Here are 5 good reasons you should view, REFLECTIONS ON WRITING: AN EVENING WITH AUTHOR IVORY SIMONE:
Reason #!:
This is a discussion about the creative process and inspiration that a Black author followed to pen a fictional novel about the American Southwest, with its long history of oppression of dark-skinned people, that helps explain why Arizona is home to an extreme brand of conservatism that has spawned a virulent anti-Obama movement.
(The historians on this site already know there were people living in parts of the New Mexico Territory, that later become Arizona, who fought on the side of the Confederate Army in the civil war. I'm not sure many people know that cotton and citrus , were and to my knowledge remain, the state's two largest crops. These were labor intensive crops that once required cheap labor to harvest. Poor whites, blacks and mexicans were used as cheap labor in working conditions similar to those found in the deep south 70 years ago.)
Reason #2:
The story's central characters Nathaniel and Mary Alice Venerable-were farm laborers/farmers who are lynched in an act of mindless, thuggery and violence at the hands of their neighbors. A story line we're still reading about happening in places like Jasper,Texas. The violence, however, is not written to glorify such depravity to sell books. It's presented as an opportunity to examine the character of the townspeople of WIlburn, AZ, and to reflect on the inherent weakness in the American character that lends itself to such vile expressions of hatred.
(I'm not saying Americans are the worst perpetrators of hate crimes or the only ones who should be called to task on their history of racially motivated violence. They clearly aren't. However, I am saying, as an American, it's time to end the scourge of racism before it destroys the promise of America.)
Reason #3
Instead of an Evening with Author Ivory Simone, insert your name or the name of any number of other black writers who are writing about topics important to our history as black people, writing about ideas that showcase the diversity of opinions views, thoughts and creative expression (largely UNTAPPED TALENT) that abounds in our communities. The internet has revolutionized publishing. It has taken the power away from a handful of men and women and placed in the hands of the readers. If black social networks like this one are to really live up to their potential--we should begin to use the internet to harness our clout as consumers, as readers, as whatever---, to increase the quality of information available to us, to support authors, leaders, and/or causes that may not be visible in the mainstream media but nevertheless merit our/your support.
GIVE AUTHORS LIKE ME A CHANCE TO TELL YOU WHY WE DESERVE YOUR SUPPORT. Then you decide whether I/we've earned it.
Reason #4
YOU'RE THE LAST AND BEST HOPE WE HAVE TO KEEP THE LIGHT BURNING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF ARTISTS. As a writer, I've been advised to write books for a broader audience. But I know more is at stake than money. Black Artists are one of the greatest gifts we've given to the world. If we don't begin to support the works of black artists, we will see the numbers of emerging artists of color dwindle. Or, they will become the prized "discoveries" of art patrons outside of our communities.
Reason #5-
Re-read reasons #1-#4.
Here's the audio link to the presentation which was lost when it was converted into a movie format. It's an abbreviated talk but MOST of the key points are covered. (I promise to get better at using this multi-media technology!) :
http://web.me.com/ivorysimone
Posted By: Ivory Simone
Friday, October 15th 2010 at 11:02AM
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