LEAH, 1977 by Tamara Davidson y Joy Liu

This is a long awaited addition to our short stories/ poetry section. More coming very soon. Although these are very difficult to pull off (need the illustration and words to complement each other), here you have the very talented and emerging writer/poet Ms. Tamara Davidson from Harlem World, USA. Riding alongside her in this collaboration of poetry and illustration is no stranger to your eyes; the talented artist and design guru Joy Liu, who picked up her brushes for this amazing collaboration. Please check it out and comment, let them know what you think. More collaboraions of short stories and poems on the way for the new year.
-Rob

Donny Hathaway-Siaira Harris, Alison Roh Park, Arinna Nazli, y Joy Liu

New year, new pieces, Feliz ano nuevo! Three new collaborators on this piece about the magical spirit and talent of Donny Hathaway.This piece was submitted by Ms. Siaira Harris almost a year and a half ago, long time to wait, I know. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Siaira work you must gop check out her music because she not only writes, but is a talented vocalist/singer/performer. You can listen on her myspace or catch up with her on twitter.
Next up we have the exceptional and extremely talented writer/poet extraordinaire Alison Roh Park who took off thew writing hat to get down on the illustration side of things this time. NICE! Alison is one of the most free flowing, intentional, and hard hitting writers we've seen. Not only that, but she brought a homie (thats fly!), another visual artist by the name of "Arinna Nazli". Look out for more from Alison (and hopefully Arinna)soon as we have some gems that have been on the stove cooking, almost ready to serve. And last but not least, you have the painter/illustrator/ design guru Ms. Joy Liu taking the fabric of several minds and sewing it all together so to speak.

How are we doing so far in 2010? Please contact each artist to let them know what you think, im sure they would appreciate the feedback, or simply leave a comment here.
-Rob

Word+Image+Animation

Just came across this African Film/Animation festival in London through African Digital art, looks like there is much talent out there that deserve a bit more shine. Considering that many novels and comics are being turned into films or animations, thought you would want to see it.
-CBB

New Karate Kid

Ymca GLOBAL Teens Program

Heres another opportunity to leave the United States. The Ymca has a program for New York City teens called GLOBAL TEENS, I will email the coordinator to find out if its available in other cities. But, check this out if you are a young person who wishes to travel internationally. Disclaimer, you might want to check out the Ymca mission statement and history to see what they stand for. They have not always been for people of color and their beliefs are aligned with Christianity. Hence the name "Young Mens Christian Association".

I can say personally since I have worked at the Ymca as an arts instructor that almost all of the people I worked with were people of color and they do have some really great programs for young people. You can tell by watching this video that young people of color not only need programs but they are taking full advantage of them. But again, do your homework!

Check out the youths testimonies who traveled. One of my students from Brooklyn, Tyler is in the video towards the end with her mom who told me, she's trying to send her daughter to travel to as many countries outside of the US as possible!

-Rob

Come Bien featured in L Magazine, kinda.

Check it out yawl, i know it talks more about Rob than CBB, but i thought Jasmine, Joy, Fatch, Ananda, Tiffany, and Raina might want to know that I asked them to give you all links/credit for your work so your name is mentioned in the piece. Who wants to work on a logo with me? We need one instead of my mug. I will ask them to change it to one of the cbb collaboration pieces. Thx to Andrea and Allie! Check out the full article here:
L magazine

-Rob

The One World Foundation

After reading several pieces about people who have traveled outside of the US and been to far away places you probably wondered how you could afford to do that anytime soon. Well, the creator has just nudged us with an opportunity to give you. Thank Alison Roh Park again for bringing constant globs of knowledge and resources, soon you will hear her poetic voice!

Check this out!!!! The One World Foundation! This organization was founded by two Women of color named Dana L. Olds and Tiffany M. Gardner along with a brother named Charles Chear. Since the founding of this organization in 2007 they have "sent over 20 young people" of color "on four international service projects. They're focus is on human rights and building solidarity between young people of color and communities of color internationally!

Y sabes que? They are excepting applications. They are due FEBRUARY 1st, 2010

There is more info about what programs are what, but they have special programs for young people aged 18-25 and 26-35. Scholarships are available but you better apply asap if you want to get them! They have been to CAMBODIA, SENEGAL, INDIA, and UGANDA.

Check out these videos:


One of their partners in Cambodia are Tiny Toones, check them out:

-Come Bien Books
"In The Wind"