IN THE NEWS - Forums - Blacksciencefictionsociety
2024-03-19T09:53:11Z
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/feed/category/IN+THE+NEWS
AfroFuturism Storybundle Launches
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/afrofuturism-storybundle-launches
2019-05-21T12:43:27.000Z
2019-05-21T12:43:27.000Z
Tenea D. Johnson
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/TeneaDJohnson
<div><p><br/><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2649309095,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2649309095,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710"/></a> I recently had the pleasure of curating an <a href="https://storybundle.com/scifi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AfroFuturism storybundle</a>, and a lot of great authors agreed to participate: indie, small press and established. It has work from or edited by Andrea Hairston, Nisi Shawl, Ayize Jama-Everett, Ivor Hartmann, Bill Campbell, Edward Austin Hall, Nicole Givens Kurtz, Milton Davis and yours truly. Through the magic of anthologies, there’s also N.K. Jemisin, Nnedi Okorafor, Linda Addison, Victor LaValle, Tade Thompson, Charles Saunders, Jaymee Goh, Efe Okogu–and more. I couldn’t be in better company or more humbled by it. It’s available now and for the couple of weeks with tiered pay-what-you-want pricing (starting @$5, all DRM-free ebooks). Just wanted to let you all know 'cause for real, I'd be in on this if I weren't in on this.</p><p>Also I'll be providing a window into their writing words on my blog. The first installment on AfroFuturism, the term, is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener">up now.</a></p></div>
TUNE IN TONIGHT! 2-22-19 FOR JS EMUAKPOR | JS MCBRIDE
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/tune-in-tonight-2-22-19-for-js-emuakpor-js-mcbride
2019-02-22T16:36:30.000Z
2019-02-22T16:36:30.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>TUNE IN FRIDAY 2-22-19 FOR JS EMUAKPOR | JS MCBRIDE</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">MARRIED MOTHER OF FOUR, A SCIENTIST, CO-OWNER OF MUGWUMP PRESS, LLC.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">ON GENESIS SCIENCE FICTION RADIO SHOW</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">9PM ET, 8PM CT, 7PM MT, 6PM PT</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><a href="http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/127374">www.talkshoe.com/tc/127374</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><a href="http://www.genesissciencefictionradioshow.com">www.genesissciencefictionradioshow.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/GenesisScienceFictionRadio">https://www.facebook.com/groups/GenesisScienceFictionRadio</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><a href="http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/127374" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1240002423,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" /></a></span></p>
</div>
Book of The Anointed: (Saga of the Sons) by J. Moon
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/book-of-the-anointed-saga-of-the-sons-by-j-moon
2018-05-17T16:17:22.000Z
2018-05-17T16:17:22.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><a href="http://a.co/6ItKgLi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1240001248,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Boyz N The Hood meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this</span> heartpounding <span style="font-size: 14pt;">and terrifying debut novel, that will leave you breathless until the very last page. When sixteen-year-old Jaden Davis heads out to the mall one day, he hardly expects to hear the voice of The Creator commanding him to save a baby from a man possessed by a demon. And he’s shocked to discover that he can expel that demon with just his mind. Suddenly Jaden</span> is introduced <span style="font-size: 14pt;">the secret order of the Anointed, warriors chosen by The Creator to hunt monsters that haunt us at night; such as vampires, demons,</span> shape shifting <span style="font-size: 14pt;">assassins, and</span> all devouring <span style="font-size: 14pt;">Locusts. Jaden is introduced with a vengeance when this demon returns to kill his mother. Now with the guidance of his new Shepherd, the friendship of three other Anointed, and protection from a guardian angel, he seeks to vanquish the malevolent force that destroyed his family.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 36pt;"><strong>Link:</strong> <a href="http://a.co/6ItKgLi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://a.co/6ItKgLi</a></span></p>
</div>
Jarvis Sheffield Interview With ZeroFlash!!
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/jarvis-sheffield-interview-with-zeroflash
2018-05-10T14:04:42.000Z
2018-05-10T14:04:42.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I was privileged to have an interview done with ZeroFlash.org Magazine recently.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://zeroflash.org/2018/05/10/getting-into-writing-an-interview-with-jarvis-sheffield-of-black-science-fiction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1240001090,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" class="align-full" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">LINK:<a href="https://zeroflash.org/2018/05/10/getting-into-writing-an-interview-with-jarvis-sheffield-of-black-science-fiction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://zeroflash.org/2018/05/10/getting-into-writing-an-interview-with-jarvis-sheffield-of-black-science-fiction/</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">ZeroFlash is a flash fiction competition and magazine.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The winner receives an illustration of their winning piece, a hefty £10 via Paypal, an interview with Uprising Review and an audio performance and recording of their piece.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Zero Flash is designed to publish works from some of the most creative people around; to praise and support and give a forum for discussion.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Write for the love of it and one day, as we all hope, maybe, just maybe, your work, passion</span> and <span style="font-size: 14pt;">drive will materialize into something great.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Editor: David J.Wing</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Artists-In-Residence: Sophia Johnson & Andrew Howell</span></p>
</div>
A New Sci-Fi Romance
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/a-new-adult-sci-fi-romance
2018-04-19T15:13:16.000Z
2018-04-19T15:13:16.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><strong><span style="font-size: 32pt;"><em>A New Sci-Fi </em></span> <span style="font-size: 32pt;"><em>Romance</em></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Wars-Homebound-Ursula-Sinclair-ebook/dp/B00N6W3BMI" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1240001272,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" class="align-full" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Did you ever feel as though you don't belong?</span></p>
<p><br />
Veil <span style="font-size: 18pt;">had been a step out of place all his life. Until one day he found a phone that took him on a path far beyond the world he knew. But to get all the answers he had to save the princess he fell in love with – only to lose her once he made her a queen.</span></p>
<p><br />
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Nikki never felt she quite belonged. Until she met a man who saved her life and placed her on a throne she never knew was hers. But in order to be queen and save a world at war, she had to give up Veil.</span></p>
<p><br />
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Would you walk away from the love of a lifetime if you could prevent the destruction of a planet?</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Recommended for 18+</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 36pt;"><a href="http://a.co/gNhiL7z" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Link: http://a.co/gNhiL7z</a></span></p>
</div>
Check Out Black Social!
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/check-out-black-social
2018-04-13T13:18:52.000Z
2018-04-13T13:18:52.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 36pt;"><strong>Black Social</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1240000221,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1240000221,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" class="align-full" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Black Social is a black networking app that allows local search and discovery for different types of black events, businesses, and other organizations. Connect with large or small groups, or discover the latest products, trends or content in your community. Black Social available on iOS and</span> android<span style="font-size: 14pt;">.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">iOS Link:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.blacksocial.io/">https://www.blacksocial.io/</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Droid Link:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bs.don2">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bs.don2</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
</div>
IT'S OFFICIAL! DRAGONCON NOW HAS A DIVERSITY IN FANDOM TRACK!
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/it-s-official-dragoncon-now-has-a-diversity-in-fandom-track
2018-04-06T16:01:43.000Z
2018-04-06T16:01:43.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><div class="_5x46 _1yz1 clearfix">
<div class="clearfix _5va3">
<div class="clearfix _42ef">
<div class="_5va4">
<div>
<div class="_6a _5u5j">
<div class="_6a _5u5j _6b">
<div class="_5pcp _5lel _2jyu _232_" id="feed_subtitle_1150664328:6814651502041770202">
<div class="_6a _43_1 _4f-9 _nws _21o- _fol" id="u_fetchstream_4_o">
<div class="_6a uiPopover" id="u_fetchstream_4_s" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>IT'S OFFICIAL! DRAGONCON NOW HAS A DIVERSITY IN FANDOM TRACK!</strong></span></div>
<div class="_6a uiPopover" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/DiversityInSpeculativeFiction/?fref=mentions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1240000326,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" class="align-full" /></a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" id="js_es">
<div id="id_5ac7996d256373940281169" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">I am so honored to be a part of Dragoncon! This is a great opportunity to bring together people of similar interests and beliefs from all backgrounds in a unique way. For more info check:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Facebook Group <span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
<a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/DiversityInSpeculativeFiction/?fref=mentions">https://www.facebook.com/groups/DiversityInSpeculativeFiction</a></span></span></p>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Dragoncon Website </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 24pt;"><a href="http://www.dragoncon.org/?q=diversity_track" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://www.dragoncon.org/?q=diversity_track</a></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Happy 10th Anniversary Black Science Fiction Society!!
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/happy-10th-anniversary-black-science-fiction-society
2018-03-08T18:20:36.000Z
2018-03-08T18:20:36.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 36pt;"><strong>Happy 10th Anniversary</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Black Science Fiction Society!!</strong></span></p>
<p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1240000150,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1240000150,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="424" class="align-center" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Come join us on the site and chat all day Thursday, March 8, 2018 (TODAY)</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Join us for contests and giveaways and chat with comic book artists, authors, animators and others. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Thank you for being a part of the world’s largest social network dedicated to specifically to Afrofuturism and Black Science Fiction. We will be celebrating 10 years of being online changing the game for the genre.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It’s been a great experience learning, growing and sharing with likeminded people that enjoy the world of speculative fiction in its various forms. It’s been a wonderful ride as we learn about comics, books, animation, and art from each other and help each other by not only making it but promoting it and buying from each other to form a real community.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>FREEBIES GO TO PARTICIPANTS OF THE CONTESTS!</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Throughout the day, we will be dropping questions in the forums.  The person that answers the right gets to pick from over 20 items including books, comics, movies, posters and wireless headphones and virtual reality headsets in the giveaway.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Drop in from 8:00 AM CST to 12 Midnight and take some time to see what’s going on and chat with your fellow community members.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Come join us at <a href="http://www.BlackScienceFictionSociety.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.BlackScienceFictionSociety.com</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We look forward to seeing you!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Jarvis Bernard Sheffield, M.Ed</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Community Administrator</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.BlackScienceFictionSociety.com">www.BlackScienceFictionSociety.com</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">info@BlackScienceFIctionSociety.com</span><br /></p>
</div>
Sword of the Free Graphic Novel Project
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/sword-of-the-free-graphic-novel-project
2018-03-08T15:04:48.000Z
2018-03-08T15:04:48.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><span style="font-size: 36pt;"><strong>Sword of the Free</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1529675491/sword-of-the-free" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1240000179,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="629" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">This is the historical fantasy graphic novel Sword of the Free! Follow Jin in his continuing quest to find the man called "Yasuke". Sword of the Free is a 52 page historical fantasy whose purpose is to entertain as well as expose readers to interesting points in history.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;">The story begins in 16th century Japan and follows Jin, a wandering warrior on a quest to find and confront the legendary samurai Yasuke. During his travels he makes a chance encounter with an orphaned girl that will change his life forever. Jin is a man of peace, yet the path before him is paved with blood and steel.</span></p>
<p><br />
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Thanks to great support, we were successfully funded within 72 hours, now we need more backers to help push us toward possible stretch goals.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Click Here Now:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1529675491/sword-of-the-free" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1529675491/sword-of-the-free</a></span></p>
</div>
MotionArtist Motion Comics Software On Sale For $10.00!
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/motionartist-motion-comics-software-on-sale-for-10-00
2018-03-08T14:07:21.000Z
2018-03-08T14:07:21.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/inlFByOyrZU?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Transform comics into moving interactive presentations! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>This Deal Expires March 13, 2018</strong></span></p>
<div id="v2" class="v2-form">
<div class="quantaty-wrapper">
<div class="form-control form-line"></div>
<div class="form-control form-line"></div>
<div class="form-control form-line">
<h3>MotionArtist Features<a href="http://my.smithmicro.com/motionartist-motion-comic-software.html?utm_source=smithmicro&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=motionsale20180307&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_viF1jJHp0JdE3IQOJrWnm2f5kiwupP7FoPaGl4mCZGQvdHjAoMrXYIYnyEqOj6ULr-OfeXvitUja1kYMvtXRZGSsE_w&_hsmi=61126461" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1240000191,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="260" class="align-right" /></a></h3>
<p><strong>Massive Workspace</strong><span> </span><br />
Director’s View gives you a 10,000ft view of your entire project, while Panel View lets you adjust each element of your comic to the smallest detail. Organize, storyboard, and add motion to your whole project from above.</p>
<p><strong>Motion Assist™</strong><br />
A powerful and intuitive way to add motion to your projects. Just point, click and drag your object where you want it in your timeline. Motion Assist allows beginners create advanced visual effects instantly without any animation background.</p>
<p><strong>HTML5 Interactivity<span> </span></strong><br />
Create fully interactive motion comics of your illustrations, comic and manga art. Link urls, video, audio, and images. Embed your project directly into a web page or add to existing HTML content. Create custom interactive elements to click or tap. Playback your content on most smartphones and tablet browsers.</p>
<p><strong>Presentation Mode<span> </span></strong><br />
Arrange your graphical illustrations with an automatic camera to create gripping presentations. Add HTML5 interactivity for a complete, immersive motion comic experience.</p>
<p><strong>Advanced Camera Options for 3D effects<span> </span></strong><br />
Use the advanced camera to pan, zoom and track through your images. Instantly bring your layered files to life with a smooth “Parallax” effect. Give comic pages 3D motion in seconds.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong><a href="http://my.smithmicro.com/motionartist-motion-comic-software.html?utm_source=smithmicro&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=motionsale20180307&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_viF1jJHp0JdE3IQOJrWnm2f5kiwupP7FoPaGl4mCZGQvdHjAoMrXYIYnyEqOj6ULr-OfeXvitUja1kYMvtXRZGSsE_w&_hsmi=61126461" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLICK HERE TO GET IT NOW!</a></strong></span></p>
</div>
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE SHOW BLACK MIRROR?
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/what-do-you-think-about-the-show-black-mirror
2018-01-19T16:21:58.000Z
2018-01-19T16:21:58.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p>Netflix has announced the episode titles and cast for “Black Mirror’s” fourth season, which will premiere on the streaming service later this year.</p>
<p>Since “Black Mirror” is an anthology series, each episode is designed as a standalone story. Each one explores the theme of “collective unease with the modern world,” depicting various new ways advanced technology transforms lives – from rating every interaction to uploading one’s consciousness after death to virtually live forever.</p>
<p>The episodes listed below are in alphabetical order and do not necessarily reflect the order they will be presented in when available for streaming. Series creator Charlie Brooker has written every episode of the fourth season.</p>
<p>“Arkangel” stars Rosemarie Dewitt, Brenna Harding and Owen Teague. It is directed by Jodie Foster.<br />
“Black Museum” stars Douglas Hodge, Letitia Wright and Babs Olusanmokun. It is directed by Colm McCarthy.<br />
“Crocodile” stars Andrea Riseborough, Andrew Gower and Kiran Sonia Sawar. It is directed by John Hillcoat.<br />
“Hang the DJ” stars Georgina Campbell, Joe Cole and George Blagden. It is directed by Tim Van Patten.<br />
“Metalhead” stars Maxine Peake, Jake Davies and Clint Dyer. It is directed by David Slade.<br />
“USS Callister” stars Jesse Plemons, Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson and Michaela Coel. It is directed by Toby Haynes. Brooker has co-written this episode with William Bridges.</p>
<p></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oH85obU350E?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p></p>
<p>FROM:</p>
<p><a href="http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/black-mirror-season-4-titles-cast-teaser-1202538681/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/black-mirror-season-4-titles-cast-teaser-1202538681/</a></p>
</div>
Robert Rodriguez Will Give You $7,000 to Shoot a Feature in 14 Days
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/robert-rodriguez-will-give-you-7-000-to-shoot-a-feature-in-14-day
2017-08-31T15:48:33.000Z
2017-08-31T15:48:33.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><h1 class="title">Robert Rodriguez Will Give You $7,000 to Shoot a Feature in 14 Days</h1>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://nofilmschool.com/2017/08/robert-rodriguez-will-give-you-7000-shoot-feature-14-days" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239999321,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="740" class="align-full" /></a></p>
<p></p>
<h5><span class="font-size-4">The DIY king is giving his fans The chancey to start off exactly how he did.</span></h5>
<p><span class="font-size-4">Twenty-five years ago, a young kid from Texas came out of nowhere to produce one of the most successful independent features of all time. His name was Robert Rodriguez and his movie was called <em>El Mariachi</em>. Made for an incredibly modest budget of $7,000, the film went on to make a whopping $2 million at the box office. That's quite the profit margin.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">In celebration of the anniversary of <em>El Mariachi</em>, Rodriguez is now giving five filmmakers the exact same constraints he had to make a feature of their own. For those keeping score, that's $7,000 to shoot and edit an entire feature film in just 14 days. Now, it seems the contest would be a little fairer if Rodriguez would be willing to adjust his contribution for inflation purposes, but hey, that's Hollywood, baby!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">Plus, Rodriguez himself will be making a feature of his own for the competition—an effort he hopes will bring him back to his roots.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p>More info here:</p>
<p><a href="http://nofilmschool.com/2017/08/robert-rodriguez-will-give-you-7000-shoot-feature-14-days" target="_blank">http://nofilmschool.com/2017/08/robert-rodriguez-will-give-you-7000-shoot-feature-14-days</a></p>
</div>
IF YOU MISSED IT: FREE webinar on Afrofuturism!
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/if-you-missed-it-free-webinar-on-afrofuturism
2017-07-23T13:40:04.000Z
2017-07-23T13:40:04.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><span class="font-size-7">IF YOU MISSED IT: FREE webinar on Afrofuturism.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-7">Here's a replay link for the "Octavia to Black Panther" seminar . We WILL be repeating it live, but your people might enjoy this first one... </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-7"><a href="https://app.webinarjam.net/replay/19618/55dc7a2932/0/0" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239999270,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="400" class="align-full" /></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-7"><a href="https://app.webinarjam.net/replay/19618/55dc7a2932/0/0" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239999403,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="400" class="align-full" /></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-7"><a href="https://app.webinarjam.net/replay/19618/55dc7a2932/0/0" target="_blank">https://app.webinarjam.net/replay/19618/55dc7a2932/0/0</a></span></p>
</div>
2018 Annual Meeting is Advancing Science: Discovery to Application
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/2018-annual-meeting-is-advancing-science-discovery-to-application
2017-07-17T14:39:32.000Z
2017-07-17T14:39:32.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239998827,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239998827,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" class="align-full" /></a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://meetings.aaas.org/tote-bag-design-contest/">http://meetings.aaas.org/tote-bag-design-contest/</a></p>
<p></p>
<h3><strong>Instruction and Guidelines:</strong></h3>
<p></p>
<p>The theme of the 2018 Annual Meeting is <a href="http://meetings.aaas.org/program/meeting-theme/">Advancing Science: Discovery to Application</a> and your design should reflect that idea.</p>
<ul>
<li>Submissions must be your own artwork!</li>
<li>Design may include line art, text, original artwork and is limited to one color, which will be blue ink (Pantone Color #PMS 653) printed on white canvas.</li>
<li>Tote bags are made of 100% white cotton with blue handles and include AAAS logo under the winning art piece and the sponsor logo on the opposite side.</li>
<li>Your design should fit on 10” by 10” space above AAAS logo.</li>
<li>All entries must be sent to <a href="mailto:meetings@aaas.org">meetings@aaas.org</a> with a subject line “Tote Bag Contest” as a low-resolution (.jpg or .pdf) file.</li>
<li>If your design is chosen, we will require a high-resolution vector file (.eps or .ai format).</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<h3><strong>Entry Deadline and Judging:</strong></h3>
<p></p>
<p>The deadline for submission is <strong>July 25, 2017</strong>.</p>
<ul>
<li>Selection of the winning design will be made by AAAS art committee and winner announced by<strong> August 15, 2017</strong>.</li>
<li>The winner will be announced on the Annual Meeting website and social media outlets and receive free registration to the 2018 Annual Meeting and a year-long subscription to <em>Science</em> digital.</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>We reserve the right to decline any design with inappropriate or offensive content or imagery. By submitting your artwork to the competition, you are authorizing AAAS for its reproduction on 2018 Annual Meeting tote bags, as well as its use in all related marketing efforts. The winning design will be put on all tote bags handed out to attendees of the AAAS 2018 Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="content-title">
<h1>Advancing Science: Discovery to Application</h1>
</div>
<div class="content content-block">
<p>In extraordinary times, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) must come together to advance science with particular force. This conviction is in the organization’s DNA. In 1851, AAAS’ third president Alexander Dallas Bache said, “While science is without organization, it is without power.” Now, as then, we must work together with renewed energy across the full spectrum of the scientific enterprise—and across the sectors that advance it.</p>
<p>The scientific enterprise embraces a broad spectrum of activities, from fundamental research to advanced applications. Academia, government, and industry all perform critical roles in moving ideas into innovations. The demands of the twenty-first century, including improved access to sufficient food, clean water, sustainable energy, and health care, can only be met by accelerating discovery and the translation of discovery into applications. Robust, sustained investments across the full spectrum of the scientific enterprise are essential for developing products that improve the human condition and drive economic growth. We can speed progress by amplifying collaboration across sectors and disciplines. What new avenues for interaction between basic and applied research might be explored? How can we encourage broader participation from every sector and demographic to meet today’s needs and to help invent the future?</p>
</div>
</div>
Stop Killing Your Book Sales!
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/stop-killing-your-book-sales
2017-05-03T13:56:30.000Z
2017-05-03T13:56:30.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><h1 class="entry-title">Stop Killing Your Book Sales! 7 Common Mistakes Self-Published Authors Should Avoid</h1>
<p class="deck">Yes, you can make money as an author</p>
<div class="post-meta">by <a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/author/smithc/"></a><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/author/the-boss-network/" title="Posts by The BOSS Network" class="author url fn" rel="author">The BOSS Network</a>    <span class="meta-prep meta-prep-author">Posted:</span> <span class="entry-date">April 29, 2017</span></div>
<div class="social">
<div class="addthisbuttons">
<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style addthis_20x20_style">
<div class="fb-share-button fb_iframe_widget"><img width="300" height="232" src="http://www.blackenterprise.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2017/04/iStock-176890829-300x232.jpg" class="wp-image-566544 attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="entry-content">
<div class="featureCap">
<div>(Image: iStock/MichaelJay )</div>
</div>
<p><span>Many writers, especially entrepreneurs, have turned to self-publishing as an option to get their books in the marketplace, quickly and affordably, in hopes of gaining more business and increased revenues. However, most authors are unable to tap into revenue potential because they omit important processes before and after their book launch, making it difficult for their books to be listed on online bookstores or getting traditional bookstore shelf placement.</span></p>
<p><span>Additionally, many miss the mark on how to effectively leverage their new book and often kill opportunities to make book sales. Here are seven of the most common mistakes self-published authors make that prevent their books from making a long-term financial impact.</span></p>
<h2><b>THEY NEVER PROMOTE THE BOOK</b></h2>
<p><span>While this may sound unlikely, it isn’t. Not promoting a book that was recently published is actually common. Authors often assume that simply having their book sold through online bookstores will attract all the buyers they need. The adage “Build it and they will come,” does not apply to books. Creating and implementing a consistent book promotion strategy in line with your revenue goal is key to sales maximization.</span></p>
<h2><b>THEY HAVE LITTLE TO NO SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE</b></h2>
<p><span>It should be no secret that social media marketing is critical to mostly all of a business’s success. While some may argue whether it replaces traditional marketing or not, no one will argue its supreme placement in helping businesses generate revenues. Not having a social media presence for yourself as an author and for your book is like not having written the book at all. Buyers rely on social media to find out what to purchase and to access new information and trends. If your book isn’t searchable, it won’t be discovered or purchased.</span></p>
<h2><b>THEY HAVE POORLY DESIGNED BOOK COVERS</b></h2>
<p><span>Books are still judged by the cover. Though many apps and online software have made it easy for self-published authors to create their own marketing material, including book covers with stock photos, a poorly created book cover—no matter how impactful the content inside—will leave hundreds, if not thousands, of copies on the table from lack of book sales. Investing in quality book branding supports your book in standing out among others.</span></p>
<h2><b>THEY FAIL TO BRAND EARLY</b></h2>
<p><span>Perception is reality for buyers. Much like your book cover, your branding (your image and messaging) should attract buyers to you, not repel them. Investing in professional photos and a clear brand message, along with a book that reflects both, can shift you from no sales to hundreds.</span></p>
<h2><b>THEY OVERLOOK COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES</b></h2>
<p><span>I’ve written previously that book collaborations are just one way to get your message to the masses without actually writing an entire book. Many would-be authors leave money behind by not leveraging the insight, knowledge, and expertise of other people. The content is king, whether it is written fully by you or other individuals. Not being open to joining with others in your book can limit your reach and opportunity for book sales.</span></p>
<h2><b>THEY AVOID PUBLIC SPEAKING</b></h2>
<p><i>“Why speak when my book can speak for me?”</i><span> While people do judge a book by its cover, it’s you as the author that convinces the buyer what to purchase. Free or paid speaking is an important strategy for selling books. While a book may be a business card, speaking can be considered an extended elevator pitch. Avoiding public speaking will undoubtedly limit your ability to reach your audience.</span></p>
<h2><b>THEY DON’T ENGAGE IN AWARD PROGRAMS OR CONTESTS</b></h2>
<p><span>All the world’s a stage, and for self-published authors, having a quality platform that recognizes your work not only gives instant credibility by placing you in front of probable buyers, but it will set you apart from the competition. Several contests, such as the </span><a href="http://www.indieauthorlegacyawards.com/">Indie Author Legacy Awards (IALA)</a><span>, benefit authors by tapping into marketing channels the author otherwise wouldn’t be able to. In other words, it’s affordable publicity.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>To sum it up, self-published authors should proactively and consistently work on </span><i>planning, positioning, and promoting</i><span> themselves to avoid killing their sales potential. This requires ensuring your book has the proper messaging, content, and visual identity, along with making it marketable and searchable to attract the readers who want and need what you have to offer. Trying to do this all on your own is great, but investing in quality services from a reputable self-publishing or hybrid-publishing company will help you save a ton of time and money, and ensure your book is distributed in multiple channels to maximize your long-term financial success.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>FROM:</span></p>
<p><img class="wp-image-565949 alignleft" src="http://www.blackenterprise.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2017/04/Headshot-1-Tieshena-Davis.jpg" alt="" width="165" height="165" /></p>
<p><em>This article was written by The BOSS Network Influencer, Tieshena Davis</em></p>
<p><em>Tieshena Davis is the best-selling author of Think Like a Bookpreneur and the founder of Purposely Created Publishing Group, an international award-winning book publishing firm specializing in author branding and development. She appears widely at public events, teaching entrepreneurs how to create books to accelerate their business.</em></p>
<p><em>Learn more about Tieshena Davis by visiting her website at <a class="in-cell-link" href="http://www.publishyourgift.com/" target="_blank">www.PublishYourGift.com</a></em></p>
<p><em>Follow Tieshena on Twitter <a class="in-cell-link" href="http://publishyourgift/" target="_blank">@publishyourgift</a></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/billboard/stop-killing-book-sales-7-common-mistakes-self-published-authors-avoid/">http://www.blackenterprise.com/billboard/stop-killing-book-sales-7-common-mistakes-self-published-authors-avoid/</a></span></p>
</div>
</div>
TOWN HALL MEETING TUESDAY APRIL 25, 2017
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/town-hall-meeting-tuesday-april-25-2017
2017-04-26T01:03:28.000Z
2017-04-26T01:03:28.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><span class="font-size-4"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239997233,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239997233,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" class="align-full" /></a></span></p>
<h1>TOWN HALL MEETING TUESDAY APRIL 25, 2017</h1>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">Here goes,</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">Anyone that knows me know that I am an overachiever and highly independent. I hate to ask anyone for help. But, I will on this issue. I love Black Science Fiction Society and the great things that have come out of it. Meeting great people and creating things I only dreamed of before beginning this journey.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">Anyone that knows me also knows that I am a very giving person and I always look for the good in people and try to help others reach their potential be being an encourager rather than a dream killer.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">I want to humbly ask for your suggestions and assistance in keeping Black Science Fiction Society going and growing so that the gains we have made together continue.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">First, I want to propose a few things to improve our community, so that it continues to benefit all members.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span> <span class="font-size-4">Second, I want to ask for volunteers to help make these things happen.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span> <span class="font-size-4">Third, I want to ask for your suggestions to make things better.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-4"> </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-4">We need you to keep this community growing and thriving.</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-4"> </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>GET MORE INVOLVED!!</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">We often talk of wanting more in terms of both quality and quantity for Black Science Fiction, well here is your chance. The time for sitting on the sidelines is over. Step up, opt in and play your part and BE the change you seek. We can do it when we work together. Here are some suggestions of just how you can do that.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"> <b> </b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>BECOME A GREETER</b> <b>-</b> Welcome new people when they join, it’s a great way to network.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b> </b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>BECOME A GROUP ADMIN</b> <b>-</b> We have 50 plus groups that need active participants.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b> </b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>JOIN STREET TEAM</b> <b>-</b> Post flyers and posters in your area that we provide.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b> </b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>SPREAD THE WORD</b> <b>-</b> Invite your friend and family to the site and our social media platforms,  the more the merrier.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b> </b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>SUPPORT OUR EVENTS</b> <b>-</b> Post scifi related events in our calendar for free.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b> </b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"><b>THIS ONE IS REAL IMPORTANT</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"><b>GET ACTIVE ONLINE -</b><b> </b>Chat with fellow members, post & reply to groups, forums & blogs.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">When people post stuff and don't get any feedback they lose interest.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b> </b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>BE POSITIVE</b> <b>-</b> Provide positive feedback on forums, groups, blogs, videos and photos.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b> </b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>BUY BLACK</b> <b>-</b> As your budget permits, buy our products and buy your fellow members comics, book, magazines, posters, etc.</span></p>
<p class="message"><span class="font-size-4"> </span></p>
<p class="message"><span class="font-size-4"><b>CHAT MODERATORS</b> - We need moderators and backups for chats like these. </span></p>
<p class="message"></p>
<p class="message"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">There are some other things but these are the things that don't cost a penny.</span></p>
<p class="message"></p>
<p class="message"></p>
<p class="message"><strong><span class="font-size-5">BENEFITS FOR VOLUNTEERS</span></strong></p>
<p class="message">.</p>
<p class="message"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Volunteers get free stuff like shirts, books, magazines and posters</span></p>
<p class="message"></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-5">Another perk for volunteer in addition to free swag is free advertising.<span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="message"></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-5">We have banner ads and e-blasts to sweeten the deal for participation.</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="message"></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-5">Cross Promotional Opportunities</span></li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p class="message"><span class="font-size-5">I want everyone to benefit that is part of what we are doing. That is essence is how community works. Our community stands as a testament to people of like mind working together.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"> </span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p class="message"></p>
</div>
Lifechangers: Charles Bolden by BBC World Science Discovery
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/lifechangers-charles-bolden-by-bbc-world-science-discovery
2017-04-25T13:28:53.000Z
2017-04-25T13:28:53.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239997180,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239997180,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="300" class="align-full" /></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>In Lifechangers, Kevin Fong talks to people about their lives in science.</p>
<p>Major General Charles Bolden – a former NASA administrator – talks to Kevin Fong about his extraordinary life, from childhood in racially segregated South Carolina to the first African American to command a space shuttle. He had originally hoped to join the Navy, but was unable to as an African American. Although Charles refused to take no for an answer and after much petitioning he was accepted. From there he reached for the stars.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="https://www.mixcloud.com/BBCDiscovery/lifechangers-charles-bolden/" target="_blank">https://www.mixcloud.com/BBCDiscovery/lifechangers-charles-bolden/</a></p>
<p>Image: Charlie Bolden, <img class="emoji" alt="©" src="https://twemoji.maxcdn.com/36x36/a9.png" /> Alex Wong/Getty Images</p>
</div>
HAPPY 9TH ANNIVERSARY TO BLACK SCIENCE FICTION SOCIETY!!
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/happy-9th-anniversary-to-black-science-fiction-society
2017-03-09T00:17:45.000Z
2017-03-09T00:17:45.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><div id="id_58c09ec43efd65214890756" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><span class="font-size-6">HAPPY 9TH ANNIVERSARY TO BLACK SCIENCE FICTION SOCIETY!! </span></strong></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239997219,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239997219,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="424" class="align-full" /></a><br />
<span class="font-size-5">We will be celebrating 9 years of being online changing the game for Black Science Fiction. Drop in from today and take some time to chat with your fellow community members.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-5">Come join us at: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fblacksciencefictionsociety.com%2F&h=ATNz_Y2foUjHB3ApmZRoCctolOH3V1cAvbD2PmBaHUAGOjz0V24JeWSsMqpktxtWyjX1SSi0zwSR3SkkEcQxoMj0aPxGIaaZ2XuqYWgx51i4UAtNc18WWIRfE6xSG8BlXiCZ&enc=AZNdz69i-i_-x-8LtHlrtQlh2e2nPG5oc0nouYJKhlDg-cG1pR1IMMbd_DMw4-lt5qljhd7VFidWT2yHxQOg99B35kRalM3ut8opnFLH3pWHsQyX2hfOnJqmWjk5cKmgDnvRWt_j68d0noL77-C3F9gX&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/</a></span><br />
<span class="font-size-5"><br />
FREEBIES GO TO THE WINNERS OF THE CONTESTS<br />
Randomly throughout the day we will be dropping questions in the forum and or chatroom. The person that answers the right gets to pick from these prizes: Black Science Fiction Society T-Shirt, Genesis Magazine, Genesis Anthology Book 1 or Book 2, or pic from 12 Posters.<br /></span></div>
<blockquote>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">"Please reply to the specific question one at a time in this forum"</span></strong></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span class="font-size-5"><br />
We look forward to seeing you!<br />
Admin</span></div>
<div class="pts fbPhotoProductsTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftProductsTagList"></div>
<div class="pts fbPhotoLegacyTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftLegacyTagList"></div>
<div class="fbPhotosPhotoButtons" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCallToActionButton"></div>
<div class="mvm fbPhotosPhotoOwnerButtons stat_elem" id="fbPhotoSnowliftOwnerButtons">
<div class="_51xa _3-8m _3-90" id="photosTruncatingUIButtonGroup"></div>
</div>
</div>
March is Women's History Month
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/march-is-women-s-history-month
2017-03-08T23:39:12.000Z
2017-03-08T23:39:12.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p class="subHeading"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239997217,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239997217,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="598" class="align-full" /></a></strong></p>
<p class="subHeading"></p>
<p class="subHeading"></p>
<p class="subHeading"><strong>March is Women's History Month </strong><br />
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.</p>
<div id="carousel-example-generic" class="carousel slide">
<div class="carousel-inner">
<div class="item active">
<div class="col-sm-4">
<div class="carousel-caption">
<h4><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239997379,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239997379,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="650" class="align-full" /></a></strong></h4>
<h4><a href="https://www.loc.gov/collections/women-of-protest/about-this-collection/"><strong>Women of Protest: Photographs from the Records of the National Woman's Party</strong></a></h4>
<p></p>
<p>This collection includes 448 digitized photographs selected from approximately 2,650 print photographs in the Records of the National Woman's Party (NWP). The NWP sought to attract publicity, generate public interest, and pressure government officials to support women's suffrage in order to win passage of a federal amendment to the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing women the right to vote. <a href="https://www.loc.gov/collections/women-of-protest/about-this-collection/">View the Collection »</a></p>
<p></p>
<p class="small">Image credit: [Suffrage envoys from San Francisco greeted in New Jersey on their way to Washington to present a petition to Congress Suffrage envoys from San Francisco greeted containing more than 500,000 signatures.] (Library of Congress)</p>
<p class="small"></p>
<p class="small"></p>
<p class="small"><span class="font-size-6"><a href="http://womenshistorymonth.gov/" target="_blank">http://womenshistorymonth.gov/</a></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="col-sm-8"></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
International Women’s Day 2017
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/international-women-s-day-2017
2017-03-08T14:24:07.000Z
2017-03-08T14:24:07.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><span class="font-size-5">International Women’s Day 2017<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JBnHaCAE7h4?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">2017 Theme: “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030” International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">The idea of this theme is to consider how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal number 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls; and number 4: Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning. The theme will also focus on new commitments under UN Women’s Step It Up initiative, and other existing commitments on gender equality, women’s empowerment and women’s human rights.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">Some key targets of the 2030 Agenda: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and Goal-4 effective learning outcomes. By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education. End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere. Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">The world of work is changing, and with significant implications for women. On one hand, we have globalization, technological and digital revolution and the opportunities they bring, and on the other hand, the growing informality of labour, unstable livelihoods and incomes, new fiscal and trade policies and environmental impacts—all of which must be addressed in the context of women’s economic empowerment.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"><a href="http://www.un.org/en/events/womensday/" target="_blank">http://www.un.org/en/events/womensday/</a></span><span style="color: #888888;" class="font-size-5"><br /></span></p>
</div>
Science Fiction, Afrofuturism and How African-Americans Are Creating Their Own Deep Space By D. Amari Jackson
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/science-fiction-afrofuturism-and-how-african-americans-are-creati
2017-03-02T21:16:39.000Z
2017-03-02T21:16:39.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><a href="http://atlantablackstar.com/2017/03/02/science-fiction-afrofuturism-african-americans-creating-deep-space/" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995621,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="300" class="align-left" /></a>In a critically acclaimed 1998 episode of the future-based series, <em>Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,</em> Captain Benjamin Sisko — portrayed by African-American actor Avery Brooks — experiences a vision where he sees himself as Benny Russell, a talented science fiction writer for a small magazine in 1950s New York. Simultaneously, Russell is haunted by futuristic visions of himself as spaceship commander Ben Sisko and, from them, pens a dramatic tale that he submits for publication. Though the staff loves his story, the magazine’s editor tells the passionate writer it cannot publish it since its readers would never accept a Black hero. An apparent compromise is reached and Russell celebrates with a night out with his fiancee before a close friend is gunned down by two white police officers who then brutally beat Russell when he protests at the scene. After recuperating for a month and now walking with a cane, Russell limps back to the magazine to find its owner has not only decided against publishing his story but is firing him. Distraught, Russell has a nervous breakdown and collapses while hysterically screaming these memorable words:</p>
<p></p>
<p>“I am a human being, dammit! You can deny me all you want, but you can’t deny Ben Sisko — he exists! That future, that space station, all those people, they exist in here [pointing to his head], in my mind. … You can pulp [trash] a story, but you cannot destroy an idea. Don’t you understand? That’s ancient knowledge. You cannot destroy an idea! That future, I created it and it’s real! Don’t you understand? It is REAL! It’s <em>REAL!</em>”</p>
<p></p>
<p>“You can’t limit my imagination,” science fiction lover Jarvis Sheffield says, recounting the tortured cries of the episode’s main character. A multimedia specialist, educator and founder of <a href="http://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/"><u>the popular site</u></a>, blacksciencefictionsociety.com, Sheffield feels such episodes exemplify how “science fiction is a way to illustrate social ills and bring them to the forefront,” be it directly or “without saying it outright.”</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">FULL ARTICLE HERE: </span></strong><a href="http://atlantablackstar.com/2017/03/02/science-fiction-afrofuturism-african-americans-creating-deep-space/" target="_blank">http://atlantablackstar.com/2017/03/02/science-fiction-afrofuturism-african-americans-creating-deep-space/</a></p>
</div>
TALK ABOUT IT TUESDAY TOPIC: CONVENTIONS FESTIVALS & OTHER EVENTS
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/talk-about-it-tuesday
2017-02-21T18:43:16.000Z
2017-02-21T18:43:16.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><span class="font-size-7"><strong>Talk About It Tuesday!</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-7"><strong><a href="http://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/chat" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995668,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="504" class="align-full" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong><span class="font-size-6">CONVENTIONS FESTIVALS & OTHER EVENTS</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-6"><strong>Chat sessions will continue 7 PM CST to 9 PM CST.</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-6">The chat room will continue to be open for members to drop in at any time at:  <a href="http://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/chat" target="_self">http://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/chat</a></span></p>
</div>
COMMUNITY SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/community-special-announcement
2017-02-20T03:54:19.000Z
2017-02-20T03:54:19.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995623,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995623,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" class="align-full" /></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Hello everyone!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">I’ve been receiving input from the active chatters about Motivated Monday chats. After weighing the options in relation to other things occurring on the site like the KEISHA web series on Mondays, we need to make a slight change. In order to maintain focus, we will be moving our Monday chat session to Tuesday. It will now be dubbed Talk About It Tuesday! Sessions will continue 7 PM CST to 9 PM CST.</span></p>
<p><br />
<span class="font-size-5">The chat room will continue to be open for members to drop in at any time at: <a href="http://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/chat?xg_source=msg_mes_network" target="_blank"><b>http://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/chat</b></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">Thank you for your feedback!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">Sincerely,</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">Jarvis Sheffield, M.Ed.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">Community Administrator</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"><a href="http://www.blacksciencefictionsociety.com/" target="_blank"><b>www.blacksciencefictionsociety.com</b></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"><a href="mailto:info@blacksciencefictionsociety.com" target="_blank">info@blacksciencefictionsociety.com</a></span></p>
</div>
Pixar offers pro bono online lessons in storytelling via Khan Academy
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/pixar-offers-free-online-lessons-in-storytelling-via-khan-academy
2017-02-17T15:32:32.000Z
2017-02-17T15:32:32.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995674,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995674,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="738" class="align-full" /></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>There are few organizations in the world that can claim more expertise when it comes to storytelling than Pixar. The Disney-owned animation studio is known for its ability to consistently create world-class movies with gripping narrative alongside stunning visuals. Now, Pixar is helping others learn the secrets of </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/pixar/storytelling">great storytelling</a><span> – for free, in partnership with online education provider Khan Academy.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Full Story at:</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://techcrunch.com/2017/02/15/pixar-offers-free-online-lessons-in-storytelling-via-khan-academy/">https://techcrunch.com/2017/02/15/pixar-offers-free-online-lessons-in-storytelling-via-khan-academy/</a></span></p>
</div>
Motivated Monday Live: Chat February 6, 2017
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/motivated-monday-live-chat-february-6-2017
2017-02-06T20:51:23.000Z
2017-02-06T20:51:23.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><span class="font-size-4"><a href="http://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/chat" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995647,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="424" class="align-full" /></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">February 6, 2017</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">This weeks Motivated Monday Live Chat session will be from 7 PM CST to 9 PM CST.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ff0000;">The topic comes from Self-Publishers Coalition: After you've got the work done you need to get the word out.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">The chat room will continue to be open for members to drop in at any time however. </span><a href="http://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/chat" target="_blank" style="font-size: 14pt;">http://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/chat</a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Thank you for your feedback!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">Sincerely, Jarvis Sheffield, M.Ed.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">Community Administrator</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><a href="http://www.blacksciencefictionsociety.com/" target="_blank">www.blacksciencefictionsociety.com</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">info@blacksciencefictionsociety.com</span></p>
<p></p>
</div>
Motivated Monday Live Chat session January 30, 2017
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/motivated-monday-live-chat-session-will-be-from-7pm-cst-to-9-pm-c
2017-01-30T15:12:13.000Z
2017-01-30T15:12:13.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><span class="font-size-5"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995644,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995644,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="424" class="align-full" /></a>January 30, 2017</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">This weeks Motivated Monday Live Chat session will be from 7PM CST to 9 PM CST.</span><br />
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><span class="font-size-5">The topic comes from The Business of Doing Business Discussions Group: 10 Ways to promote your book without spending a cent.</span></strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">The chat room will continue to be open for members to drop in at any time however.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-7"><a href="http://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/chat" target="_self">http://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/chat</a></span><br />
<span class="font-size-5">Thank you for your feedback!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span class="font-size-5">Jarvis Sheffield, M.Ed.</span><br />
<span class="font-size-5">Community Administrator</span><br />
<span class="font-size-5"><a href="http://www.blacksciencefictionsociety.com">www.blacksciencefictionsociety.com</a></span><br />
<span class="font-size-5">info@blacksciencefictionsociety.com</span></p>
</div>
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST TIME FOR DAILY CHATS?
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/what-is-the-best-time-for-daily-chats
2017-01-12T17:29:19.000Z
2017-01-12T17:29:19.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-6" style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Please Give Feedback Via The Poll</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-6" style="color: #0000ff;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995631,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995631,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="256" /></a></strong></span></p>
<div class="powr-poll" id="6d4a78bb_1484240579"></div>
</div>
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017!
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/happy-new-year-2017
2017-01-01T07:28:19.000Z
2017-01-01T07:28:19.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995640,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995640,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" class="align-full" /></a></p>
<p>THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING PART OF THE DREAM!<br />
HAPPY NEW YEAR!</p>
</div>
WHAT ARE YOUR 2017 RESOLUTIONS?
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/what-are-your-2017-resolutions
2017-01-01T04:53:20.000Z
2017-01-01T04:53:20.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p><span class="font-size-6"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995700,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995700,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="504" class="align-full" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-6"><strong>WHAT ARE YOUR 2017 RESOLUTIONS?</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-6"><strong>I plan to give up a few things this year such as:</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-6">1. Give Up On Unhealthy Lifestyles</span><br />
<span class="font-size-6">2. Give Up The Short-term Mindset</span><br />
<span class="font-size-6">3. Give Up On Playing Small</span><br />
<span class="font-size-6">4. Give Up On Excuses</span><br />
<span class="font-size-6">5. Give Up On Fixed Mindset</span><br />
<span class="font-size-6">6. Give Up Believing In The “Magic Bullet.”</span><br />
<span class="font-size-6">7. Give Up On Perfectionism</span><br />
<span class="font-size-6">8. Give Up Multi-tasking</span><br />
<span class="font-size-6">9. Give Up ON The Need to Control Everything</span><br />
<span class="font-size-6">10. Give Up Saying YES To Things That Don’t Support My Goals</span><br />
<span class="font-size-6">11. Give Up On Toxic People</span><br />
<span class="font-size-6">12. Give Up On The Need To Be Liked</span><br />
<span class="font-size-6">13. Give Up On The Dependency on Social Media & Television</span><br />
<span class="font-size-6">14. Give Up On Procrastination</span></p>
</div>
HAPPY KWANZAA 2016 FROM BLACK SCIENCE FICTION SOCIETY!
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/forum/topics/happy-kwanzaa-2016-from-black-science-fiction-society
2016-12-26T19:13:22.000Z
2016-12-26T19:13:22.000Z
Administrator: Jarvis Sheffield
https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JarvisSheffieldMEd
<div><p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">History and Etymology</span></strong></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995731,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995731,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" class="align-full" /></a><br />
<span class="font-size-3">An African-American scholar and social activist, Ron Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 as the first African-American holiday. Karenga said his goal was to "...give Blacks an alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society." The name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza", meaning "first fruits". The choice of Swahili, an East African language, reflects its status as a symbol of Pan-Africanism, especially in the 1960s.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Kwanzaa is a celebration that has its roots in the black nationalist movement of the 1960s, and was established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African cultural and historical heritage by uniting in meditation and study of "African traditions" and "common humanist principles." The first Kwanzaa stamp was issued by the United States Postal Service on October 22, 1997 at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles, California. In 2004 a second Kwanzaa stamp, created by artist Daniel Minter was issued which has seven figures in colorful robes symbolizing the seven principles.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The origins of Kwanzaa are not secret and are openly acknowledged by those promoting the holiday. Many Christian and Jewish African-Americans who celebrate Kwanzaa do so in addition to observing Christmas and Hanukkah.</span></p>
<p><br />
<strong><span class="font-size-3">Principles of Kwanzaa</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995817,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995817,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" class="align-full" /></a></span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Kwanzaa celebrates what its founder called "The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa," or Nguzo Saba (originally Nguzu Saba - "The Seven Principles of Blackness"), which Karenga said "is a communitarian African philosophy" consisting of what Karenga called "the best of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world." These seven principles comprise Kawaida, a Swahili term for tradition and reason.</span><br />
<span class="font-size-3">Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the following principles, as follows:</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">* Umoja (Unity) To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">* Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.</span><br />
<span class="font-size-3">* Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems and to solve them together.</span><br />
<span class="font-size-3">* Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.</span><br />
<span class="font-size-3">* Nia (Purpose) To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.</span><br />
<span class="font-size-3">* Kuumba (Creativity) To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.</span><br />
<span class="font-size-3">* Imani (Faith) To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.</span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995786,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995786,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" class="align-full" /></a></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Observance</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Families celebrating Kwanzaa decorate their households with objects of art, colorful African cloth, especially the wearing of the Uwole by women, and fresh fruits that represent African idealism. It is customary to include children in Kwanzaa ceremonies and to give respect and gratitude to ancestors. Libations are shared, generally with a common chalice, "Kikombe cha Umoja" passed around to all celebrants. Non-African Americans also celebrate Kwanzaa. The holiday greeting is "joyous Kwanzaa."</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">A Kwanzaa ceremony may include drumming and musical selections, libations, a reading of the "African Pledge" and the Principles of Blackness, reflection on the Pan-African colors, a discussion of the African principle of the day or a chapter in African history, a candle-lighting ritual, artistic performance, and, finally, a feast (Karamu). The greeting for each day of Kwanzaa is "Habari Gani,"which is Swahili for "What's the News?"</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">At first, observers of Kwanzaa eschewed the mixing of the holiday or its symbols, values and practice with other holidays. They felt that doing so would violate the principle of kujichagulia (self-determination) and thus violate the integrity of the holiday, which is partially intended as a reclamation of important African values. Today, many African-American families celebrate Kwanzaa along with Christmas and New Year's. Frequently, both Christmas trees and kinaras, the traditional candle holder symbolic of African-American roots, share space in kwanzaa celebrating households. To them, Kwanzaa is an opportunity to incorporate elements of their particular ethnic heritage into holiday observances and celebrations of Christmas.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Cultural exhibitions include "The Spirit of Kwanzaa," an annual celebration held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts featuring interpretive dance, African dance, song and poetry.</span></p>
<p><br />
<strong><span class="font-size-3">Evolution in Kwanzaa's observance</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995923,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995923,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" class="align-full" /></a></span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">In 1977, in Kwanzaa: origin, concepts, practice, Karenga stated, that Kwanzaa "was chosen to give a Black alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society."</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">In 1997, Karenga and the community evolved, stating that while Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday, it can be celebrated by people of any race: "other people can and do celebrate it, just like other people participate in Cinco de Mayo besides Mexicans; Chinese New Year besides Chinese; Native American pow wows besides Native Americans."[</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Currently, according to the Official Kwanzaa Website authored by Karenga and maintained by Organization US, which Karenga chairs, "Kwanzaa was not created to give people an alternative to their own religion or religious holiday. And it is not an alternative to people's religion or faith but a common ground of African culture...Kwanzaa is not a reaction or substitute for anything. In fact, it offers a clear and self-conscious option, opportunity and chance to make a proactive choice, a self-affirming and positive choice as distinct from a reactive one."</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Karenga's most recent interpretation emphasizes that while every people has its own holiday traditions, all people can share in the celebration of our common humanity: "Any particular message that is good for a particular people, if it is human in its content and ethical in its grounding, speaks not just to that people, it speaks to the world."</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995938,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239995938,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="550" class="align-full" /></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p>Sankofa Community Affairs with @SalimAdofo - Kwanzaa Episode with @AfricanaCarr</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5gpsvAJ6HrM?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239996208,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239996208,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" class="align-full" /></a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239996292,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239996292,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" class="align-full" /></a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239996391,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239996391,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" class="align-full" /></a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239996515,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239996515,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" class="align-full" /></a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239996595,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239996595,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" class="align-full" /></a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239996541,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239996541,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" class="align-full" /></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239996636,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-7"><a href="http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1239996636,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_self"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}1239996636,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" class="align-full" /></a></p>
</div>