Blog

A Case for Re(definition)

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:41:45 +0000

Hiphopper Adam Mansbach penned a thought-provoking piece regarding how the term "hip-hop" is thrown around to describe everything from wack music to Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Yeah, I know. For that reason, there's a need to reclaim what hip-hop means. Mansbach offers:

What, then, is an individual, an institution, or a movement that claims 'hip-hop' required to do? Let's go back to the notion of a hip-hop mayor. Such an individual's philosophy of government would honor hip-hop's principles by seeking to privilege and amplify marginalized voices. In particular, such a government would be concerned with the young, the poor, and people of color--i.e., the people who invented hip-hop.

A hip-hop mayor would replicate hip-hop's philosophy of collage--which threw whatever was hot into the mix regardless of where it came from, from James Brown to Kraftwerk to Billy Squire--by seeking out and recognizing good ideas (and idea-generators) regardless of location, philosophy, or any other ideological impediment.

She would approach civic issues, from crime prevention to renewable energy, with the same audacious, outside-the-box inventiveness that led Bronx teenagers to dream up backspinning records and writing their names on subway trains.

She would realize that in hip-hop, as in other great American inventions from jazz to baseball, the individual could achieve greatness only when the community supporting her is healthy and intact. She would understand that even visionary ideas--like hip-hop, and democracy itself--can easily be derailed when the principles on which they're founded recede into the past. She would understand that 'battles' are important, but that they must be conducted within the boundaries of respect.

I cosign. It's funny because when I'm interviewed for THE MESSAGE, people will ask me, what do you think of the current state of hip-hop. And before I can answer, I have to ask them, what hip-hop are you talking about?

The Darker Mask is Here

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:47:57 +0000

BackList has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Christopher Chambers and Gary Phillips' THE DARKER MASK. Talk about a star-studded anthology...Check it out below.

What is a superhero? Must they be blond amazons, or white men in costume. No. We find them among the ignored, forgotten, reviled: homeless single mothers, people struggling with rehab, refugees from Darfur, ex-cons seeking a new life. Ordinary people imbued with extraordinary power. They wear...THE DARKER MASK.

Tor/Macmillan announces coming of THE DARKER MASK August 18, 2008. The anthology features original artwork by Marvel, DC/Vertigo and Newsday illustrators Sean Wang, Shawn Martinbrough, Jeff Fisher and Brian Hurtt and riginal stories by Walter Mosley, Tananarive Due, Lorenzo "Sleepers" Carcaterra, Alexandra Sokoloff, LA Banks, Naomi Hirahara, Mat Johnson, Victor LaValle, Reed Farrel Coleman, Peter Speigelman, Ann Nocenti, the late Jerry Rodriguez, Chambers & Phillips. Available in bookstores, comic shops and online.

"Intriguing, entertaining, and cutting edge!" -- Zane, New York Times bestselling author

"Why're you reading this blurb? Carcaterra, Mosley, tough, juicy stories... What else you need? This is the good stuff. Pay for the damn thing already." --Brad Meltzer New York Times bestselling suspense and graphic novel author

Check out a BackList interview with Chambers:

Also, see the San Diego Comic Con interview with Chambers and Phillips at www.comicon.com/pulse .

Ft. Greene Park Summer Literary Festival

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:52:11 +0000

When I was leaving in Brooklyn (which seems like a lifetime ago), I had to pleasure to attend the first Ft. Greene Literary Festival. Got to get autographs from Amiri Baraka and Sonia Sanchez and even showed Baraka the original BackList t-shirt. He raved about it!

Although I won't be able to attend the fourth annual festival, I can assure you that it will be a good time.

Check it out:

2008 Fort Greene Park Summer Literary Festival
Saturday, August 23rd, 3:00 PM
Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn

Featuring Poet Laureates, Past and Present: Amiri Baraka, Quincy Troupe, Louis Reyes Rivera, and Hal Sirowitz reading alongside young people from our free workshops in Fort Greene Park!

Extra Special Guest Performers: Indoda Entsha Percussion Ensemble!!!

Drawing upon the rich and diverse literary history of Fort Greene Park and its surrounding neighborhoods, The Fort Greene Park Summer Literary Festival provides a means for self-expression and creativity for area young people, and builds community through arts and literature. The Lit Fest consists of a six-week series of free Saturday creative writing workshops for young people and an end-of-summer reading featuring literary icons reading alongside our young writers. The Lit Fest honors the power of the written word to build inclusiveness and give voice to the thoughts and experiences of everyone, not just the privileged and powerful. Past readers include literary icons Sonia Sanchez, Sapphire, Gloria Naylor, and Jhumpa Lahiri.

More info: http://www.nywriterscoalition.org/litfest.htm

Phelps, Hip-Hop & The Message

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:58:39 +0000

I tried to tell folks that people use hip-hop in their everyday life as motivation. I even wrote a book about it. So I wasn't surprised to hear that super athlete and Baltimore resident (shout-out to Charm City), Michael Phelps' motivational soundtrack is chock-full of hip-hop.

According to the Atlanta Journal Consitution, here are some of Phelps' favorites:

1. "Overnight Celebrity" - Twista

2. "Burn" - Usher

3. "Roses" - Outkast

4. "Till I Collapse" - Eminem

5. "Smile" - G Unit

6. "A Milli" - Lil' Wayne

7. "Hustlin" - Rick Ross

8. "Hello Brooklyn 2.0" - Jay-Z (featuring Lil Wayne)

9. "I Got What It Takes" - Young Jeezy

I can't say I'm a fan of half of the folks on this list. But Outkast (love them!), Eminem, and Jay-Z are included in THE MESSAGE with songs that definitely motivated me at one time or another.

But hey if Lil Wayne gets Phelps going and helps him break records and win gold medal after gold medal, what can I say? Actually I know what I can say, but I'll say it another time when I'm feeling more political.

Sidenote: I wonder what Bill O'Reilly thinks.

New Mosaic Issue: Nikki and Walter

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:53:16 +0000

A new issue of MOSAIC MAGAZINE, the literary journal founded by Ron Kavanaugh and that I have the pleasure of editing, will be available on September 1. It's a stellar issue and I'm not just saying that. See for yourself:

The Transitional Voice of Walter Dean Myers
by Ozioma Egwuonwu

Excerpt
Sunrise Over Falluja by Walter Dean Myers

Nikki Giovanni: Personal Politics
by Nicole Sealey

Poems by Nikki Giovanni
Beautiful Black Men
My First Memory (of Librarians)

Editorial: A Friend I Did Know
Phebus Etienne (1964-2007)

Emerging From Silence
by Randall Horton

Reviews
Ida: A Sword Among Lions by Paula J. Giddings
Reviewed by Nicole Sealey

Conception by Kalisha Buckhanon
Reviewed by Danielle Y. Hatchett

Belly of the Atlantic by Fatou Diome
English translation by Lulu Norman and Ros Schwartz
Reviewed by Danielle A. Jackson

The Pirate's Daughter by Margaret Cezair-Thompson
Reviewed by Maranda Moses

Oracular Rumblings and Stiltwalking by Lamont Steptoe
Reviewed by Truth Thomas

Poems
by Phebus Etienne
Long Walk Home
Pimp

Hip-Hop & Literacy: Gabriel "Asheru" Benn and H.E.L.P.

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:25:20 +0000

Since we at BackList love to highlight folks who are harnessing the power of words, we had to give props to educator and artist Gabriel "Asheru" Benn. He has a dope program that uses hip-hop to teach and reinforce literacy skills.

I had the pleasure of talking with Gabriel a couple of years back for an article I wrote about that very topic.

Educational Lyrics, the organization that he cofounded, is doing big things. Check out a note Gabriel recently sent around. Be sure to check out the great writeup about ED Lyrics on Allhiphop.com. And check out a video with Gabriel talking about the program.

Hello All,

I know it's been a minute since I've spoken to some of you on this list, but I wanna check in to give you an exciting update on HELP, the Hip Hop Educational Literacy Program, and the road ahead. We are still working hard, grinding it out, and we still very much need all of your collective help and support! Send all your educator and parent friends our way as we begin to go into the new school year with a new look, new website, and new book titles!!!

Just wrapping up Rakim's "Follow the Leader" HELP book, we are very excited about two new titles we are close to completing:
T.I. -- "No Matter What"
Barack Obama/Will.i.am -- "Yes We Can"

We are also launching a new website in the coming weeks with a brand new online store, visit us at www.edlyrics.com.

And last but not least, check out the brand new feature article on www.allhiphop.com!

Here's the link:
http://allhiphop.com/stories/features/archive/2008/08/14/20410322.aspx

BackList is Seeking Interns!

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:31:27 +0000

We have two positions available for dynamic people! See below:

Attention Aspiring Writers, Marketers and Word Lovers....
Love words? Are you an aspiring writer, marketer or entrepreneur? Do you want to work with a company dedicated to promoting the power of words?

Answer yes to any of the questions and this opportunity may be for you!

BackList, a media, consulting, content development and event programming firm dedicated to harnessing the power of words to uplift individuals and communities is looking for an intern assistant to help with various projects. The internship is a wonderful opportunity for aspiring writers, marketers and word lovers to get their feet drenched!

Potential duties include:
*Write and edit copy for BackList website (www.thebacklist.net)
*Perform marketing outreach on behalf of BackList.
*Help implement BackList workshops and consulting services.
*Assist BackList founder, Felicia Pride to implement comprehensive marketing plan for her book THE MESSAGE:100 LIFE LESSONS FROM HIP-HOP'S GREATEST SONGS. This includes online marketing, event planning, publicity and marketing research.
*Attend and help at events/workshops when possible.
*Administrative duties
*Research
*Online marketing

The position is a mixture of on-site work at BackList's home office in Baltimore, virtual work, as well as participation in evening and weekend literary events, when possible. The position will require 10-15 hours per week. Candidates should reside in the Baltimore/DC metro area and be able to meet with BackList staff once a week. This is an unpaid position but will prove to be an invaluable experience!

Qualified candidates will be dependable, organized, creative, web savvy, committed and have a strong interest in words, education, youth and media. This opportunity will begin September 1.

Interested candidates should send cover letter and resume to Fellina Pride at Fellina@thebacklist.net.

An Author's Hustle: When Is it Time to Move On?

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 15:22:07 +0000

This blog was the featured blog on MySpace Books this week. Pretty cool. Check it out:

I've never been an expert at knowing when it's time to move on. A quick review of past romances shows that I have remained on relationship trains to nowhere for far longer than I should.

Now, I'm at a crossroads in another relationship--the one with my first book, The Message: 100 Life Lessons From Hip-Hop's Greatest Songs. See my book and I have been passionate lovers since way before its October 2007 release. I mean, I was praying for it to come into my life, before I even made its acquaintance.

And now after expending hundreds of hours of energy and thousands of dollars promoting my baby, making it my life's #1 priority, I'm wondering if it's time to move on.

I have to admit this pressure to make such a drastic decision is more external than internal. Isn't that usually the case?

Some, let's call them "haters," say that I'm foolish for putting all my eggs into one basket instead of playing the field. You did what for your book? And what did it do for you in return?

Then there's the media folk who tell me that my book is old news--like nine months is way too long to court something in the ephemeral times we live in. If we haven't sealed the bestseller deal yet, it may never happen, and I should probably move on to bigger and better things.

Then there are those who make it seem like I'm the problem--like it's my fault that my relationship with my book hasn't gone to the next level. "You're not doing enough," they say. But they don't know what goes on behind closed doors. They don't know about the endless promotion, all the traveling, the tons of outreach. They don't know how I've tried to switch things up--you know add a little spice by going beyond the usual, run-of-the-mill book promotion. All they see is that my book and I are not on the bestseller list and without the title, our relationship is somehow not valid.

What about all the good times? The wonderful "Talk of the Nation" interview? The USA Today feature? Meeting young boys who told me they didn't read, but they read my book? All the schools who have found value in The Message as a teaching tool? Should I just sweep these memories under the rug and act like they didn't mean anything?

I'm not saying that there's another. That if I were to move on, I'd quickly have a new love. Even while I work on my novel, I know that no book will ever be capable of taking the place of The Message. It was my first after all. And as a result, we shared many firsts together--a book signing, launch party, bookstore sighting, radio interview. The list goes on.

Not everything happens overnight is what I try to tell them and myself. Some relationships take more time to grow and develop. There are still millions of people who have yet to meet my book. Who have yet to judge for themselves what they think about it and whether or not it's worth of their attention. And I know that most of these people don't care how long my book and I have been going out, they're more concerned with whether we speak to them.

That's how I have to continue to look at things. I have to remember the vows I made. I promised that I would push my book until I couldn't push anymore. Yeah I've run out of money, and am a little low on energy. But I'm still capable and that's all that really matters. Love conquers all, right?

I can't care what people say. They will always judge, and may continue to make snide comments when I tell them that The Message didn't come out yesterday.

I love my book through the good times and the bad times. It's not perfect, because none are, but my book is damn good.

How can I move on so soon? It still brings me joy each and every time my book and I find a new reader. We are made for one each other and I'm committed to taking our relationship to the next level--whatever that may be.

Sidenote: If you want to see pictures of me and The Message together, visit www.feliciapride.com. Or if you want to support our relationship, we're available at bookstores (if your local bookstore doesn't stock it, you can ask them to order it) and at online retailers.

Editor Opportunity in South Africa

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 15:16:10 +0000

GUEST MENTOR & ISSUE EDITOR (2009): Amazwi is looking for South African and International writers and editors interested in working as a short-term volunteer with Amazwi's community newspaper, the Amazwi Villager (print and web editions). If you're interested in gaining experience in rural South Africa and working alongside journalists early in their career, seeking mentorship and guidance, this is a wonderful opportunity. Your primary role would be as Guest Editor of a month's issue through which you would lead editorial meetings, help guide journalists through story selection, the writing and photographic process, and final edits/story selection for the monthly publication. Your secondary role would be as Mentor to the journalists who are pitching and working on articles for our Publishing Partnership Program and our journalists' freelance work for domestic
and international publications.

Minimum Time commitment: one month and three days (for example 1
February to 3 March)
Maximum Time Commitment: three months and three days (for example 1
February to 3 May).
Start Dates: The 30th of the month
Finish Dates: The 3rd of the month

Location & Housing: This position is based in our Acornhoek village (Mpumalanga Province, South Africa) newsroom. All Guest Editors/Mentors will be linked up with a local host family for the duration of their stay. Food and Housing costs are the responsibility of the volunteer (average cost - 300 USD per month).

For more Information, go to:
http://www.amazwi.org (our organization's main site)
http://www.amazwivillager.org (our community newspaper's web edition)
http://amazwi.pnn.com (a personal writing partnership for our
journalists created in 2008)

Any questions? Email: maggie@amazwi.org

How to Apply:
If this volunteer position interests you, please send the following materials to maggie@amazwi.org (subject line : Guest Editor/Mentor Application - "Your Surname"):
1) a cover letter explaining a) why you are suited for this position,
b) your reasons (personally and professionally) for applying, and c)
your first, second, and third choice for dates;
2) your CV;
3) a writing sample (a selection of published clips or unpublished
works).

Re:Verse Festival Call for Proposals

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:56:55 +0000

Re:Verse Literary Conference & Festival 2008
Request For Proposal

The Re:Verse Literary Conference & Festival provides a platform for literature-based creative thinking and knowledge sharing. Each year we invite educators, community and arts organizations, and artists to participate. Re:Verse is presented by The Literary Freedom Project, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt not-for-profit arts organization that supports the literary arts through education, creative thinking, and new media.

The Re:Verse Literary Conference & Festival invites proposals for workshops focused on the literary arts, literacy, and reading comprehension, and how educators can incorporate these subjects to increase the adoption of reading as a tool for understanding of culture, history, and social studies.

Deadline is September 17, 2008. Email proposals to Felicia Pride. felicia@thebacklist.net

The Re:Verse Literary Conference & Festival
*CALL FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS*

Re:Verse Literary Conference & Festival calls educators to a foster the role literature plays in the lives of students and youth. The conference seeks to rebuild the audience for literature as a means for understanding culture, history, and social studies. Now in its fourth year, the Re:Verse Conference celebrates the diversity of thought literature fosters.

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2008
Location: Hostos Community College, Bronx, NY

Please title your workshop and include brief biographical information for each facilitator, along with a one paragraph description of your workshop: what are the questions you wish to explore, why is this conversation timely and necessary at this time -how will this workshop further the goals of the Re:Verse Conference? How are you uniquely qualified to lead a workshop on your proposed topic?

We have a strong interest in literary-curriculum adoption so please indicate how you will involve participants in the discussion.

Each applicant is limited to three proposals.

An honorarium of $200.00 is available for each workshop facilitator.

Email proposals in the body of an email to: felicia@thebacklist.net by September 17, 2008. Please include full contact information for yourself. Just copy the questions into an email and paste your answers in. Please be sure to save a copy of your proposal, as emails do sometimes go astray. We will acknowledge receipt of your proposal within 24 hours.

Questions? Email us at felicia@thebacklist.net. We look forward to reading your proposal.

felicia@thebacklist.net
www.reversefestival.org

Workshop Title:

Facilitator Name(s):
Email Address:
Phone:

1. One-paragraph bio.

2. Describe in 250 words or less the focus of your workshop.

3. Describe your method for involving festival participants in the workshop.

4. List equipment needed to present your workshop (i.e. microphones, projectors, computers).

5. If available, include attachments or links to previous work that demonstrates knowledge of subject matter

Email: felicia@thebacklist.net

I've Got a New Attitude

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 02:26:05 +0000

You know how when you get your hair done, or a new outfit, somehow, psychologically, you feel different?

Well feliciapride.com and thebacklist.net both have new looks and boy do we have new attitudes as a result.

The new sites, which are linked to one another, finally reflect the new direction of both yours truly and my company BackList--including a renewed mission and focus as well as expanded services. We're still adding things, so definitely continue to check us out!

In the next couple of months, I'll be updating you about all the new changes. And there's plenty of them.

But for right now, check out our new look. A little makeover goes a long way.

You can't tell us we're not hot stuff!

Coldest Winter Ever Sequel Coming

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:40:12 +0000

Atria Books has announced plans to publish MIDNIGHT the long-awaited sequel to Sister Souljah's bestselling 1999 novel THE COLDEST WINTER EVER, which is in its twentieth printing and has more than one million copies in print. MIDNIGHT is slated for an October release and will have an announced first printing of 500,000 copies.

Read the entire article.

Vote for THE MESSAGE for The Pink List!

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:52:21 +0000

I was just notified that my book has been nominated for an award. Yay!

But voting ends midnight tonight. Can you help a sister win? Thanks!

Felicia Pride, author of The Message: 100 Life Lessons from Hip-Hop's Greatest Songs has been nominated for WEEN's Pink List (see more about the list below). Please logon to www.weenonline.org and vote for The Message so it can win in its category - Print Empowerment. Voting ends at midnight...vote today...and pass the invitation along to others!

Please note: You must register with the site to vote.

What is WEEN's Pink List?

Each month WEEN members will be able to nominate any artist and/or forms of media that support and empower women! After the nomination list is closed, members have 48hrs to vote. Votes will be tallied and the top two winners in each category will make the PINK LIST! All winners will remain on the pink list for one month while WEEN members strongly patronize and support them for reflecting our mission! By patronizing WEEN approved artists and media, you will enable positive entertainment to receive the access, exposure and support needed to help promote the balanced portrayal of women in society.

The Beautiful Struggle

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:46:31 +0000

Ta-Nehisi Coates begins his story in fear. It's 1980s Baltimore, downtown, Charles Street, no less or more dangerous than now. He and his older brother, whom he affectionately calls Big Bill, are about to get their manhood trampled by an eager crew from Murphy Homes trying to reconfirm their own. Reputation precedes their adversaries. They "split backs and poured in salt." Two brothers without a burner against hungry opponents ready to split wigs means you haul ass. Big Bill was more versed in the streets. He's quick to jet. It takes moments of clarification and a hard right hand for Ta-Nehisi to follow suit. He runs. He calls his father. He waits to be rescued. His brother vows never again to be caught empty-handed.

Read the entire article.

My Father, the Tragic Hero

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:42:36 +0000

I've boycotted Father's Day for longer than I can remember.

In content rebellion, I'd refuse to telephone my father and would avoid his call when he pined for my gratitude. I'd reject any urges to select and purchase hideous neckties or other unnecessary gifts. I'd dismiss images of sitting around a bountiful dinner table honoring the man who got my mother pregnant. And in spite that only I reveled in, I'd sometimes call my mother, the superwoman who took over when my dad indefinitely dropped out, and wish her a happy Father's Day. Not acknowledging the paternal day of celebration was my way of punishing my father for choosing his life over caring for my own. For several years, my resistance made me feel powerful while simultaneously draining me.

Read the rest at TheRoot.com.