My wife and I flew down from Maryland (boy, were our arms tired) to attend Alien Encounters II in the ATL. Last year, we attended "I"; "II" did not disappoint us.
Thursday featured a very moving tribute and discussion at the Hammond's House about L.A. Banks who passed away this summer. Leslie was a phenomenal writer and overall good person. She touched a lot of lives and broke many barriers for speculative fiction writers of color.
Friday, was devoted to "Griots" with a lively panel discussion and readings featuring the authors and artists from the book. Much love goes to the Davis and Saunders dynamic duo for putting together the first Sword and Soul Anthology.
Saturday afternoon was the most informative, entertaining and inspirational lecture I have been to in years. Scholar Kevin Sipp took us on a musical journey from ancient African drummers and chants to George Clinton's Mother Ship and the Hip Hop folks via "Black Noise Navigators". Brother Sip well-presented his extensive knowledge of Black music and how it has evolved to inspire and encourage us to live "outside of our bodies" and dream the fantastic.
My only regrets were missing Sunday's events due to travel plans; but we certainly plan to attend next year's Alien Encounters III.
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