African Voices Summer 2016 (Digital) | Page 3

Publisher’s Note

VOLUME NO. 14, ISSUE 32

The Gospel According to James and his Apostles
Founded in 1992, published since 1993

270 W. 96th STREET, NYC 10025
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www.africanvoices.com
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Carolyn A. Butts
BOARD CHAIRPERSON
Jeannette Curtis-Rideau
PRODUCTION MANAGER/
COPY EDITOR
Obinwanne Nwizu
POETRY EDITOR
Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie
WEBSITE CONTENT EDITOR
Sandrine Dupiton
ART DIRECTOR
Derick Cross
ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR
AZIZA
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Graphic Dimensions
Lorraine Rouse
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Sonia Sanchez
Poet/Activist
Marie Brown
Literary Agent
Danny Simmons
Visual Artist/Philanthropist,
Rush Philanthropic Arts Fdn.
© 2016, African Voices Communications, Inc.
is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization.
Donations are tax-deductible.
ISSN 1530-0668
African Voices is supported
with funds from the
West Harlem Development Corp.,
Regional Economic Development Council,
NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and
New York State Council on the Arts.

“You write in order to change the world…if you alter even by a
millimeter, the way people look at reality then you change it,”
— James Baldwin.
In May, I joined a historic global community of writers, scholars,
and artists for the International James Baldwin Conference
presented by the American University of Paris (AUP).
Being in the presence of “apostles” who interpreted Baldwin’s
scripture in literature, song, and verse was a transformative experience. Walking
in his footsteps in Paris made Baldwin’s spiritual journey palpable to most of us
attending the conference. As the grand daughter of a southern Baptist preacher, my
connection to Baldwin, the boy preacher, was affirmed.
My vow to use words and images to empower, uplift, and enlighten were renewed by
being in the presence of great minds committed towards the same goals.
Barely a month after returning from the Paris conference, the world was hit with the
killings in Orlando, Florida where 49 queer and same gender loving people were
violently slaughtered in a dance club. This horrifying tragedy demonstrates the need
to teach James Baldwin’s work in our schools. His literature is as relevant today as it
was in the 1960s during the civil rights movement.
His love, honesty, and ability to challenge the way people think and act are critical
elements in fighting compassionately against all forms of intolerance and hate.
African Voices’ first digital issue is dedicated to the victims of the Orlando tragedy.
You will find excerpts from papers by scholars attending the conference on
Black joy, The Implication of Giovanni’s Room on Black Boy Queer Identity (an
interactive presentation on our website), and poems celebrating our individuality as
human beings.
Yesenia Montilla’s poem “It’s A Miracle,” succinctly addresses our concerns: “how
someone’s second amendment right seems to only leave a trail of children’s bodies
& brown bodies. & how some days I am afraid of stepping out of the house or of
whether my lover brown & beautiful will make it home.”
Our front cover artist Leroy Campbell offers comfort and inspiration in his upcoming
art exhibition “Fighting Spirit: Tribute to the Life and Times of Muhammad Ali.”
The exhibition, which opens in October, honors the power each individual has in
fighting for justice. Let’s embrace the strength in declaring — I Am Deliberate And
Afraid of Nothing.

Front Cover: L
 eroy Campbell, I Am Strong, Courtesy: Richard Beavers Gallery
Back Cover: Jocelyn Goode