I got a chance to travel with Jarvis Sheffield, founder of Black Science Fiction Society, to the 8th Annual Motor City Black Age of Comics Comvention 2016 held at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.
Here are a few bits of video footage from that event.
It’s cool to see spontaneous artwork freely sprouting from the minds of people given the tools and opportunity for expression.
Outside of the OnyxCon Infinity Convention, people were creating artwork on the spot. In the hallway, a huge sheet of paper covered the wall. Art supplies were on a nearby table.
As the day went by, the canvas began to fill with cartoons, caricatures and creatures. Usernames, affirmations and art school announcements augmented the experience.
OnyxCon Infinity
Fulton County South West Art Center
Atlanta, GA
August 20, 2016
A few weeks ago, I mentioned on Joey’s Pen that I had the opportunity to moderate the Black Science Fiction Society Panel at the Urban Axis IndyCon 2016.
The panelists for this session was Jarvis Sheffield, Chastitie Goodman and Tonya Woods. Javis Sheffield is the founder of the Black Science Fiction Society. Chastitie is the author of the book “Could I Really Be President.” Tanya Woods is a cosplayer (who came to the IndyCon dressed as a Jedi).
During the hour-long discussion, we talked about how we became interested in Black SciFi and Afrofuturism, we get a chance to see what makes each panelist tick in terms of their creative aspirations, we detail the computer programs and cellphone apps we use on a daily basis, and much, much more.
I had a great time on Genesis Science Fiction Radio with William Hayashi for the July 29th Episode.
We talked about the jinx of talking about a future projects too early, the use of beta readers and much more during a two-hour discussion where we talked about books, breaks in creativity and beyond.
I’m excited to be a guest on tonight’s episode of Genesis Science Fiction Radio Series. I’ll be interviewed by William Hayashi about everything from books to book promotion to chocolate and beyond.
Friday, July 29, 2016
9pm EST, 8pm CST, 7pm MST, 6pm PST
Click link for more info: http://knipj.com/im0u
Day Two of the Urban Axis IndyCon 2 was very informative. I got a chance to speak with a few more of the vendors. I also had the opportunity to talk to some of the people who organized the IndyCon. In addition being passionate about bringing artists together, all of the organizers are artists in their own right. We ended up discussing everything from graphic novels to video games to music.
This event was a very special moment to me. I finally got a chance to meet Jeff and Joyce Dickerson. I dubbed them my “Literary Parents.” We’ve been down with each other for many, many years, and they stopped by to support me and the Black Science Fiction Society. And they brought me chocolate. I love chocolate.
For Day Two, I interviewed IndyCon organizer Adam McCullar (aka Imije The MC), comic book producer Nicholas Hoo, IndyCon organizer Isaac Smith, comic book artists Raymond and Anthony Sanders, graphic artist Deforrest, literary supporters Jeff and Joyce Dickerson, and comic book artist Kevin Chapman.
Here are the videos from Day Two:
I recently attended the Urban Axis IndyCon 2 in Decatur, GA, over the weekend of July 23-24, 2016. Jarvis Sheffield, founder of the Black Science Fiction Society, presented me with this opportunity. I served as the moderator for the Black Science Fiction panel. (That panel was the first time I got to meet a Jedi – live in the flesh.)
The road trip to and from the event with Jarvis Sheffield and Kwesi Jackson was fun and enlightening. I met a lot of interesting people at the two-day convention. It was great to be in the company of men and women (and their children) who wholeheartedly invest in their dreams. Many of the vendors are actively pushing the boundaries of what Black superheroes can look and feel like.
With iPhone in hand, I walked around the convention and interviewed a few of the artists in attendance. For Day One, I interviewed author Chasitie Sharron Goodman, business woman Trina Rezendes, graphic artist Isaiah Massey (aka IMass21), clothing designer Bruce Cunningham, artist/designer Kelly Crosby, and comic book artist Rod Brown. I also gave my impressions of the panel I moderated.
Here are the videos from Day One: