hit for them in the U-K. given his association with 'american idol' (and signing its artists), he made that song ruben studdard's first song, after winning top honors. Ern and I got the chance to hang out with Tandi, our Savannah homegirl who too is my Spelman sister. She was in town with her freshman roommate Teri and Tandi's first cousin Jennifer - also a Spelmanite (but from the new millennium leg). I was able to call my favorite videographer James whose wife Lisa is a general manager for BR Guest  Restaurants (www.brguestrestaurants.com/). She graciously allowed for my "for six" reservation in the eleventh hour at  "Isabella's", a great spot for cuisine on the upper westside.  I just saw Tandi and my 15-year reunion from Morehouse  and it's always a pleasure to catch up with her. Afterwards,  Anthony and I enjoyed a BLEU Magazine party (www.thebleumag.com/) at Club Element.                                                    SUNDAY Come Sunday, Anthony and I had brunch at Society Cafe in Harlem. Harlem One Stop describes it as: "Society is  about people meeting, thinking, writing, talking and watching  - or simply sitting in amiable surroundings with the company  of a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, taking time out, in sips."  This, after an emotional reunion with my "Amazing Grace"  Lisa Goodnight, who was in town from Maryland for a bridal shower. Lisa is truly one of my best friends and I got so emotional as she stopped by this morning to catch  up with me and to meet Anthony for the first time. I love her dearly and am so excited to have seen her. During our time  in New Jersey, we were inseparable. Since she moved back  to Maryland three years ago, we've stayed close, but not on  each other's radars as much as we used to be.                           Anthony and I also went to  the  Eighth Annual  Midtown International Theatre Festival  (www.midtownfestival.org)  on an invitation from my friend Lamman Rucker, who is  co-starring with seven other  African American men  in Layon Gray's WEBEIME (www.myspace.com/blackgents)  or (www.myspace.com/layon gray). In this provocative piece,                     a man on death row searches his soul for inner peace  before his execution while his subconscious explores  and reflects how he arrived at this place in time. It's light-hearted and mind-numbing and heart-tugging --- all at once. Imagine my surprise, when I find out that one of the co-stars  is my Savannah homeboy Jay Jones, who was a year behind  me in high school. He calls me his "mentor"  and as he said (and reminded me when we bumped into each other before  and after the show), he did all the things that I did  - from student leadership to drama class. And look at him now. I am SO PROUD OF HIM. WEBEIME is a show I would have seen when I was  in Los Angeles late last year (Lamman invited me), but didn't  get a chance to see. I'm glad it's made its way to New York City.                      And now, it's en route to the National Black Theatre  Festival in Winston-Salem, NC (www.NBTF.org) - sharing a bill with "Miracle in Rwanda" (www.miracleinrwanda.com/). CONGRATS LAMMAN! And JAY! And - of course - the rest of the guys. Later this evening, ironically, I had a conference call with a half-dozen or so of my classmates from the Windsor Forest High School Class of 1988. We are preparing for  our 20-year reunion since graduating high school. I am reminded of the line from WEBEIME: "...life is a careless whisper that we all take for granted...".  A song that uses the prhase "Careless Whisper" (by WHAM featuring George Michael) was a big hit while  we were all in school. Like that sentiment and the hit tune, I want to acknowledge this week as one that took me on a rollercoaster ride. But how grateful am I to be able to reflect on each and every moment... with GRATITUDE!!! As Jennifer Holliday sang on the Ashford & Simpson-penned tune "This Game of Love", "With rockets shooting through  my head, round and round and round I go. I'm never coming down... from this game of love...".

 

I write this blog on July 20th, a day of infamy for my family and me as this day - in 1994 - is the day that my mother died. I plan to choose something other than sadness as a feeling today, but naturally, I can't help but channel what that day looked like; felt like; was like. I remember when the call came from my brother, alerting me he had found her breathless and that they had rushed her to the hospital. I remember having to call my sister to tell her that we needed to get it together and get on the road for a four-hour ride from Atlanta to Savannah inside of this emergency. I remember as my sister and I made it to her home in Lithonia (so she could quickly pack a bag before we got on the road), her husband Vincent and best friend Jackie coming to the car (from which I refused to move as I wanted us to get on the road as soon as possible... and hold on --- strangely --- to the possibility that Mom would be okay). From outside the car, Vincent and Jackie both were telling me to unlock the door and come in (because - though they didn't say it - it was too late). I recall reluctantly surrendering to the inevitable and agreeing to go inside my sister's home --- boxing my hand into the wall of the building structure in the stairway leading to her apartment because somehow I knew that it was too late (and once I walked into my sister's place, her shrieks and cries corroborated my worst fears). Fast forward five or so hours, I recall awaking from a grief-stricken sleep in the back of my sister's car (as her husband drove us into Savannah) and hearing The Commodores' "Jesus Is Love" playing on the radio (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7WW9uLKr0E)... and somehow feeling as protected and loved as I felt sad and victimized in the lyrics and melody of this song. My life would be forever changed and I cry today for what that loss continues to be. But I'm wiping the tears away as a smile creeps through to what GOOD THE PAST WAS... but most importantly to what TODAY is and will be as I navigate through it.

Truth be told, I have been waxing nostalgic all week long as TV-ONE (www.tvoneonline.com/) aired "ROOTS: THE NEXT GENERATIONS" - the mini-series/saga that continues the story of the family of Alex Haley from the time of  Reconstruction to Haley learning about his family history and tracing it back to Africa. (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roots:_The_Next_Generations) In addition to being moved by the telling, I was enamored of the star-studded cast - from Beah Richards to Diahann Carroll to Irene Cara to Dorian Harewood to Kim Fields. All my favorites from the '70s found their way into this mega-serial of such a compelling and heart-warming story of a family's resillience, one that I'm sure is echoed throughout the respective family trees of our own clans out there. Ruby Dee portrays Alex Haley's paternal grandmother QUEEN, which is the name of my mother (QUEEN ELIZABETH BELLINGER) and - as we should all know - just after Alex Haley died, his book on her story was released in 1993 (followed by a mini-series starring Halle Berry in the role). (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen:_The_Story_of_an_American_Family).  I know many of us have seen "ROOTS" many times (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roots_(mini-series))). For those who have seen its sequel before (likely only once), I recommend revisiting it as I truly re-discovered many things around HISTORY and POP CULTURE as I enjoyed this piece.  

Speaking of ROOTS and how important it is that we pay homage, Anthony and I went to support our Tata, whose man Jules Sawadogo, presented his collection of artwork for the first time at the The New York Art Festival (www.nyartfestival.com). The theme of the collection was inspired by his home land of Burkina Faso, West Africa (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burkina_Faso).  The New York Art Festival is sponsored by The New York International Independent Film & Video, that supports independent artist, in the Genre of Art, Film and Entertainment.  The club Pacha was the location (www.pachanyc.com/). Jules just glowed as our friends, members of their respective families, and other attendees enjoyed his first public showing of his work. I am so proud of Jules and Tata inside of the stand for her man. She takes care all of the business.  CONGRATS to you both! Anthony and I also had the opportunity to meet some great guys at the after-party, including a very handsome model/actor DA-DA who is one to watch. His childhood friends from Long Island joined him for the party. One of them, DJ LYVE and I, had a long conversation about what he does (as a DJ) and what he wants to do to expand on his brand (www.djlyve.com). More on these guys another time.

The night prior, Anthony and I went to TRACE Magazine's party: BLACK GIRLS RULE (www.trace212.com/). Though I had RSVP'd, there seemed to be a challenge at the door. Fortunately, my friends Karu (AOL/BLACK VOICES) and Kevin-Anthony (Black 2: Broadway fame) made sure those in charge knew that I needed to be on the other side of the VELVET ROPE. THANKS GUYS. As paying it forward goes, I made sure TONYA MILLER (www.hangtagsforhumanity.com) got in with her escort as - like me - she was having a challenge at the door. (By the way, Tonya graciously sent me the pix that she took of us at the BLEU PROM last month. We had a great time!!!). Once we walked in, all was well and it was great to see the mix of old friends and new, including Iman's hairstylist Q, who said some kind words to Anthony and me as he religiously reads "A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY". THANKS Q!!! He did Iman's hair for the evening and though she was leaving as we arrived, I could see fabulous hair floating pass me into a limo. Q also introduced me to one of Diddy's "glam squad" folks Vincent Oquendo (www.vmoquendo.com) - my Georgia homeboy (He's from Columbus. I'm from Savannah). He is such a warm spirit. Wanna make sure I shout him out.

Oh! And by the way, Anthony and I did go to TWEETY's hip hop dance class at Alvin Ailey Dance Company (www.alvinailey.org). And what can I say???? I still HAVE IT!!!!!! LMAO!!!!!!! It was quite the sweaty work-out, but as Beyonce says in "Get Me Bodied", "... a little sweat ain't never hurt nobody...". We learned a routine that we played with a little bit on the dancefloors of our respective outings. I'm still feeling that class in my thighs today... and think I'm gonna go back very soon. THANKS TWEETY!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What else? I'm a little scattered in my telling today... sorry! But there's lots to CELEBRATE on the MOMENTUM tip (www.momentumeducation.com). Anthony just graduated LEADERSHIP - LT 35!!!!! He is a RESPONSIBLE, AUTHENTIC, and COURAGEOUS LEADER and LOVER! I am SO PROUD of HIM!!!! And our dear friends Camille and Mario have graduated the BASIC. CAMILLE is CREATIVE, LOVING, and POWERFUL... and I know this work will help her access that in a way that will take her life (and the world) to the next LEVEL.

 

MARIO is ENROLLING, DRIVEN, and RISK-TAKING... and seeks some tools to have POWERFUL results show up in his career (and relationships). He's on his way... Just TESTIFYING a bit about this GIFT that's changed so many of our LIVES... for the BETTER! It's a GIFT for those of you still looking to explore your INFINITE POSSIBILITIES! EVERYBODY GETS TO GO!