Well the reviews are in on the SmileyBooks event last week it turned out to be one of the hottest events in NYC for the literary world. It seems that this was a unique event of the book world because it merged so many different types of industries in one place. I was happy to be a part of it's success.
In the previous post I talked about the stars that came out that night. For those of you that know me I have to tell the whole truth. Unfortunately I was disappointed by a few people and businesses' that sent in the RSVP to this intimate event but didn't show. More importantly they didn't even bother to call to cancel. Why is this important? The event was limited to 200 very special guests so those that didn't show took a space from many people that would have loved the opportunity to spend time with so many good and notable people. Usher, Whoopi and others had previous engagements and could not attend yet they took the time to call with regrets.
Maybe I am old school but I was brought up to always send my regrets if I had to cancel. The sad thing is that many of the people who I personally invited could have used this event to talk to those who spend thousands of advertising dollars each month on products. They could have pitched there stories to the top literary agents in the business or talked to people like Tavis Smiley or Charlie Rose. What a shame they missed the opportunity and didn't think about the fact that many of them would never be invited to an event of this caliber. Oh well, we tried. Coming off of the Republican Debate on PBS that Tavis Smiley put together where all of the major Republican candidates dissed him and all African Americans, I was totally disgusted by those few African Americans that didn't show or call. For the ones that did call. Thanks for having grace and style. While the buzz on the street has been great for this event, you hardly heard a peep in the media. Again, smart black people don't count I guess. Next week I hear that the Amsterdam News will do a feature. Please let me know if you hear of any other posting.
On a happier note, it was wonderful to receive so many congratulations and warm wishes from many who attended the event. Even from people I didn't know. James Earl Hardy sent a email to me before I got home that night. Thanks James, you show that class and style is not dead.
One final note: If you missed the interview with Ruby Dee, I suggest you try and find someone that has it. It is a rare opportunity to hear the words of this legend in the no holds bar interview with Tavis Smiley. Ruby Dee gave insights on life as an activist, a wife, a mother and an actress. It was simply amazing. Take a look at this sneak peek here or read the transcript from the show.
In this age of cynicism and political correctness it is oftentimes hard to find a place to fit in. My minister sister has been asking me for some time now why I have not joined another church. She expressed her concerned that my personal relationship with Jesus Christ was not enough. That is was most important that I fellowship with other Christians in order to maximize my spiritual potential. Having been a member of so many churches over the years what has been consistent in all of them has been the inner politics that has turned me off. People that talk the talk but don't necessarily walk the walk.
Many denominations are inclusive to a point but quote the Bible to exclude others. That is against my principles. Last week a friend of mine of thirty years invited me to go with her to church. She told me about this minister from her home town in Memphis that had recently been appointed to head a church on Park Avenue in NYC. For those that don't know, Park Avenue is one of the wealthy streets in the city. You can imagine what was going through my mind. Anyway, the night before church I went to the opening of a new club that my business associate produced. I didn't get to bed until 4am so when I woke up, with a headache I might add, it took everything I had to get up and go to church with her. Being a man of my word I pulled myself together and we took a cab down to the church.
What amazed me was the friendly, non pretense of everyone I met. We were greeted at the door with such warmth I knew immediately that I would enjoy the service. Now to be honest, I am use to great soul stirring music and a lot of shouting. This church didn't offer that however it did offer a sense of fellowship and community right from the start. The message of the day was "A Radial Welcome" delivered by Dr. Alvin O. Jackson. He spoke about the need for churches to offer a real welcome to people that come in to the house of worship. Regardless of their income, social status, sexual orientation or color, all should be welcome. Now that is radical.
I decided to write about this for a number of reasons. It is easy to become jaded nowadays. People don't speak to each other on the street, respond to emails, everyone is stressed over what they don't have. I took a chance and believed in a friend and my sister and got out of my comfort zone and went to a new church and loved it. For people in New York City who find that although they are believers they are still searching for a place to call home, this is an option. Click the link for details about the Park Avenue Christian Church.
Well the reviews are in on the SmileyBooks event last week it turned out to be one of the hottest events in NYC for the literary world. It seems that this was a unique event of the book world because it merged so many different types of industries in one place. I was happy to be a part of it's success.
In this age of cynicism and political correctness it is oftentimes hard to find a place to fit in. My minister sister has been asking me for some time now why I have not joined another church. She expressed her concerned that my personal relationship with Jesus Christ was not enough. That is was most important that I fellowship with other Christians in order to maximize my spiritual potential. Having been a member of so many churches over the years what has been consistent in all of them has been the inner politics that has turned me off. People that talk the talk but don't necessarily walk the walk. 
