Award winning writer, activist, and counselor Edward M. Garnes, Jr., founder of From Afros To Shelltoes, brings his “Sweet Tea Ethics” to an uncensored documentary film entitled The reMixed Mind: Crossfaders, Visionaries & other Revolutionaries starring Joi Gilliam, stic man( dead prez), Killa Mike, Dionne Farris Jason Orr, Shannon McCollum, Lil John Roberts, Fahamu Pecou, DJ Kemit, Rich Medina, N’dea Davenport, and others.

Directed by Neycha ( k. Neycha Herford) , a leading visionary in the field of personal growth and human consciousness, The reMixed Mind affirms authentic self-definition, personal transformation and radical creative expression through detailing the life/work of crossfaders.

“A crossfader is someone who mixes or blends. One who transcends. Ultimately, the crossfader archetype represents someone who challenges conventional thought, social norms and is a conscious architect of his or her own reality,” says Necyha whose innovative work in self inquiry has appeared in numerous popular journals, newspapers and magazines including Ebony Magazine, Theroot.com, Timeout New York, and the National Crime Journal Report.

For Garnes, a former Urban Counseling Fellow at Michigan State University whose unique work in emotional healing has been co-signed by heavy hitters including Dr. Cornel West, Necyha’s emphasis on self reflection is a brutal but necessary evil. “Neycha understands, quite intuitively, healing is where the heart is.  Flaunting an eclectic approach to help seeking, Neycha’s sista girl fire takes us to the beautiful yet unnerving place where pain and progress meet. Complete vulnerability never felt so damn good.”

For more information on the film The reMixed Mind: Crossfaders, Visionaries & other Revolutionaries & Neycha visit www.neychaonline.com.

Enrichment Commission Presents

Literary Café

Saturday, February 27, 3-5 pm

Barnes and Noble at Camp Creek

3685 Marketplace Boulevard

East Point, GA 30344

Featuring a special book signing by noted author:

THE HONORABLE
MARVIN S. ARRINGTON, SR.

THIS EVENT IS

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!

ABOUT Making My Mark: The Story of a Man Who Wouldn’t Stay in His Place

Lawyer, judge, public servant, trailblazer: these are only a few words to describe the remarkable accomplishments of the Honorable Marvin S. Arrington, Sr., of Atlanta, Georgia. This autobiography is a testament to what happens when childhood lessons, hard work, and perseverance meet determination and optimism. It’s the story of a dedicated man, born in to the segregated South who went on to break down racial barriers and build walls of inclusion and harmony. Judge Arrington was the first African American to become partner at an all-white Atlanta law firm and then, later, established one of the largest and most successful minority law firms in the country.

In 1969, through his own courage, vision, and determination, Arrington became the youngest person ever elected to the Atlanta Board of Aldermen, which later became the Atlanta City Council. During Judge Arrington’s nearly thirty-year tenure on the Atlanta City Council, he served as city council president numerous times and remained fiercely devoted to being a voice for the voiceless: the elderly, the disadvantaged, the homeless, and others. He changed the landscape of Atlanta.

Today, Marvin Arrington is a distinguished judge on the Fulton County Superior Court who continues now to address the great challenges of the 21st century.. In his seventh decade, Arrington continues to mentor, educate, and inspire future generations. Judge Arrington credits his life to God’s grace and mercy, and to his loving parents and supportive family and friends.

MARVIN S. ARRINGTON, SR., attended Clark College, Howard University School of Law, Emory University Law School, where he was awarded his JD in 1967. From there, he went on to become a founding partner of Arrington & Hollowell.

Praise For Making My Mark

This book is a fascinating and rewarding look into an important period of Atlanta’s history as well as into the mind of Marvin Arrington. In this book, Marvin has conveyed the essence of his being complex yet simple, confident yet often insecure, calm yet sometimes angry. It is a story of how a loving mother, good role models, passion, and hard work enabled a young black man from humble roots to grow into a respected lawyer and community leader with many friends—poor and rich, black and white, uppercrust and everyday. The autobiography of Marvin Arrington is an interesting read.

—President Jimmy Carter

In reading Making My Mark, I couldn’t help but reflect on the parallels of the paths traveled by Marvin and me. And while my road lead me to continue the struggle that was started by Jackie Robinson, and Marvin’s road lead him to be a warrior in the political and civil rights struggles of Atlanta, neither of us would have been successful if we had not developed the courage to make our marks. Without that courage, both of us could easily have been the victims of a caste system among our own people. Without the courage and determination to make our marks it’s doubtful either of us would have risen above humble backgrounds in segregated Southern cities. Making My Mark is a story about courage and character. It’s a story about a fight for dignity and integrity. It’s a story about a common-sense approach to good government. Making My Mark is a story about a real winner.

—Henry “Hank” Aaron

Making My Mark is the personal memoir of Marvin Arrington’s rise from humble beginnings to political prominence. He is a man who made his mark.

—Tom Wolfe, author

Reading Making My Mark I was not surprised that Marvin was one of the first two African-Americans to graduate from the prestigious Emory Law School. As a student of the 60s, Marvin was part of the generation that blazed America’s conscience on civil rights through the taunts of black power and the courage of sit-ins. Marvin literally stared the Klan in the face. Although he never forgot the insults they hurled at him, Marvin developed the capacity to love his enemies as he matured. He learned to make his mark. I strongly suspect that the boys around Ashby and Simpson Streets in northwest Atlanta taught Marvin a few things that also gave him the courage and determination to make his mark.

—Andrew Young, former US ambassador

Marvin Arrington has written a story that epitomizes the American dream. Making My Mark is about overcoming adversity in a South that was a different place than it is now. Marvin overcame every obstacle in order to become one of the premier lawyers of our time and a leader in the field of civil rights. The South is different today because of a handful of people like Marvin Arrington. I am pleased that Marvin has taken the time and effort to share with all of us his struggle. I am honored to call him my friend.

—Roy E. Barnes, former governor of Georgia

Making My Mark tells the story of a remarkable Emory alumnus,one of the first two African Americans to enroll in Emory Law School, the first black administrator at Emory, a long-serving trustee and advisor to Emory presidents, parent and uncle of Emory law a alumni, and public servant extraordinaire. Marvin Arrington’s inspiring story is a fascinating account, one that is rich with adventure and accomplishment.

—James W. Wagner, president, Emory University

For more information on this free event contact: Kim Green – 404.270.7041 or kgreen@easpointcity.org

In this episode of Sweet Tea Ethics, Ed Garnes, Killer Mike, Dr. Cornel West, Clifton West discuss market forces, hip hop, and why you won’t hear dead prez or Phonte on the radio.

FELA KUTI CHOP ‘N QUENCH BATCH

Knitting Factory records continues their musical coup with another fresh batch of Fela Kuti re-issues with the release of the Chop’ N Quench installment.   Kuti,  AfroBeat pioneer and Nigeria’s James Brown, was legendary for his fiery mix of art and activism.  Comprised of 6 Cd’s containing 9 albums spanning 1969-1974, Chop ‘N Quench chronicles the  early evolution of the AfroBeat sound as Kuti began to perfect his musical gumbo of foot stompin’ African drums, jazz, funk,  salsa, and a bevy of  “other world” rhythm sections.  All cd’s are re-mastered and re-released in unique digi-packs with the original artwork.  Get the collectors gem at Knitting Factory Records. CLICK HERE

PEEP ED GARNES AND FEMI KUTI TALK FELA, FREEDOM, AND MUSIC

http://afrostoshelltoes.com/word/2008/09/30/ed-garnes-femi-kuti-talk-musicfreedom/

The live music event that made Sugarhill your weekly fix has returned highlighting some of Atlanta’s hottest talent and featuring some of the biggest performers from then and now. Tues Jam Session will go down every First Tuesday of the Month. Tell em From Afros To Shelltoes sent ya.

Still basking in their post Grammy nomination glow play cousin Phonte & Nicolay of Foreign Exchange, a killer group and independent record label with artists including songbird Yahzarah, producer and music director Zo!, and crooner Darien Brockington, are sure to have you two stepping your recession blues away. Soul messiah Bilal, whose Grammy nominated “All Matter” with jazz head Robert Glasper is a tear drop personified, will take you from the juke joint to Sunday service in one vocal run. Jesse Boykins III has proven to be a promise keeper building on the soul leanings of the past.

Forget label politics. The hell with play listed radio. Support good music and independent artists. Tell em From Afros To Shelltoes sent ya!!

PEEP VIDEO OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE’S GRAMMY NOMINATED SINGLE “DAYKEEPER”

The Foreign Exchange feat. Muhsinah – “Daykeeper” from The Foreign Exchange on Vimeo.

Feat, ALICE LOVELACE, KELLY LOVE JONES, MALIK SALAAM,  & A.P~.

Alice Lovelace

Armed with Art and The Haitian Alliance have joined forces to organize emergency relief funds and supplies for our Haitian brothers and sisters. Please help us impact the lives of 100 Hatians at a time. All proceeds will go towards the purchase of emergency aid & shipment.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010
Where: Eyedrum – 290 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SW; Atlanta, GA 30312
Time: Doors – 7:30 p.m.; Show – 8 p.m.
Who: Featured poets & musicians with guest performances by Theresa Davis, Caheej, Mama Paula Larke, Nukola and Guilty Penmanship!

Contribution(s): 10$ suggested donation. We will also be accepting the below items:

1. Water, water, water…
2. First Aid Kits (medical supplies)
3. Food (non-perishable items. NO CANNED GOODS, please)
4. Feminine hygiene products (e.g., tampons/ sanitary napkins/pads)
5. Sleeping Bags/ Blankets
6. Tents
7. Mosquito Nets
8. NO CLOTHES PLEASE!

See you there!

For more information: patsuj@gmail.com/ Kerlysuffren@gmail.com

photo credit: Shannon McCollum

In the debut episode of Sweet Tea Ethics, Ed Garnes, Dr. Cornel West, and Clifton West challenge Obama’s presidential policies for everyday people, drop science on political pimps, and question priorities of black leaders in high places.

Mixing the reasoning sessions of the local barbershop and fervor of street corner theologians, the inter-generational movement Sweet Tea Ethics confronts topics including manhood, love, bridging generation gaps, and the cross cultural appeal of hip hop.

For more information on Sweet Tea Ethics, CLICK HERE.

VIEW THE VIDEO BELOW

On Friday, January 29th 2010, Prominent Partners, LLC presents “THE ATLANA NIGHTS CASINO: VEGAS STYLE” at the prestigious One Ninety One Club. This Benefit Production will transport guests into an authentic Las Vegas Style Casino in the heart of Downtown Atlanta. Entertainment will include Casino Gaming, upscale entertainment by Jazz Ensemble PURESOUNDZ featuring special guest vocalist Kemba Cofield, Magicians, Casino Showgirls and more!!!

Atlanta Nights Casino is a part of the 2010 Trumpet Awards Weekend. A portion of the proceeds from this event will support the Trumpet Awards Foundation and Living Unity, Inc’s Homeless Outreach Program. We will also make contributions to assist with relief efforts for the Haiti Earthquake victims.

Patrons will enjoy a fun, interactive experience, and participate by playing BlackJack, Craps, Roulette, and Poker with mock casino chips as well as bidding on unique items at live auctions. Afterwards the chips can be exchanged for Raffle Tickets for chances to win Great Prizes!!

Auction and Raffle Prizes include Vacation Packages, Flatscreen TV’s, Upscale Artwork, Digital Cameras, Gift Certificates and More!!!

See WWW.PROMINENTLLC.COM for Individual Ticket Info, Discount Ticket Packages and More Details.

Peep this commercial for Sweet Tea Ethics, a down-home discussion series created by Ed Garnes Jr., founder of From Afros to Shelltoes. In this hilarious clip, Ed & Dr. West battle , like Mcs,  name droppin’ powerful musical artists.

Evolve! Artists Live in association with Wonderroot presents..

A DREAM SUPREME: An MLK Inspired Evening

featuring:

:: Deejay Sets ::
Mafioso, Jamad, Cha Cha, Karl Injex, Ramon Rawsoul, Doc, Rasta Root, Kemit,     Kevin O, Mike Zarin and a few extra surprises…

:: A Radio Symposium ::
Hosted by Mike Zarin, moderated by Ed Garnes, founder of From Afros To Shelltoes Panel guests include DJ Tabone, Jamal Ahmad, DJ Nabs, DJ Cowboy, DJ Doc, DJ Enchant’d, Bubby Love, Talib Shabazz, Randall Moore & Andre Perry

:: Silent Auction ::
feat: art work by Fahamu Pecou, Fabian The Occasional Superstar, Goldi Gold, Flux, Lord Yatta, Dante, Dubelyoo; photo by AMB Photography, Limited Edition 12” KZR Feeding feat. Kemi (Andres Remix), and more…

:: Films, Previews & Documentary Snippets ::
by local, national & international creatives

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28th , 2010

595 NORTH EVENT VENUE
595 North Ave. NW
Atlanta, GA 30318

7 PM Sharp // $10 Cover

The inaugural Ministers of Sound photographic art installation, scheduled to open Spring 2010, celebrates the contributions of deejays and deejay culture; exploring the cornerstones of history, perseverance, dedication and unity in connection with the global DJ culture.

Ministers Of Sound will feature a photographic art exhibition intended to inspire the greater community and move the crowd through the lens of a parallel and creative contrast of DJ’s to that of traditional, modern-day, or indigenous spiritual leaders, further examining the role of the deejay and emphasizing their historical importance. The installation will also integrate poetic art fusion, video projection, live turntablism by DJ honorees, and a DJ appreciation ceremony and toast.

Atlanta’s inaugural Ministers Of Sound, aims to initiate an annual creative installation of art fusion that celebrates and identifies with DJ’s and DJ culture. Our sponsors and supporters include, Rane/Scratch Live, HVY Creative, Small Cakes, Mindzai Multimedia, Atlanta Costume, The Neon Company, Needle To The Record, Beat Lab, Blue Mark, The Tabernacle and Fernbank Museum. We have partnered with WonderRoot, a non-profit organization committed to uniting artists and community to inspire positive social change.

“Music and Words have the power to transform. The DJ as a minister, someone who serves to provide musical remedies, has the opportunity to impart a message, inspire the community and unify humanity by moving the crowd.”

- Ministers Of Sound

Ed Garnes & Dr. Cornel West photo: Shannon McCollum

Special thanks to Barnes & Nobles, The West Family, The Garnes & Lowe Family, Yorel Productions, Spry, E Period, LLC, Mark Angel, Shannon McCollum, Karamu Photography.

For the first time ever, the critically acclaimed brothers Dr. Cornel West and Clifton West spoke candidly about their inspiring bond as supportive siblings in a historic dialogue entitled SWEET TEA ETHICS^sm to hundreds of eager attendees.  The event was moderated by award-winning writer, counselor, and producer Edward M. Garnes, Jr., founder of From Afros To Shelltoes^sm (FATS), a community based art programming collective focused on bridging generation gaps between youth, elders, and hip hop heads. SWEET TEA ETHICS took on January 17, 2010 at the Barnes & Nobles (Camp Creek Market Place) located at 3685 Market Place Boulevard in East Point, Georgia.

Far beyond lectures and canned speeches, SWEET TEA ETHICS operated as an open forum that explored love, life, and funk. Mixing the reasoning sessions of the local barbershop and fervor of street corner theologians, the inter-generational talk covered a wide range of topics including President Obama, the N word, role models, hip hop, and spirituality. This special edition of the SWEET TEA ETHICS national tour not only confronted the cultural divide of elders and hip hop heads, but it also challenged clichéd visions of leadership and formal education. Atlanta native Mike Bigga (aka Killer Mike), a respected artist who appears on Dr. Cornel West’s hip hop recordings, made a powerful, impromptu appearance at the request of event producer Garnes.

hundreds attended the stellar event

For Dr. Cornel West, Garnes’ proficiency at sparking solution focused dialogue is unmatched. “Here is the significance of my dear brother Ed Garnes, Jr. and Sweet Tea Ethics. There is no other group that can bring together such engaged, high quality, and substantial dialogue about the crucial issues facing not just the black community, but also American society. Thank God for brother Ed Garnes, Jr.”

Elder brother Clifton West, visibly moved by the program, felt the collaboration was in divine order. “Sweet Tea Ethics was a reveling in love, connection, purpose, and life.  It was an association and affiliation of like heartedness that will hopefully be a launching pad for good things to come.”

prayer circle before event

In the eyes of Garnes, an Atlanta Tribune Man Of Distinction, the event was life altering.  “SWEET TEA ETHICS is all about mixing grandma stories and life experience to heal everyday blues. To share the experience with such powerful, loving, supportive, and respected brothers was like a down home family reunion sure to be remembered from now till infinity.

For info on the SWEET TEA ETHICS series, or to book a program at you college, university, community organization, or fish fry, contact: sweetteaethics@afrostoshelltoes.com

For more info on F.A.T.S, visit http://www.afrostoshelltoes.com/word

Media Coverage of Sweet Tea Ethics

Photos:

http://karamullc.com/images/Event-Photography/59/slideshow.htm?1

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fromafrostoshelltoes/sets/72157623116185615/detail/

News Stories:

Cornel West and Brother to Host Intergenerational ATL Dialogue on Hip-Hop By Ismael AbduSalaam

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/01/15/22097559.aspx

HHWired Exclusive: Dr. Cornel West Evaluates President Obama’s 1st Year In Office by Biba Adams

http://hiphopwired.com/2010/01/21/hhwired-exclusive-dr-cornel-west-evaluates-president-obamas-1st-year-in-office/

maruricegarland.com Interview with Ed Garnes, Dr Cornel West, Clifton West, and Killer Mike (includes video link)

http://mauricegarland.blogspot.com/2010/01/wwwmauricegarlandcom-interview-with-dr.html

Dr. Cornel West & Killer Mike Talk N Word (includes video link)

http://mauricegarland.blogspot.com/2010/01/killer-mike-and-dr-cornel-west-speak-on.html