Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with author, Bronze Lens Film Festival nominee, and all around artist, Atlanta's own Keef Cross. He shares his journey in the artist world known as indicomics as well as his newest endeavor as a filmmaker, bringing his comic, Day Black, to the big screen. Sit back and enjoy as we sit down with Mr Keef Cross!
Click link below:
https://youtu.be/60VadS7a-Js
Blessings,
L
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
It Takes a Village
As I pulled up to the quiet elementary school in Decatur, Georgia, I didn't know what to expect. Will there be a sea of little ones sitting on the "reading rug" in the library as the librarian repeats "criss cross apple sauce hands in your lap," to settle them as they wait anxiously to be read to by one of their fathers? Or maybe this was an assembly for those that managed not to get on the 3 strikes time out list, and their reward is getting to take a brief academic break? Still, I was excited to experience this program that I was invited to cover.
Real Men Read, an literacy initiative, started in 2010 by Dekalb County School District Region 5, Columbia Elementary School 4th grade teacher Ms. Makeeda Collins, who's passion extends beyond the classroom. It is her desire to have a strong male presence amongst the youth, leading to her collaboration with Tommy M Ford, Award Winning Actor/Writer/Director/Producer and "Pope of Comedy," you may know him best as Martin Lawrence's "unemployed?" homeboy, on the 90's hit comedy "Martin" or as Lt. Malcolm Barker on my favorite 90's hit drama "New York Undercover." He's also starred in a number of plays, however, I digress. This isn't about Mr. Ford's accomplishments, however, it is about is heart or should I say passion for the betterment of our youth.
This was my first year covering the event and I was overwhelm at the beauty of the scene. Walking into the school I saw young men sitting on the bench outside of the office. Normally, I assume this bench would be one you was to avoid because the result usually leads to a meeting with the principal. Not so on today! These young men where the greeters for the literacy program. Dressed in bow ties and cute santa hats, I later learned they are a group of upstanding young men of "Boys to Bow ties", a step team and leadership program. I was greeted by the Assistant principal, Mrs. Yvonne Browder, who knew who I was, by name, walking in (I think the camera gave me away, lol). After a brief introduction she escorted me to the library where the sign in was taking place. As we walked & talked I noticed more well dressed young men in bow ties at various checkpoints. This warmed my heart. These young men where very impressive. They have manners, respect, and are the epitome of our future.
I was a little disappointed, but not surprised that more media coverage was not covering this event. Media outlets are quick to run to the schools when negative things are happening, especially in our urban schools. Why not run when this positive light is being shown and allowing an opportunity for more schools to have similar programs in their schools? Either way I was proud and honored to have covered it.
The men of the "village" really came together and it was a full house. All classes had at least 1 opportunity to have someone come in to read, some classes had several men come in to read. Many men read to multiple classes. There was so many participants, some had to wait to get into a classroom to read. Now that alone is a thing of beauty. I tried to periscope from the event, catching a little bit of the crowd.
This was not an event where a celebrity would be there in name only, Mr. Ford, did show up and what impressed me more was that he didn't make it about himself, as we've seen celebrities do, he made it about the children. Although those that knew him from his various shows did take the opportunity to get the quick "usie." Mr. Ford was humble and very engaging with the children. I even had the opportunity to speak with him briefly and he thanked me for coming.
Other celebrities included, Mr. Hank Stewart (he's a celebrity in my eyes), yes, Mr. Poet himself. Along with Dekalb County Officers, three of which read to a few of the classes together and took opportunities for the students to give them a hug. I can kick myself for not capturing a pic of that though! All in all the real MVPs are the fathers that came out to give these eager young ones a solid foundation about reading and how it's very much fundamental to each aspect of their lives.
Special thanks to Ms. Mekeeda Collins 4th grade teacher & Mr. Raymond Stanley, school principal. I look forward to participating next year! The village, thanks you all!!!
Blessings,
L
Take in all the beauty from the event below:
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| Boys to Bow ties |
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| Young Ladies Under girding the Young Men |
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| Mr Ford with Participants & Boys to Bow ties |
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| These Kids loved their experience |
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| Yes Cops are people too, Dekalb County love the kids |
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| No lack of participation! |
See the entire album on our website untamedroyalty.com under clients gallery! Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
She Is Awards Atlanta 2015
Recently, I had the privilege to do red carpet interviews at an women empowerment award show. The She Is Awards pays tribute to various women in various fields, not just for there accomplishments; however, for overcoming every obstacle they faced. Harlem native, Trinni, is the executive producer that made the decision to introduce her baby to the world, right here in Atlanta.
As with anything you birth into existence it has it's hiccups; however, Trinni handled all of them from no shows to technical difficulties with style and grace. As an entrepreneur I understand learning curves, you allow them to either break you or make you stronger, and in my case this will only make Trinni stronger. I see nothing but success as she to face and overcome all obstacles that are set before her. Take a look at some of the highlights and interviews we captured from the event. Keep your eyes open for Ms Trinni from Harlem, I have a feeling we will definitely be hearing and seeing more from this powerhouse.
Click link to check out the highlights...
Blessings.
L
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